I get asked the same questions often: How do I become a better leader? Who should I watch? What should I study? Where do I start?
The truth is—leadership can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re genuinely trying to grow. There’s no shortage of voices out there—books, podcasts, influencers. I always recommend starting with people who’ve stood the test of time. Tony Robbins, for example, is one of those names that still comes up for a reason. His work on personal power and mindset is foundational, but leadership isn’t just about what you consume. It’s about who you become. So, here’s what I’ve been sharing lately. I hope something here speaks to you.
Don’t Be a Default Leader
Not everyone who leads is doing it with intention. Some people step into leadership by default—they got promoted, they were next in line, or they simply showed up. That doesn’t make them bad leaders, but it often makes them reactive ones.
We don’t need more default leaders. We need leaders who rise above that. Leaders who choose to grow, stay curious, and build with purpose.
You will become a leader, don’t let it be by default.
Five Grounding Truths About Leadership
Truth #1
Leadership is more about who you are
than what you do.
Truth #2
Leadership isn’t complicated—people are.
Don’t overthink your approach.
Truth #3
When your values are clear,
your leadership becomes simple.
Truth #4
You can’t win people if you’re not present with them.
Great leaders win the moment—because they are immersed in it.
Truth #5
Leadership isn’t about doing the impossible.
It’s about making things possible for others.
The Most Underrated Leadership Skill: Presence
When I think about the best leaders I’ve observed, one quality stands out above the rest: they are fully present with their people. It sounds simple—but it’s rare.
Here’s how you can be more present, starting now:
- Put your phone away when you’re in a conversation.
- Listen like they’re whispering the secrets of life.
- Acknowledge emotions before giving advice.
- Find a way to add value—before the person walks away.
This is what presence looks like. And this is what builds trust.
Leadership and the Business You’re Building
If you’re leading a business, your leadership must show up in more than just meetings. You’ve got to show up for the vision, the people, and the decisions that shape your future.
Some questions to consider:
- Would you rehire every person on your team today?
- Are you stuck in production, or are you moving toward purpose?
- Are you hiring people who can take you all the way—or are you settling for 60% and hoping they grow into the rest?
- Are you chasing outcomes—or investing in the people who will produce them?
If something here stirs you, don’t wait for the perfect time to act. The breakthrough doesn’t happen in the thinking. It happens in the doing.
So go do.
– Carmen
– Carmen