I’ve been wondering whether to write this, but I am always honest with you, so here goes!
This week, I ran two roundtables on stepping into leadership without a title. What I saw in those rooms filled me with hope – and also with frustration.
Because the potential was extraordinary.
Bold ideas.
Sharp insights.
The kind of thinking that could transform organisations if it was put into action. And yet, there was so much hesitancy.
Hesitancy born of fear.
Fear that there have already been layoffs.
Maybe if you didn’t conform, you could be next.
It was clear that many of those ideas would be left unspoken and not acted upon.
This is what I need to say to you.
The role is changing rapidly.
Playing small won’t serve you in the long term.
You have enormous potential.
Potential that will futureproof your career if you act on it.
But noone else can empower you. Only you can do that.
We can encourage you, support you, shine a light on the path. But the decision to step into your own power is yours alone. If you don’t choose it, nothing changes.
I say this with love and urgency. You are capable of more than you are currently giving yourself credit for. I know you feel it. That quiet tug inside that tells you you’re playing small. That frustration when you see things clearly but hold back from saying them. That heaviness when you know you could do more, but stay in first gear.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Leadership isn’t a title, it’s a choice. And you can choose it today.
Start here:
1. Own your expertise. You already see the risks and opportunities others miss. Speak them. Don’t wait to be asked.
2. Bring clarity. When a project or conversation lacks direction, be the one to summarise what matters and what’s next. Leaders create focus.
3. Build connections. Leadership grows through relationships. Strengthen your network so that when you speak, others are ready to listen.
4. Take initiative. Spot a problem? Solve it. See an inefficiency? Improve it. Change starts with small, consistent actions.
5. Ask bigger questions. Shift the conversation from tasks to outcomes: “What does success look like?” “How does this fit into the bigger picture?”
The life and career you are meant to have is waiting for you to show up for it. But it will not come if you stay where you are.
You are stronger than you know, braver than you allow, and more powerful than you have yet dared to be.
So please, for yourself, for your profession, for those who will follow you, stop waiting for permission.
Show up!
