There are so many ways to be a leader. Why not be one who helps others succeed?
In my professional journey, success has been defined not by financial gain or efficiency, but by the positive impact I have on the people around me. As writer Carl Buechner put it, “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” My passion is deeply rooted in purpose, gratitude, and the desire to serve others.
Early in my career, a mentor imparted a vital lesson. You don’t need to be like every other leader. You just need to be the very best version of yourself you can be. Embracing authenticity allows me to live my purpose and create an environment where mutual respect and genuine collaboration flourish. As I advanced into leadership roles, I observed that authentic leadership fosters a culture of transparency and trust. I embrace this principle by engaging in activities that bring me joy such as coaching, mentoring, and collaborating with colleagues – always investing in others with one hand forward and one hand back.
I have also learned throughout my career the importance of teamwork and that true success happens when we operate with a win as one’s mindset. A critical part of building this winning culture is expressing gratitude to those you work with, for, and around. Acknowledging the contributions and efforts of others fosters a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated. Gratitude also promotes resilience and optimism, enabling teams to navigate challenges with a positive mindset and achieve record breaking results.
Through countless work relationships, I have seen the positive impact of prioritizing the development of others and cultivating empowerment and growth within a team. By investing time and energy in nurturing people, they become more willing to take ownership of their roles and take pride in their work. I am passionate about lifting others up because I know that a leader who prioritizes others will also inspire their teams to achieve remarkable results both individually and collectively.
When you are passionate about what you do and who you get to do it with, it fills you with a purpose to help others. And you learn that being a leader of impact is not about YOU – it’s about putting others first and being intentional with them. When you focus on people, you will always have great teams who take pride in their work. How will you inspire others today?