Surviving the Role: What Leadership Is Actually Teaching Me Right Now

Understanding What People Actually Want

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that leadership isn’t something you perfect. Most of the time, you just survive it — and if you’re paying attention, you walk away a little wiser.

People love to say, “Build the year you want,” or “Lead the way that feels true to you.” Nice idea, but you still have to be sensitive to the people you’re actually leading. What resonates with you isn’t always what resonates with them. So you mix in some new ideas, push yourself to stretch things a bit, and then you balance it out with what you know they’ll enjoy. Bread and circuses. A little familiar, a little unexpected.

Leaning Into the Moments That Surprise People

What’s surprised me lately is how often people respond to something simply because it’s unique. They walk away saying, “I had no idea this existed,” or “I didn’t expect that to be so interesting.” And I like hearing that. It means you gave someone a new experience, even a small one. Sometimes the most valuable moments aren’t big or polished — they’re just fun, honest, human experiences people don’t get every day.

Growing Into a Different Kind of Leader

What I didn’t expect was how much stepping into a leadership role forces you outside your normal rhythm. It’s not just about showing up. You’re suddenly responsible for managing strong personalities, keeping things moving, reading the room, and figuring out what stories land. When people aren’t required to listen to you, your approach has to change. You learn to lead in a different way.

And honestly, being a non-traditional business leader in those settings feels good. It challenges assumptions. It shows people — especially the ones who never saw themselves fitting a certain mold — that leadership doesn’t have to look or sound one specific way.

We’re only halfway into this season of work, but if I had to sum up the big takeaway so far, it’s this: Leadership is part curation, part courage, and part knowing when to get out of the way.