Why I decided to step up

Throughout my career of working in companies large and small, I craved mentorship. All I wanted was someone to take me under their wing and train me up; upskill me and lead me forward. But I was never lucky enough to have that. Great leadership was something I looked for everywhere but never found. It was something I tried to believe existed because I’ve watched countless Simon Sinek videos, but it’s something I’ve rarely witnessed in real life.

I decided that if I couldn’t wait for a leader, I would have to become one. I made the uncomfortable but necessary decision that I would have to be the person to stand up and inspire others. I decided to become the mentor that I have craved for so long. It has been a long and lonely journey, but all of the uncomfortable growing pains and hours of searching for and gaining knowledge have to be the thing that I pay forward. We don’t need prettier models in exotic locations. What we need is better leaders, right there in your living room.

“There will be times when standing alone feels too hard, too scary, and we’ll doubt our ability to make our way through the uncertainty. Someone, somewhere, will say, ‘Don’t do it. You don’t have what it takes to survive the wilderness.’ This is when you reach deep into your wild heart and remind yourself, ‘I am the wilderness.'”

– Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness

If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, then fear not Dear One. I might just have the answer.

You may not realize it, but as entrepreneurs – especially female entrepreneurs – much of our business success is based on our own self-worth.
Yup. It’s true, and this is why:

No matter what stage your business baby is at, it probably requires a lot of time, energy and attention. That tangible stuff is what you expected, right? But here’s the catch: no one ever told us how emotionally draining it would be. No one told us how darn uncomfortable it would be to shout about how great our offering is. No matter what your baby looks like, it was born of love, passion, hopes and dreams. This baby is part of you. You have poured so much into it: and you probably have a lot hanging on it’s success. Not only your financial freedom, but your pride, your vision of a new life, your hopes for the future.

You believe in your vision so much that it burns in your soul whenever you think about it. Which is ALL THE TIME.

And yet – you still struggle to share your message with the world. You’re hiding behind the curtains making excuses instead of stepping onto that darn stage. I get it: growth is uncomfortable. And it doesn’t really get easier; movement causes friction. It will always feel uncomfortable to step into our power and level up, but you CAN learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

You have to decide

Being successful, earning that next level income, creating the life you want… those things aren’t just awarded to the lucky few. They are earned. They take grit and determination and commitment and time. But mostly they are a choice.

Making the decision to chase your dreams is the most important choice you will ever make – but that’s not to say that it will be easy.

Your life is an exact reflection of your choices. If you want a different result, you have to make a different choice. You have to decide that your goals are more important than the distractions. You have to choose to wake up early and work long days, to be grinding while others binge on Netflix. You need huge amounts of grit. You have to be intentional with how you spend your time and energy, who you surround yourself with. You decide how you want to show up every day and the impact you want to have on the world.

Decide that the world deserves to hear your message, that people need to witness your brand of magic. That the truest version of you is not only your birth rite, but your unique gift to the world.

Decide that you are worthy.

Decide that you can have it all.

Decide that you are supremely qualified, an expert in your field.

Decide that you are a leader.

That’s right, folks: YOU ARE A LEADER.

Women in leadership

There is a huge shift happening in the world right now; you’ve seen it, you’ve felt it. Women building businesses, women in leadership positions, feminine energy changing the patriarchy. There’s a reason for it, and it’s necessary. Men and women are inherently different and that’s a GOOD thing. We think differently, we approach things in unique ways, we lead differently. Women are naturally home makers, community builders, team players, and THAT’S why the world needs more of us speaking up.

When women lead, we raise the energy, consciousness and quality of life for generations to come. We build communities and empower others, the ripple effects can be felt for decades, centuries afterwards. This is our legacy lovelies: there is a reason we were born in this era, it comes with a responsibility to be part of the change that is happening in the world.

We owe it to each other, our children, and we freaking owe it to ourselves.

So go out there and build the tribe you always wished you’d had.

Your gift is your authenticity

Here’s the thing, lovely: leadership isn’t a title, it’s not some fancy plaque on the wall. It’s not born of arrogance or thinking you’re better than anyone else. It’s an energy.

A leader is someone who empowers others. It’s someone who decides to question the status quo, to be a pioneer when everyone else sits in complacency. It’s someone who shares their message with the world, with thought, integrity and with the intention to unite people. A leader is WHO YOU ARE, as you are, in all your raw glory. You don’t have to look perfect, be perfect or always be completely sure of what you’re doing. But you do need to rise up and elevate others with you.

My challenge is this: share your story. Share your natural gifts with the world, and do it with love, kindness and compassion. Do it to serve others so that their path can be slightly easier. Do it so that they are inspired to continue the ripples of change within their own communities.

Encourage, uplift, support each other. Stop the complaining, stop the victim mentality, make the decision to own your life and LEAD.

You were born for this

I really do believe that. You’re reading this for a reason, there are no coincidences here. You are worthy. You are allowed to be successful, to stand up and be noticed. What sets you apart from others is understanding your legacy, your duty, and taking the actions towards that. You’ve  decided that you’re no longer shrinking yourself to make others feel comfortable. We are ALL leaders here. Let’s shine the light on each other and celebrate together in one global 30 Second Dance Party.

Release the guilt. Understand that you already ARE this version of yourself.

Recognise your responsibility.

RISE.

When I work with clients to get results in their businesses, I dig deep. I use a combination of strategy and soul-work, helping you step into your power and accept all that is good into your life. If this wakes something in your soul, get in touch.