Breaking Molds: A (Late) Year End Leadership Reflection
Each year, as the calendar winds down, I carve out time to reflect on the lessons and experiences that have shaped me. This year, that reflection has arrived later, but with deeper meaning. A period of illness recently reshaped my sense of time and clarity. Days blurred together, and I was forced to pause; there was no room for planning, thinking, or even simple reflection. Though unplanned, this pause gifted me an invaluable perspective—a renewed sense of resilience and purpose.
Today, as I feel a bit stronger today, I am reminded of the powerful transformation that can be born from adversity. My own leadership journey began in a similar space, a time marked by personal and professional exhaustion. A mystery illness sapped my energy, leaving me without the vitality, passion and purpose I once held. It’s from that moment that I found the clarity and strength to build anew. That turning point became the foundation of not just my professional philosophy, but my personal mission to live and lead authentically.
This is not your typical guide to leadership; it is a personal roadmap, shaped by my experiences as a therapist and a professional navigating the nuanced landscapes of corporate life. It’s where the lessons of human connection meet the realities of leadership demands, offering insights that are deeply rooted in empathy, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.
A New Paradigm of Leadership
Authentic leadership, for me, means rejecting outdated molds that value hierarchy, aggression, competition, and emotionless decision-making. Instead, it prioritizes values like connection, empathy, and self-awareness. I have seen how these principles, often labeled "soft skills," are, in fact, the most powerful tools for creating change and inspiring others. Yet for too long, these have been undervalued in leadership frameworks, leaving women—especially those navigating mid-career roles, executives, STEM fields, or entrepreneurship—feeling constrained or overlooked.
Leadership doesn’t need to look one way. It should honor belonging and create spaces where diverse strengths shine. This is not only about personal growth but about reshaping systems and cultures to celebrate unique perspectives and abilities.
Lessons Learned on the Path to Resilience
My perspective on authentic leadership stems from my own dual lens of corporate experience and therapeutic practice. These two worlds revealed a disconnect: a gap between traditional leadership models and the reality of human potential. I saw corporate environments where humanity, creativity, and emotional intelligence were sidelined, and it became clear to me that the status quo needed to change.
At the same time, my training as a therapist taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and connection, lessons that form the very core of leadership:
Self-awareness builds clarity and compassion. Leadership starts with understanding yourself—your values, triggers, and strengths—and using that foundation to connect authentically with others.
Emotion is not a weakness. Emotional regulation and insight are leadership superpowers, enabling thoughtful decision-making and meaningful connections.
True leadership prioritizes connection over control. It is not about wielding authority but about inspiring trust, collaboration, and shared purpose.
These principles have fortified me through challenges I once believed were insurmountable. They have guided me to lead with authenticity, compassion, and impact.
How We Redefine Leadership and Inspire Change
We are at a crossroads. Leadership as we know it is evolving, and women are poised to lead that transformation. Here’s how we can shape a new narrative:
Harness Emotional Intelligence as Strength
Rather than suppressing emotions in professional settings, we must value them as a source of insight and connection. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to understand and manage emotions—both their own and others’—creating stronger relationships and better decision-making.
Embrace Authenticity
Authentic leadership is about bringing your full, unapologetic self to the table. It’s not about conforming to traditional leadership archetypes but about leading with your unique strengths, voice, and intentions.
Champion Systemic Change
True leadership creates ripples far beyond the individual. Authentic leaders challenge workplace norms, foster environments of inclusion, and disrupt outdated hierarchies. Compassion and competence can and should coexist within leadership frameworks.
Support a Community of Like-Minded Leaders
Leadership is not a solo endeavor. Building networks of women who share a vision of authenticity and empowerment is essential to creating sustainable change in workplaces and beyond.
Turning Reflection into Action
If my own path has taught me anything, it’s that resilience and authenticity are the foundation of true leadership. It’s not always an easy road, but it’s the one that inspires meaningful transformation.
To those reading this, I invite you to reflect on where you are today and where you want to go. What would authentic leadership look like for you? How can you inspire change while staying true to your own values?
If you're ready to take the first step, I encourage you to join our growing community of bold women leaders who are reshaping what leadership can and should be. Together, we’ll support each other in rewriting norms and building inclusive, dynamic spaces where everyone thrives.
Because when women lead authentically, the world follows.
Click here to join our community of female leaders and take the next step toward leading with clarity, compassion, and confidence.