Leading with Resilience: How Emotionally Strong Leaders Sustain Their Performance

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Taking the Next Step

Leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution. It’s also about managing your emotions, your mindset, and your resilience—especially when stepping outside your comfort zone.

Lately, I’ve been feeling this more than ever.

?? I’m taking the next step toward publishing my book—a deeply personal project that has been in the works for a while.

?? I’m ramping up my speaker profile—putting myself in front of new audiences, bigger opportunities, and greater challenges.

But here’s what many people don’t know…

After my TEDx talk, I hid behind the scenes. Instead of stepping fully into my voice, I spent years organising events, supporting women’s advocacy groups, and putting other speakers on stage. I sat on the occasional panel, but I kept myself safely in the background.

Why?

Because I didn’t feel like I belonged. My good girl conditioning told me to be grateful for opportunities but not to take up too much space. And my rejection sensitivity made me hyper-aware - always scanning for criticism, judgment, and or signs that I didn’t really fit in. Even when none existed.

It has taken time, but accepting and embracing my neurospicy brain over the past 2 years has given me a different perspective.

I never needed to shrink myself—I just didn’t realise my brain was wired differently. And now, I see that difference for what it truly is.

A superpower.

And as an advocate for inclusivity and belonging, I know that my story—and the stories of those like me—need to be told.

Because this isn’t just about me.

This is about the countless leaders, professionals, and creatives - basically anyone - who feel like outsiders, who don’t see their perspectives represented in leadership, in boardrooms, in innovation, in decision-making.

And this is why I share my journey—through speaking, through writing, and soon, through my book.

1. Emotionally Strong Leaders Own Their Story—Even When It’s Uncomfortable

Too often, we think of “strong leadership” as being tough, composed, and unaffected. But true resilience doesn’t come from suppressing emotions—it comes from learning how to process them effectively.

?? Self-doubt will always show up. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it control your decisions. ?? Fear is normal. It’s a signal you’re stepping into growth—use it as fuel, not a barrier. ?? Resilience isn’t about never breaking. It’s about knowing how to recover and reset when you do.

?? The shift: Emotionally strong leaders don’t avoid difficult emotions—they learn how to navigate them.

2. Resilient Leaders Build Systems to Support Their Wellbeing

High performance isn’t about pushing through exhaustion. It’s about having systems in place that help you recover, reset, and sustain your energy.

?? Emotional resilience thrives in routine. The way you start and end your day matters. ?? Small resets make a big difference. Breathing exercises, reflection time, and movement can shift your state in minutes. ?? Who you surround yourself with matters. The best leaders build support networks—coaches, mentors, and peers who keep them grounded.

?? The shift: You don’t just “bounce back” on willpower alone. You need structure, habits, and the right people in your corner.

3. The Mindset That Keeps Emotionally Strong Leaders Moving Forward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my own journey, it’s that emotional resilience isn’t about waiting until you feel ready.

?? I don’t feel 100% ready to publish my book—but I’m doing it anyway.

?? I don’t feel 100% fearless every time I step on stage—but I keep showing up.

Action creates confidence. The more you do, the more capable you feel.

?? Discomfort means growth. If it feels too easy, you’re not stretching yourself.

?? The best leaders don’t wait for courage—they act despite fear.

?? The shift: Strength isn’t about never feeling doubt. It’s about choosing to move forward anyway.

A More Inclusive World Starts With Stories

I firmly believe in a world where we see technology as a bridge to inclusion, innovation, and impact. A more connected world where we celebrate differences and everyone feels welcome, valued, and inspired.

I share my journey because I want others like me to feel valued, to have a voice, and to know they belong.

I want to help leaders and organisations see those differences—not as challenges, but as opportunities to build stronger, more inclusive cultures.

This is just the beginning.

What’s Your Next Step?

?? What’s something you’re pushing through right now? How do you keep yourself emotionally strong when doubt creeps in?

Let’s start the conversation.

Final Thought:

Emotional resilience isn’t about eliminating fear, doubt, or stress. It’s about knowing how to manage them—so they don’t manage you.

?? P.S. Here’s a first look at my very draft book cover—because every journey starts with a first step.