Being a leader is different to leadership. That beingness means embodying character qualities, mindsets, and behaviours that inspire, guide, and empower others to achieve a shared vision. It goes beyond holding a title or position of authority; true leadership comes from within and is rooted in one's authentic self, which is carried into every place and space.

At the core of being a leader is a deep commitment to serving something greater than oneself. One is ideally driven by a powerful sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the world, though not everyone starts that way. Regardless, leaders have the courage to stand up for their convictions, even in the face of adversity, and they inspire others to do the same.

Authentic leaders possess a strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. They continually seek to understand their own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations, and they use this insight to guide their actions and decisions. They are attuned to the needs and perspectives of others, and they create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and supported.

Effective leaders are visionaries who can see beyond the present moment and imagine a better future. They have the ability to articulate a compelling vision that captures the hearts and minds of others, and they work tirelessly to turn that vision into reality. They are not afraid to take risks, challenge the status quo, and lead their teams into uncharted territory.

Being a leader also means being an excellent communicator. Leaders know how to listen actively, ask powerful questions, and provide meaningful feedback. They are skilled at adapting their communication style to different audiences and situations, and they use their words to inspire, motivate, and unite people around a common cause.

Perhaps most importantly, being a leader means being a role model of integrity, authenticity, and humility. True leaders walk their talk and lead by example, consistently demonstrating the values and behaviours they expect from others. They are transparent about their own journey of growth and development, and they create a safe space for others to do the same. They give credit where credit is due, celebrate the successes of their team, and take responsibility when things go wrong.

Leaders understand that leadership is not a solo endeavour. They actively seek out opportunities to collaborate, build partnerships, and create win-win solutions. They foster a culture of teamwork, mutual respect, and shared ownership, recognizing that the best ideas and outcomes often emerge from diverse perspectives and collective efforts.

All of these come together to achieve results — a leader does what they do, how they do it, with a strategic and results-oriented perspective. They have the ability to develop and execute clear plans that align with their overarching vision, and they hold themselves and others accountable for achieving measurable outcomes. They are not afraid to make tough decisions, and they approach challenges with creativity, resourcefulness, and a growth mindset.

Ultimately, being a leader is about unleashing the potential in oneself and others. It is about creating a vision of what is possible, and then inspiring and empowering people to make that vision a reality. It is about leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world, and helping others to do the same.

We're all in the process of finding ourselves, and our potential as leaders through that. Being a leader is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, growth, and service. It requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to continually evolve and adapt. And while the path may not always be easy, it is one of the most rewarding and impactful journeys we can undertake.