?? Not the Usual Stuff ??

This edition of ???The Leadership Seed ???is different from the previous 10. Each previous edition focused on a specific leadership topic and followed a similar format and tone. This one is just me writing and typing thoughts and ideas from the past two weeks, from experiences, conversations, and other random stuff going on in my life and businesses. I honestly don't care if 10 or 10K people read this edition. I am writing for myself this week to get the words out of my head and into print.

The Leadership Rollercoaster: 3 Lessons from The Past Two Weeks

Ah, the life of a coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and all-around leadership enthusiast—never a dull moment! Sometimes, it feels like we're on a rollercoaster that no one warned us about, full of unexpected twists, some exhilarating highs, and, let's not forget, those gut-wrenching drops. This week handed me a few of those moments, and I figured, why not share the ride? Here are three stories that reminded me why I do what I do, even when the track gets bumpy.

1. Getting Told "No" for the XXth Time—And Why It's Still Not the End of the World

First, I lost count of how often I've been told "no" in the past two weeks to proposals, pitches, or requests. Seriously, who's keeping track at this point? Whether it's pitching ideas, offering help, or just putting myself out there, I've been met with rejection more times than I care to admit. And you know what? I'm still here, and I'm still smiling.

Sure, you are being told "no" stings. It's frustrating when you have the best intentions or know you've got something valuable to offer, only to be met with a polite (or not-so-polite) decline. But here's the thing—every "no" teaches me something new. It sharpens my approach, keeps me grounded, and reminds me that persistence is vital. Sometimes, leadership isn't about getting the immediate "yes." It's about staying resilient enough to hear the "no" without losing your fire.

2. Rediscovering the Gift of Coaching and Mentoring—It's More Than Just Giving Advice

One of those moments this week hit me like a ton of bricks: the reminder of how much I genuinely love being a coach and mentor. It wasn't some grand epiphany—just a simple conversation with someone I've been guiding. We talked through some challenges, celebrated a win or two, and then they hit me with, "You know, you've helped me see things I never noticed before."

Man, if that doesn't hit you in the feels, I don't know what will! Sometimes, I get so caught up in trying to help others that I forget how much I get out of it, too. The connection, the growth—theirs and mine—reignites that sense of purpose. This role isn't just about offering wisdom or giving direction. It's about being in the trenches with people, sharing their journey, sharing hard-learned lessons, challenging experiences, and fantastic wins - and realizing that we're all learning together. That's the gift, and it's one I never want to take for granted.

3. The Power of Just Being Available—Helping Others to Be Able

Now, let's talk about the most straightforward, most underrated part of leadership: being available. It's not flashy, doesn't come with accolades, and often goes unnoticed, but wow, can it make a difference. I have tried the past few weeks to make a conscious effort to?be there—for colleagues, mentees, and even those random "got a minute?" moments. I didn't always have the perfect advice or solution, but that wasn't the point. Just showing up, lending an ear, or offering a shoulder was enough.

The more I reflect, the more I realize that leadership isn't always about having the answers. Sometimes, it's just about being present so others can find their way. It's about availing yourself to help others become more —giving them the space, support, and confidence to grow. And hey, if you can do it with a smile and a little humor, even better.

?? Conclusion ??

So, there it is—my past few weeks in three stories. It wasn't perfect; it wasn't always smooth, but it was real. And that's what leadership is all about, right? Staying resilient through the "no's," embracing the gifts of coaching, and recognizing the simple power of being available. Because at the end of the day, we're all on this journey together—and it's a lot more fun when we share it with others and laugh along the way.

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