Stop Managing - Start Leading Like a Disruptor!

If you’re still ‘managing,’ you’re playing small. Real leaders don’t just keep the system running, they shake it until it bends to their vision.

The Hidden Leadership Trap: From ‘Doer’ to True Leader

“I’ve always prided myself on being a doer.”

Ever felt that way?

For many women in healthcare, being the one who gets things done is how they built their careers. They stepped up, solved problems, and became indispensable.

And then… they got promoted.

Suddenly, their job wasn’t about doing—it was about leading. And that transition? It’s harder than anyone prepares you for.

One healthcare leader recently shared:

"Moving from a ‘Doer’ to a ‘Leader’ isn’t as straightforward as I thought. It means stepping back, trusting others to take the reins, and focusing on bigger-picture responsibilities. And honestly? It’s challenging."

She’s not alone.

Healthcare is built on hierarchy. Women are conditioned to prove themselves through productivity, not through delegation, strategy, or vision.

But if you’re still defining your value by how much you personally accomplish, you’re not leading. You’re managing.

And worse? You’re heading straight for burnout.

What’s Really Holding You Back?

If you’ve stepped into leadership but still feel overwhelmed, it’s not because you’re not capable. It’s because the skills that got you here aren’t the ones that will take you further.

Managers control. Leaders empower.

Managers focus on tasks. Leaders focus on transformation.

Managers need to be seen working. Leaders build systems that work without them.

Managers hoard responsibility. Leaders delegate and trust.

If you’re still personally fixing every problem, attending every meeting, or feeling like you can’t step away without everything falling apart…

You’re not leading. You’re micromanaging.

And the price is high, not just for you, but for your team.

The Hardest Leadership Skill? Letting Go.

One of the biggest reasons women in healthcare struggle to transition from management to leadership? They don’t trust themselves to trust their team.

A leader recently asked me:

"What’s one thing I should try this week to take a step in the right direction?"

My answer? Audit your time. Then ask yourself:

Who else could do this?

What would make me feel safe to let them?

Here’s how it works in practice:

? Meetings. Do you need to physically go, or do you just need the information? Could someone else attend and bring back key data if you gave them a structured checklist?

?? Projects. Do you need to oversee every step, or could you establish a system where you’re accessible for urgent issues but otherwise receive a weekly update?

?? Decisions. Are you the bottleneck because you haven’t set clear expectations? What boundaries could you establish so your team feels empowered to make calls without you?

Think about when you thrived in your career. I bet it wasn’t when someone was breathing down your neck. It was when they trusted you to fly.

Now, it’s your turn to do the same for others.

How to Lead Like a Disruptor (Not a Manager)

Want to step out of manager mode and into real leadership? This is how I would approach it:

Challenge the Status Quo. If your team is doing something because "that’s the way we’ve always done it," that’s your cue to shake things up.

Make People Uncomfortable. If no one is pushing back on your ideas, you’re not thinking big enough.

Solve Bigger Problems. Stop micromanaging. Stop obsessing over minor details. Look at the bigger picture and ask better questions.

Stop Seeking Approval. If you need everyone’s permission to lead, you’re not leading. Move first. Let the results speak for themselves.

Own Your Power. Disruptors don’t shrink themselves to make others comfortable. They take up space, make noise, and demand change.

Your Transition from Manager to Leader?

Here’s one small but powerful shift you can make this week:

?? Audit your time. Identify one task you can delegate.

?? Create a framework. What does your team need to feel confident taking it on?

?? Let go. Step back and trust.

Because leadership isn’t about what you do, it’s about what you make possible.

Now, Over to You.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in stepping into leadership??

Drop it in the comments or hit reply to this email and I’ll personally respond with a strategy to help you move forward.

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