Leadership only really begins when you dare to take it and run with it

A few years ago, I thought I was doing everything right as a leader. I spent hours preparing for meetings, anticipating questions, and making sure I had all the answers. Leadership, I thought, was about staying one step ahead and keeping everything under control. But one day, sitting in yet another meeting, I realized something wasn’t working. The energy was flat, the engagement was missing, and it felt like I was carrying the weight of the entire team on my shoulders.

That night, I couldn’t stop replaying it in my mind. Why is this so hard? It wasn’t that I wasn’t trying—if anything, I was trying too hard. The truth hit me: I wasn’t leading. I was surviving. Leadership isn’t about doing everything perfectly or following someone else’s script. It’s about connection, trust, and having the tools to move forward with clarity.

It reminded me of something that happened recently. A friend of mine needed a ride to pick up his car after dinner. I didn’t know the area and told him I’d need directions. “Don’t worry,” he said, hopping into the passenger seat. “I’ll guide you.”

“Turn right here. There’s a shortcut this way. Watch out for the roadworks ahead.” Having him there to guide me made all the difference. I didn’t have to stress about finding the right way—I just had to focus on driving and trust his directions.

Leadership often feels like driving without a map. You’re trying to navigate challenges, make decisions, and keep everything moving forward, but it’s exhausting when you’re constantly second-guessing yourself. That’s what I had been doing: trying to figure it all out on my own without asking for help or feedback.

When I finally realized this, I started doing things differently. I sought out mentors who had been where I was. I asked for feedback, even when it felt uncomfortable. I built systems to make decisions easier and to take the pressure off. Slowly, things started to change. My team became more engaged, our conversations became more meaningful, and leadership began to feel lighter. I wasn’t just trying to keep up anymore—I was moving forward with purpose.

Here’s what I’ve learned: leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about daring to take the first step, even when the outcome isn’t clear. It’s about seeking guidance when you need it and trusting that growth comes through action.

So, where are you heading in the next few months? You’ve got plans, goals, and big ideas. You’ll get there eventually. But if you want to get there faster—and with less stress—having a guide can make all the difference.

Leadership only really begins when you dare to take it and run with it. Are you ready to take the wheel?