#8 You Are A Leader - Own It!

A few months ago, I found myself leading a group of Jeeps through a rugged trail here in Southern Utah. I hadn’t planned to be the leader that day. I didn’t have the most experience in our group and I have far from the most capable of the Jeeps that were with us. But I knew the route, I had a map, and I was willing to go first - even though I was afraid.

I called out obstacles over the radio as I approached them.  I encouraged the other nervous drivers. I made sure everyone and their vehicles got through safe, and no one got left behind.

That was leadership.

Not because I was the loudest or the most skilled, but because in this instance, I was willing to go first, to guide, and to make space for others to follow, succeed, and grow too. 

We’ve reached the final week of the All-In Leadership Series, and we’re ending with the truth that many women still struggle to believe:  You are a leader.

Not someday. Not when you get the title. Not when someone else says so. Right now!

I think we've been conditioned to think of leadership as something reserved for the boldest of us, the loud ones with the plan, those who are awarded and titled 'Leader'.  You know... the ones in the suits, the one with the big paycheck and minions, the one with the corner office, microphone or their name on the door.  

We've been calling out lies throughout this series, so let's call this one out too. Let's call this one: "The one 'in charge' is a Capital-L Leader - not me."

We don't see ourselves as leaders because we have been thinking of leaders as only those Capital-L ones.  And when we look in the mirror, we don't fit that mold, so instead we say things like:

• “Oh, I’m just helping out.”
• “I’m not really a leader, I just coordinate things.”

• “I’m more of a behind-the-scenes person.”

Leadership isn’t about being the one in charge. It’s about being courageous enough to act and generous enough to bring others with you.  Like my story leading the other Jeeps.  I'm just a girl, with a stock 2-door Jeep.  Surely one of the big burly men with their lifted big tire Jeep should go first.  But instead of backing down, or stepping aside to let them go first, I went first knowing if I could do it, I would encourage the other women (and men) in the other stock Jeeps, they could too.  When we're bold something special happens, others follow suit.  The smiles and high-fives that followed are ones I'll remember a long time.

I've been saying for as long as I can remember, that I believe, everyone is a leader.  If we take a moment to really look, everyday leadership is everywhere around us!  Leadership doesn't have to always look like the Capital-L Leadership we've been thinking about, instead it can look like:  

• Speaking up in a meeting to advocate for someone or a better way.
• Helping a neighbor through a tough situation with emotional support.
• Creating a system at home or work that makes life easier for everyone.
• Encouraging a friend to apply for a job she’s afraid she’s not qualified for.
• Volunteering for a community event, even when you know no one.
• Mentoring someone informally, sharing your experience, and listening.
• Standing firm in your values when others seem to be compromising theirs.
• Being the calm one in the chaos, helping others stay grounded.
• Offering feedback that helps someone grow, even when it’s hard to say.
• Modeling boundaries and self-respect in relationships.
• Taking initiative to fix something broken, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant it is to others.
• Creating space for the quieter voices to be heard in the group.
• Leading by example showing up consistently, with integrity and care.

This list is intentionally long with a purpose:  I'm positive we do things like this every day, multiple times a day and don't think of them as significant, or ourselves as leaders.  These aren’t small things.  We are building influence, impact and trust with others - DAILY, and these 'little things' are the foundation! 

What other qualities are we overlooking too?  Leadership doesn’t always announce itself with a spotlight or big fancy title.  Instead it can show up quietly in the way you offer support (or space) for someone who is struggling, or the way you speak truth in kindness when it would be so much easier to stay 'nice and silent'.  You can see it in the systems you create that make things easy for others to follow, or the calmness you bring when others are running 'hair on fire', and even when you see the path and others are still questioning the destination.  If you have ever encouraged someone to believe in themselves, advocated for someone who wasn’t in the room, or initiated a hard conversation for the sake of growth, you have led.  Chances are good you've just never called it that. 

You’ve been leading all along. You just haven’t been claiming it.  The women around you?  The GIRLS around you?  They need to see you own it. Because when you do, you give them permission to do the same.

Ladies - Let's own it.  Say it with me:  I am a leader.

My challenge to you this week:

Challenge #1: Say "Thank you."  The next time someone compliments your leadership, don't deflect, don't downplay it, don't dismiss it or them.  Just say, "Thank you."  Let the compliment land.  Let it be true.  Embrace it. 

Challenge #2: They Saw it - and told you.  Think about a time when someone else saw leadership in you, maybe they asked you to take the lead, or told you how much your presence mattered.  What if...  The version of you they saw - the capable, grounded, inspiring woman - is who you've been all along?  Let that sink in.  This week, let that memory remind you of the influence and impact you have.  And then, try saying it out loud:
“I am a leader.”
Not because you need permission. But because it’s time to own what’s already true.

You’ve made it through eight weeks of reflection, courage, and growth.  Maybe you journaled every prompt or just read along, either way, you’ve taken steps toward owning your leadership, and that's what matters.

Leadership isn’t a destination.  It’s a way of showing up in the world.  Now that you’ve seen it in yourself, you get to decide what comes next.

Maybe you want to explore your natural talents.
Maybe you’re ready to shift habits and lead with more intention.
Maybe you’re curious about coaching and what deeper support could look like.

Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it alone.

I'm here for you as you take your next steps.
Let’s keep the momentum going.

Let's Chat.