Leading Through Faith: Navigating Life’s Curveballs
This year, I have been tested in ways I never imagined. My faith—and my heart—shattered early in 2024 with the devastating loss of my Aunt Ila. The news of her murder was not only heartbreaking but jarring, reaching depths in my soul that are hard to articulate. And this was just the beginning of a whirlwind year filled with moments that swung between profound joy and painful disappointment.
From canceled client engagements to landing a five-figure keynote, and from the thrill of my youngest son graduating college to the heartache of losing Sean, my husband's best friend, and my beloved cousin, Cynthia, I found myself grappling with emotional highs and lows. Yet, through it all, I tried to maintain as much positivity as possible, channeling my energy into my work as a leadership facilitator and coach. Every day, I lean into my purpose, supporting women in leadership and nurturing a community that is grounded in support, empathy, and shared growth.
And now, as we enter the fourth quarter of the year, life has thrown another curveball—and I'm not just talking about the Yankees losing the World Series! My recent breast exam came back irregular. I don’t even want to think about the "c-word." But here we are—I'm facing yet another challenge. So, what’s the message here? What’s the meaning behind all of this?
In this stage of my life, just when things were feeling more meaningful and fulfilling than they have in years, I’m reminded of how precious each moment truly is. I’m experiencing a kind of career joy I haven't felt since my early days, my community is strong, and my personal life feels vibrant. And now, suddenly, my health might be at risk.
So how do I lead through this? How do I keep the faith?
I’m realizing that true leadership requires faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in the path, and sometimes, faith in things we can’t control or foresee. I believe that leadership and faith are interwoven; to lead is to trust in a purpose larger than ourselves. This journey is about holding on to hope, continuing to show up, and embracing the joy and resilience that are born of both faith and experience.
As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of a quote by Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them.” This encapsulates the essence of leadership intertwined with faith. It's about maintaining a positive outlook and inspiring others to do the same, even amid adversity.
Here are a few lessons I've learned through this tumultuous year:
Embrace Vulnerability: True leadership involves being open about our struggles. Sharing our vulnerabilities fosters connection and trust within our communities.
Cultivate Resilience: Challenges are inevitable, but our ability to bounce back—emotionally and spiritually—defines our leadership. Lean into your support system; resilience often blooms in community.
Stay Purpose-Driven: When faced with uncertainty, reconnecting with our core purpose can ground us. It reminds us why we lead and what impact we wish to create.
Practice Faith Over Fear: In moments of doubt, choose to have faith—not just in outcomes but in the process and the lessons learned along the way.
Lead with Compassion: Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it’s about understanding and empathizing with others. Compassionate leadership creates a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.
Through all the highs and lows, I choose to believe that faith is a powerful catalyst for meaningful leadership. It reminds us to keep moving forward, uplift those around us, and transform challenges into opportunities for growth. In the end, it's not just about leading but about inspiring others to embrace their own journeys with faith and courage.
I am keeping the faith!
