Inspiring Leadership
Welcome to my first blog—and hopefully not my last! If you’re here, thank you for joining me. I plan to use this platform, along with my website and social channels, to spark meaningful conversations, share ideas, and create an ongoing dialogue about leadership and personal development. Together, we’ll explore the ups and downs of life, the responsibilities of leaders, and the subtle nuances within organizations.
While I’ve studied leadership and been told I have some leadership qualities, it’s my life experiences—as a woman, mother, friend, daughter, employee, trainer, coach, and partner—that have shaped me the most. I’m passionate about learning and often draw inspiration from other leaders in this field. The more I learn, the more I’m humbled by the vast amount of wisdom in the universe. It raises questions that many of us grapple with:
How do we piece together all the advice we receive?
How do we discover the best version of ourselves?
How do we navigate change?
Who truly has our back?
What triggers us, and why?
Now, let me be upfront—I’m not an English major, so please forgive me if I stumble, make mistakes, or occasionally ramble. I love telling stories to emphasize a point, and I hope you’ll find value in them.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Let’s learn together, dive deep, and explore strategies that help us grow—while also discussing the ones that don’t. Let’s build a community where we share insights, support each other, and grow stronger as leaders and individuals.
Here’s to the start of something meaningful!
A few ground rules to keep things positive and productive:
Keep it kind. If you have nothing constructive or kind to share, feel free to move on. My intention is never to waste anyone's time.
Join the conversation. Let’s engage and see where it takes us. We often learn more when we share and collaborate.
Show respect. All emotions, thoughts, and suggestions are welcome—as long as they’re shared with respect and a focus on supporting one another.
No sales, please. This is a space for meaningful discussions, not for promoting services or products.
Thank you for helping create a supportive and respectful community!
How many of us have been fortunate to work with amazing leaders who truly inspired us? What actions did they consistently demonstrate? What made them connect with others so effortlessly? Who were their mentors or influences? And most importantly, how did they leave a lasting impact on you?
Leaders who have inspired me share five key traits:
1. Show Interest
They were genuinely interested in others. They made time to connect, listened attentively, and asked thoughtful questions to deeply understand the people they worked with. They truly knew their team members and, just as importantly, knew themselves. At the end of the day, they didn’t sneak out the back door to avoid interaction with the team. Instead, they would arrive early to do a walkabout and connect with their people. Whenever possible and appropriate, they included representatives from every part of the business to ensure silos didn’t obstruct the bigger picture.
2. They Can Talk
These leaders consistently supported people in becoming the best versions of themselves. They were skilled communicators who excelled at bringing people together, involving them, and fostering collaboration. They shared insightful lessons from their own experiences that resonated with others. Their kindness and care felt genuine, with no ulterior motives. They didn’t overcomplicate their communication; they were concise, clear, and mindful of their audience, always meeting people where they were.
3. Kind but Firm
They approached others with dignity and trust, assuming the best in people and choosing curiosity over judgment. Before addressing issues like tardiness or rude behavior, they would first ask, “Is everything okay?” They held people accountable, sending a clear message that they had set professional standards and expectations. These expectations were previously communicated, so it came as no surprise when they addressed poor effort or mistakes and promptly addressed the issue.
4. Skilled but Humble
They were highly competent, made sound decisions, and had a clear vision of where they wanted to go. Yet, they never saw themselves as above others. They didn’t step on others to reach the top. Instead, they recognized that the organization’s strength lies in the collective power of the entire team working together toward a shared goal.
5. Set the Temperature
When these leaders entered a room, they set the tone. They didn’t dwell on past losses or match the room’s low energy. Instead, they went against the grain, radiating positivity and optimism. It’s as though they left a trail of energy behind them. If you’re lucky enough to have someone like this in your life, I hope you can keep up. These leaders have daily habits that strengthen their mindset, help them pause when needed, and allow them to enjoy the journey. For them, it’s not just about the final win—it’s about the countless hours spent practicing, course-correcting, and staying the course to be part of something bigger than themselves. They are the builders of culture and growth.
So, five common traits. Now, take a moment to reflect on your own leadership. Do you stand for something bigger than yourself? Do you show up with the best mindset and commit to continuous learning to deepen your understanding? And most importantly, do you actively seek feedback to grow and improve?
