There are moments when a question is posed in its simplest form, guiding you toward your purpose. I am always open to inquiries and eager to share insights drawn from my experiences and studies in the corporate sector, which are applicable across various fields.

I would like to ask: What are the primary reasons you are here, and in which area of leadership or influence do you primarily operate?

Reflecting on pivotal lessons, the experiences that have most shaped my leadership style include a willingness to put in the hard work behind the scenes—often long hours, whether for work or study—and understanding that there is always a bigger picture and a greater goal.

This vision needs to be clearly defined, both internally and externally. As a leader, recognizing that everyone is experiencing some form of stress—be it personal or professional—is crucial. It is essential to see the person before the role. I firmly believe that leaders learn from both successes and failures. Successes are celebrated, while failures offer valuable lessons, but it is the journey that truly matters.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead even when I was not in charge. For instance, I served as an acting reception manager, overseeing accounts and filling in as a case manager. This role was particularly interesting because, despite not holding the official title, I managed diverse personalities, provided support, and helped individuals grow by addressing their weaknesses and leveraging their strengths.

I believe that the qualities that make a person influential, regardless of their title, are humility, passion for people, and a genuine desire to help others develop and care about them.

Emerging leaders can gain credibility early by volunteering for opportunities, participating in vacation work while studying, and engaging in volunteer work in their field. This approach allows them to build credibility through integrity, intelligence, and responsibility.

When leading through uncertainty, it is vital to remain calm and prepared. Understanding the content and being well prepared enables clearer decision-making. Supporting individuals through change involves reassuring them, providing the necessary support and ensuring clear communication about updates that influence them.

A moment of uncertainty that significantly shaped me was when I realized I had confined myself to a particular role and company, believing I would remain there for many years. I was mistaken. I had limited my perspective and needed to step out of my comfort zone to grow and develop.

In times of chaos, when feeling overwhelmed, it is essential to prioritize tasks and identify the root cause of any disconnect with purpose. Taking a moment to pause allows one to remain calm and make clearer decisions.

A piece of advice that has saved me time and stress is to be authentic. Trying to present oneself as something one is not only leads to unnecessary effort. Being true to oneself fosters genuine connections and reduces stress.

When reflecting on leadership, it is important to be kind to oneself. In the hustle of daily life, it is easy to forget self-care. Taking moments to check in with oneself and engage in activities that are personally fulfilling is crucial.

Leading with legacy means leading with impact. In the next 10 to 20 years, I hope to be remembered as someone who empowered others, helped them overcome insecurities, and encouraged them to be the best version of themselves in all aspects of life. Legacy is about how one achieves their goals, not just the accolades received. It is about choosing the ethical path and making a positive impact.

An example of a leader whose legacy inspires me my own mentor. Over the years, she has generously shared her leadership traits, knowledge, academic experience, healthcare expertise, and coaching advice, inspiring me to always be unapologetically myself.