There isn’t a single moment in life when I don’t find myself immersed in leadership—it’s a part of who I am and who we all are, in some form or another. But how often do we consciously identify that leadership? How often do we pause to observe the leader within us—the behaviors, the intentions, the psychology, and the reactions shaping our actions and decisions? This is a question worth sitting with, not just to understand leadership but to embrace it with a sense of intentionality. For me, leadership is not just about leading others; it’s about leading myself in the light of awakening, seeing the ripples of that awakening manifest outside. It doesn’t mean I get it all right—far from it—but I’ve come to realize there’s always a meaningful way to do anything, even when the path is unclear or uncomfortable.

What makes leadership so profoundly challenging is the battle within—the daily confrontation with vices, patterns, and habits that no longer serve us. It’s in those moments of discomfort and resistance where true leadership begins to form. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the courage to face and transform those inner shadows. For me, the thought of living without purpose, resisting change, or approaching life disconnected from the heart feels like slipping into a mode of quiet destruction. Purpose fuels me. Change humbles me. And leading from the heart anchors me in something bigger than myself. Leadership, to me, is a deeply human journey—imperfect, raw, and yet always full of potential to create something meaningful.

Every day, I return to awakened leadership as my source of strength and curiosity. It’s a way of being that constantly nudges me to evolve, to make a difference, and to invite others to join this unfolding journey in their unique ways. Through the initiatives I take, the questions I ask, and the growth I embrace, I strive to create spaces for others to awaken to their own leadership. To me, this isn’t about following a template or aspiring to an ideal; it’s about reimagining leadership as a deeply personal and transformative practice. It’s about recognizing the power of living intentionally and with an open heart, not just for ourselves but for the world we are constantly shaping with every decision we make.