Leadership in Real Life: What a Grad School Assignment Helped Me Remember About My Strengths
As part of my graduate coursework, I was asked to reflect on an experience that made me feel fully engaged, alive, present, and aligned. And honestly? I didn’t expect the story that came to mind to be from a moment of total chaos at work. But that’s the thing about leadership: it often finds us in the messy middle.
This journal-style reflection felt too real, too personal, and too connected to the work I’m building here at KithWell to just turn in and move on. So I’m sharing it here too, with you. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, a teammate, or someone just trying to leave things better than you found them, I hope something in here resonates.
A Moment That Made Me Feel Fully Engaged as a Leader
One of the most alive I’ve ever felt was during a particularly intense and chaotic time at work. We were short-staffed, implementing a new policy that wasn’t landing well, and trying to maintain quality and morale while everything felt like it was shifting under our feet. For a moment, it could have been easy to disconnect, to just survive the wave. But instead, something kicked in. I leaned into the chaos, not because I had to, but because I knew I could be the anchor for others. I stepped in as a bridge between my team and leadership, translated complex information into clear guidance, advocated for the needs no one else was saying out loud, and created space for honest conversations that moved things forward. I wasn’t just functioning, I was leading, and more importantly, I was leading in a way that felt deeply aligned with who I am.
For me, it felt like more than just handling logistics or solving problems, it was emotional labor, culture-building, and holding space for growth all at once. That experience reminded me of what lights me up: helping people feel supported and seen, making messy situations more manageable, and finding purpose in uncertainty. I didn’t need recognition I just needed to show up fully, and doing so reminded me that I’m not only capable of leading change but that I actually thrive in it.
What Truly Energizes and Inspires Me
I’m deeply energized by growth and personal improvement for both myself and others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching someone step into their power and knowing I helped make that space possible. I love being a resource, someone others come to when they feel unsure or overwhelmed, and someone who can offer both reassurance and real solutions. I’m inspired by care, care for people, for ideas, for communities. It’s why I show up for my team, for my kids, and even for strangers when they need someone solid.
New experiences and spontaneous moments also fuel me. I crave the kind of adventure that stretches my comfort zone and reminds me how much life there is left to live. And underneath all of it is a constant pull to leave things better than I found them, whether that’s people, policies, systems, or spaces. That idea drives nearly everything I do. I don’t want to just exist in the world; I want to contribute to it in meaningful, lasting ways
The Strengths I’m Most Proud to Bring into Every Role
I value my emotional intelligence and the way I bring it into every role I hold. I have a strong ability to connect with all kinds of people, no matter their background or perspective. I listen deeply, I notice what’s not being said, and I create space for others to feel understood. I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, even to my kids, and I seek feedback regularly because I want to grow. That vulnerability is part of my strength. It creates trust.
I also pride myself on my ability to bridge gaps: between people, between ideas, and between departments or systems that often feel disconnected or misaligned. I can take complicated or emotionally charged issues and explain them in ways that are clear, actionable, and empathetic. These are more than “soft skills”, they’re foundational to leadership, and I’ve spent years refining them with intention and care. They make me someone people rely on, and someone they want to work with, not just work for.
My Boldest Hopes and Highest Aspirations
My boldest dream is a life defined by purpose, freedom, and impact. I want financial security, yes, but even more than that, I want time freedom. I want to be fully present for my children, to say yes to the things that light me up, and to build a career that doesn’t just sustain me but energizes me. I want work that aligns with my values and feels meaningful every day, not just occasionally.
Ultimately, I want to make the world a better place in both big and small ways. Whether it’s helping one person feel more confident, leading a team through meaningful change, or shifting how organizations approach people and leadership, I want to be part of creating positive ripple effects. My dream isn’t just about success, it’s about significance. I want to look back and know that I didn’t just exist in my life, I built something worthwhile.
What This Reflection Taught Me About Leading Change
This process reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about showing up consistently and intentionally. I’ve learned that I already possess many of the tools I need to be a change leader: emotional awareness, clarity, humility, adaptability, and vision. What matters most is how I choose to use them.
As I move forward, I’ll be even more mindful of the spaces I create for others, spaces for dialogue, reflection, and growth. I’ve realized that change doesn’t always have to be loud or dramatic. It can be deeply human and quietly powerful. I’ll continue anchoring my leadership in empathy, feedback, and personal reflection, and I’ll build frameworks that don’t just solve problems but elevate people
This reflection has been a powerful reminder that I don’t need to wait for a perfect moment to lead change. I’m already doing it, in every honest conversation, every thoughtful decision, every time I choose to show up fully. And I’ll keep doing it with courage, care, and the belief that even small changes, done with intention, can shift everything.
Wrapping It Up
This reflection reminded me that leadership isn’t something you earn with a title—it’s something you practice every day, especially when things feel uncertain. Showing up fully, leading with empathy, and staying rooted in what matters… that’s the work. And it’s the kind of work I want to keep doing—with people who care just as deeply.
Now I’d love to hear from you:
What makes you feel most alive?
What do you value most about how you show up in the world?
Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or a vision of your own, your reflections matter too. Feel free to drop a comment or just sit with the questions. Either way, I’m glad you’re here.
