This week, I turn 35 on July 31st. As I pause to reflect, I feel both grateful and determined. Grateful for the people, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped me. Determined to become a better version of myself in the year ahead. My birthday goal is simple yet profound: to continuously sharpen my leadership skills.
Leadership, to me, is no longer just about managing tasks or making decisions. It’s about inspiring others, adapting with purpose, and leading with empathy. In a world that shifts rapidly, where change is the only constant, it’s not enough to rely on old ways of thinking. The real challenge today is to lead in the unknown, to guide people through complexity with clarity and heart. That takes more than strategy. It takes character, courage, and connection.
I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t defined by a title. You don’t need to be a CEO or a senior executive to lead. True leadership shows up in everyday moments, supporting a teammate, resolving conflict with grace, encouraging someone to take their next step. Whether you're managing a small project or raising a family, the way you show up can shift the entire energy of a room. That is leadership.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is this: people don’t want to be managed. They want to be seen, heard, and valued. Influence doesn’t come from authority. It comes from trust. And trust is built by showing up consistently, listening deeply, and acting with integrity. In the words of Dale Carnegie, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming genuinely interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” Leadership begins with that kind of genuine interest, in people, in their hopes, in their potential.
Arguments, ego, and control often block the path to effective leadership. Real influence comes from humility and emotional intelligence. It’s not about proving others wrong, but about guiding them toward what’s right, together. When we create space for others to shine, we all rise. When we speak with respect, offer appreciation, and give people a good reputation to live up to, we unlock extraordinary results.
As I step into this new chapter of my life, I choose to lead not by force, but by example. I choose to speak less and listen more. To mentor when I can, to learn always, and to remind people of their own greatness. I know that leadership isn’t about reaching the top, it’s about lifting others up along the way.
The world needs more leaders who lead with heart, who believe in others, and who stay grounded in their values. This is the kind of leader I aspire to be. So here's to 35, a new year, a new commitment, and a renewed purpose. Let’s lead with purpose. Let’s lead with love. Let’s lead, together.