Some of the most potent leadership growth happens when life throws a wrench into your plans.
Years ago, I led a large HR and organizational development team at a prestigious academic medical center. It was a role I loved—demanding, rewarding, and strategic. And then life hit me hard. A personal loss brought grief, exhaustion, and a wave of emotions that made it nearly impossible to show up as the steady, composed leader I thought I needed to be.
But instead of hiding what I was going through, I chose a different path.
I got honest—with myself and my team.
I shared that I was facing a difficult period and that while I was still here and committed, I might be showing up a little differently for a while. That moment of vulnerability didn’t weaken trust; it strengthened it.
Here’s what I learned:
✅ People respect transparency. They don’t expect perfection, but they do respond to authenticity.
✅ Growth doesn’t happen in the easy seasons. It happens when you’re navigating the rocky terrain.
✅ Your team takes cues from you. If you model resilience, adaptability, and care—for yourself and others—they will, too.
This experience shaped how I coach and advise leaders today. Real leadership isn’t about always having it together—it’s about being real, staying present, and finding a way forward through the chaos.
In my work with clients, we often discuss the push-pull between personal life and professional responsibilities. It’s not about balance—it’s about integration. And you build your greatest leadership capacity in those messy, challenging times.
So, if you’re in a hard season right now—leading a team while navigating your struggles—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re growing.I’d love to hear: What has challenged and shaped your leadership the most?
