Leading with Heart: The Power of Service and Community

Practical Insights for Leading with Empathy and Purpose

This newsletter explores the importance of leading with heart, building strong communities, and prioritizing mental health. Join me as I share my journey and offer practical examples for leaders who want to make a meaningful impact in their teams and beyond.

A Time of Reflection

Recently, I took three weeks off to close a chapter on the criminal case related to my daughter’s severe car accident three years ago. The outcome of that accident, caused by a drunk 23-year-old driver, caused one death and two people who will live with disabilities for the rest of their lives, one being my daughter.?

The aftermath was a battle with depression that affected my entire family. We felt powerless, lost, and alone. Therapy helped, but the strength we found in each other, the willingness to serve one another without hesitation, carried us through those dark days.

This experience reminded me of the true essence of leadership—being there for one another, especially when it matters most. I’ve taken this lesson to heart, and it resonates deeply with the challenges leaders face today.

(This is my daughter, in the courthouse, consoling the mother who lost her son in that terrible car crash that could have been avoided.? The void will always be in our hearts. Giving a hug to someone in need goes a long way.? Have you hugged someone today who is struggling?? Have you ever noticed they are struggling?? The work environment does not take away the “human” in us).

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The Power of Community

During my break, I consciously stepped away from social media, including LinkedIn, where I usually find connections and support. It felt lonely. I felt like I was missing something. I wasn’t attending my friends’ LinkedIn Live Events; I was just in a silent, dark moment.

As the days passed, I started receiving messages from people in my LinkedIn community: "Olga, are you okay?" Those simple words meant the world to me. Even in my absence, my community offered support without expecting anything. It reinforced my belief in the power of connection and service within professional networks.

This is what LinkedIn has become for me—a place where service and community thrive. It’s not just about business; it’s about being there for each other, especially when the going gets tough. I’ve met incredible people who have shown me the true power of a connected, caring community. One of my coaches, with over a million followers, DM me to see if I was OK.? This experience taught me that those DMs that took a fraction of a second to send uplifted me and helped me re-energize. These wonderful people reached out to me without having to do so.

Sometimes, we need someone to focus on our world. Leadership is more than just leading—it’s about serving, connecting, and lifting others, as my community did for me.

Example for Executives: As a leader, take a moment to reach out to someone in your network who has been quiet or absent. A simple message like, "I noticed you’ve been offline, and I wanted to check in. How are you doing?" can mean more than you realize. It’s a small act of service that can strengthen relationships and build a more connected team.

The Basic Need for Connection

It goes back to basic needs: we all want to feel valued and appreciated. In those moments of connection, I realized that the most important thing we can do as leaders is to serve. It’s not about algorithms or metrics but the human connections we foster. Leadership is about being present, not just in the good times but when it matters—when someone needs a hand, a kind word, or the knowledge that they’re not alone.

Example for Executives: In your next team meeting, dedicate a few minutes to asking how everyone is doing professionally and personally. Encourage open sharing and make it clear that you value their well-being. This slight shift in focus can create a more supportive and cohesive team environment.

Balancing Leadership and Mental Health

This experience also brought home the importance of mental health. The pressure to keep up with everything—work, family, social media—can be overwhelming. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the anxiety of seeing my LinkedIn impressions drop after just a few days away. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay to step back, to take care of myself, and to trust that my community will be there when I return.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to our teams and communities, but we also have a responsibility to ourselves. We can’t serve others if we’re running on empty. That’s why it’s so important to find balance, to take care of our mental health, and to lead with empathy and understanding. Taking care of oneself isn’t just a personal necessity—it’s a leadership responsibility.

Example for Executives: Lead by example when it comes to mental health. If you need to take a break, share this with your team, explaining the importance of self-care. Encourage your team members to do the same, creating a culture where mental health is prioritized and taking time off is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Finding Strength in Service

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi.

Leadership isn't just about titles or tasks—it’s about serving others, especially in times of need. I’ve learned this lesson through personal challenges and the unwavering support of a community that never failed to show up.

Example for Executives: Identify a cause or project that aligns with your team’s values and dedicate time to it together. Whether it’s a volunteer day or a team-building exercise that benefits others, these experiences can reinforce the idea that leadership is about service and creating lasting bonds within your team.

A Call to Lead with Heart

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, leadership is service. It’s about being there for others, building strong communities, and leading with heart. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your community when needed.

I’m grateful for each of you who makes this community what it is. Together, let’s continue to lead with heart and make a difference.

Thank you for being part of my LinkedIn community.

#leadership #community #strength #motivation #resilience