Lead Your Own Way … by Setting Boundaries
Leadership: It’s Not About Fitting In
You know that feeling when you step into a leadership role and suddenly everyone expects you to have all the answers? You’re supposed to look confident, act a certain way, and never show a hint of uncertainty. Honestly, it can be exhausting—especially if you’re new to the job.
I remember my first time leading a team. I spent more time worrying about whether I was “doing it right” than actually getting things done. I tried to copy the leaders I admired, but it just didn’t feel like me. Sound familiar?
What If Leading “Your Way” Is Actually the Point?
Here’s the thing: leadership isn’t about following a script or pretending to be someone else. It’s about finding your own style and having the courage to stick with it. When you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold, you start to lead with real authenticity—and that’s when the magic happens.
Why “Leadership Freedom” Feels So Elusive (Especially at First)
It’s easy to get stuck in the trap of second-guessing yourself. You might worry about looking vulnerable or feel like you have to have every answer ready to go. But here’s a secret: no one actually has it all figured out. The best leaders I know aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”
A Few Things That Helped Me Find My Groove
Instead of giving you a long list of “shoulds,” here are a few things that made a difference for me when I was starting out:
Setting My Own Hours: I realized I needed to protect my mornings for deep work, so I told my team I’d be available for meetings after 10 AM. It felt a little scary at first, but it made a huge difference in my focus.
Meetings That Actually Matter: I started saying no to meetings that didn’t have a clear purpose and set a rule that all meetings had to end on time. (Confession: I still struggle with this sometimes.)
Being Honest About My Limits: I learned to say, “That’s not a priority for me right now,” instead of trying to do everything. It’s amazing how much easier it is to lead when you’re not constantly overwhelmed.
Making Space for My Team: I started trusting my team to make decisions without me. It felt risky at first, but it gave them room to grow—and gave me room to breathe.
Modeling Work-Life Balance: I made a point of logging off at a reasonable hour and encouraged my team to do the same. It wasn’t always easy, but it set the tone for a healthier culture.
What Leadership Launchpad Is Really About
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to lead in a way that feels true to you, Leadership Launchpad is here to help. It’s not about giving you a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s about helping you discover your own strengths, build confidence, and develop habits that work for you—not against you.
We’ll work together to:
Uncover your unique leadership style (yes, you already have one!).
Build real confidence—not the fake-it-till-you-make-it kind.
Practice handling tough situations without losing yourself in the process.
Create a foundation for sustainable leadership that doesn’t leave you burned out.
The Bottom Line
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. When you lead with authenticity, you give yourself—and your team—the freedom to do your best work.
