The Authentic Advantage

Leadership is not shaped only by accomplishments. It is shaped by the moments that shake us, unsettle us, and force us to choose who we want to become. Some of my most meaningful growth has come from situations that were uncomfortable, complicated, and far from what I expected. Earlier in my career, I supported someone for a role based on the enthusiastic recommendations of others. I believed I was helping the organization. I believed I was helping a colleague. And I believed the information I had been given was solid. It was not. As time went on, a series of interactions revealed a very different picture. The working relationship became strained, and eventually, the conflict could no longer be ignored. There was confrontation. There were difficult conversations. And there was a moment when I had to be completely honest about the unhealthy dynamic I had been navigating. A Hard Lesson in the Cost of Speaking Up Being honest took courage. It took self respect. But it did not lead to the ...

Last week, I did something I have not always given myself permission to do: I fully unplugged.  I set an away message, made it clear I would only be reachable for true emergencies, and stepped away from the rhythm of leadership for a few days. I took a quick flight to Florida to bring my daughter home for the holidays, and then I allowed myself to slow down, breathe, and simply be present with my family, particularly her.   Those moments, quiet and grounding, reminded me of why stepping back matters.    “Unplugging is not stepping away from leadership. It is stepping back into yourself so you can lead with clarity, courage and heart.”  As leaders, we talk often about balance, wellbeing and boundaries, yet we rarely model them in real time. We stay available even when we should not. We keep solving problems even when rest is overdue. And while our work is important, the relationships we nurture at home sustain our strength, compassion and resilience. Un...