Leadership Lessons for the new season

I’ve been reflecting on my business and the work that I do, and I’ve noticed that when people come to me for leadership coaching, they often arrive with some ambition to unlock the secrets or strategies to becoming and succeeding as a leader. And I always remind them that the best leaders are not the ones who collect the most strategies or have the loudest voices. The best leaders put humanity first and the truth is ‘leadership’ isn’t a destination, it’s a journey, that’s shaped by experience, mistakes, resilience, and the willingness to keep learning. It grows from the way you treat others, the way you show up in hard seasons, and the way you hold onto your values when it would be easier to let them go.

Most of the time, people who I speak to are already leaders. We all lead without realising or recognising it. You lead in your family, in your friendships, in your community, as well as in your work. The myth that leadership only counts when it’s official, loud or public is just that, a myth. I like to remind people that they already carry influence in their life. The real question is, how you will use it?

Much of what I do with people is helping them find their, not a borrowed voice, not a copy of someone else’s, but their own voice.

For me, that voice is tied deeply to faith. Faith reminds me that leadership is not about status, but about service. It reminds me of humility, that we don’t lead for ourselves alone, but for others. It reminds me to stand for justice, to act with compassion, and to make space for those whose voices aren’t being heard. And when my leadership feels heavy or isolating, faith has been an anchor that steadies me.

And right now, we need leaders who are steady, grounded, and human. We live in times when innocent people are being killed and displaced in the name of war, revenge, terror, and power. When marginalised communities are being demonised and those in power are encouraging division and fear. The temptation can be to look away but our collective leadership; shaped by our values and humanity calls us to something greater. As leaders we must remember that our voices can make a difference, not only in our immediate world of our workplaces, communities and homes but in the wider world we all share.

I’ve seen it. I’ve seen executives standing firm in the face of DEI backlash, when silence would have been safer. I’ve seen activists refusing to let injustice pass quietly. I’ve seen young people stepping into leadership long before anyone gave them a title, speaking out for what they believe in with a courage that humbles me.

These moments remind me that leadership is never one dimensional. It has a ripple effect. The words we speak, the actions we take, the values we hold, all of it spreads outwards, touching people and places we may never see.

So where do you begin if you want to lead with humanity:

1. Get clear on what matters most. What values guide you, even when the path isn’t easy.

2. Decide what’s at stake, not only for you, but for others who may not have a voice.

3. Look at your spheres of influence. Who looks to you? Who is within reach of your leadership?

4. Take some action. Stand up, speak out, act.

5. Practice self-care. Even the strongest leaders need rest, reflection, and time to reconnect with what grounds them.

6. Build community. Leadership is not a solo act; it’s about drawing strength from others and giving strength back.

The ripples you create will travel further than you know. And in a world that needs hope and integrity, the most powerful leaders will not be the flawless ones, but the deeply human ones.

So, what’s next?

         •        Take ten minutes this week to reflect on your values and what really matters to you.

         •        Notice where you already have influence — at work, at home, in your community.

         •        Choose one place where you can use your voice with courage and clarity.

It doesn’t need to be dramatic. It might be speaking up in a meeting, encouraging someone who feels unseen, or reaching out to a neighbour who needs support. Leadership begins in small acts of humanity. And those small acts ripple outward in ways you may never fully see.

Remember, your leadership matters, your voice matters, and the world needs you; not as a perfect leader, but as a human one.

I work with ambitious professionals and executives to help them step into their authentic leadership. Through coaching, I support clients to find their voice, clarify their purpose, and lead with humanity. If you’re ready to explore how you can expand your leadership and impact, get in touch!