My First Waypoint: What I’ve Learnt About Authentic Leadership Since December.
A quick reflection on the road travelled.
They say the first few miles of any journey are the most revealing. Since launching this blog and my mentoring practice in December, I have been checking my mirrors more than usual.
In this post, I reflect on my transition from corporate operations to executive mentoring and the leadership frameworks I've developed.
Navigating the Leadership Transition from Corporate Operations to Mentoring
It’s easy to dream about the destination: the finished book, the established business, but that growth only happens with persistence, determined effort, and refusing to accept no as an answer. Starting this chapter was an intentional choice to make space for a personal project. After twenty years in the corporate 'fast lane', I’ve moved to the quieter, deeper work of mentoring and writing. It hasn't been a smooth ride; there have been moments of 'The Novice Mindset,' where I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to be a student again.
Strategic Leadership Insights: Looking Beyond the Potholes
Look where you want to go: With a million things to do to get a business going, and more than one obstacle, I need to remind myself to keep my eye on the clear gap between the potholes.
Authenticity is a practice, not a pitch: I’ve been struck by how much people crave vulnerable honesty over polished corporate hype.
Connection over content: The messages I’ve received from you, whether about my time waiting tables or the tactics I share, remind me that leadership is the continuous act of elevating others.
“It hasn't been a smooth ride; there have been moments where I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to be a student again.”
Building Resilience through Authentic Leadership and Self-Reflection
Review your 'Why': Take ten minutes this week to ask why you lead. Is it for your ego or the purpose?
Identify your mentors: Who are the people in your life right now who are challenging you and driving you forward in your quest to improve yourself?
Embrace the wobble: If you’re trying something new, that nervous feeling is simply evidence of your expansion.
The Future of Your Leadership Journey: Beyond the Destination
Leadership is a waypoint, not a destination. As I take a short break to recharge, I’m looking forward to the next leg of this journey with all of you.
Mirror Check
Is there anything you’ve started since December that has challenged your default way of thinking?
Thank you for reading this far. If any of this resonates, I’d love to welcome you as a reader and to stay connected. Please join the mailing list for future posts, share your thoughts in the comments, or find me on LinkedIn.
