Recently, I attended the University of Michigan’s commencement ceremony at the legendary Big House, where Brad Meltzer, an Emmy-nominated best selling author, delivered a very impactful speech. Here’s a breakdown of the leadership insights that stood out, for all of us who are on a mission to lead ourselves and others – even better. 

1. Vision is Everything

Brad emphasized the power of vision. He challenged the graduates to “Imagine making the invisible visible,” urging them to not only dream about what they want to achieve but to actively visualize it. For leaders, this means setting clear, actionable goals that inspire and motivate both themselves and their teams.

2. Overcome Doubts with Persistence

He cleverly stated, “Let your fears vanish like a coin in a magician’s hand.” This metaphor highlights the practice of awareness and managing doubts. Effective leadership requires the courage to face uncertainties head-on and the resilience to persist through challenges. It was a vivid reminder that the barriers we face—both internal and external—are not insurmountable.

3. Adaptability is Key

Brad touched on the need for transformation, not just in tasks but in perspectives. “Transformation isn’t just about changing what you do, but how you see,” he explained. In today’s fast-paced world, a leader’s ability to adapt to new situations and pivot strategies when necessary is crucial for success.

4. Create Your Own Path

Toward the end of his address, Brad encouraged the audience to “create your own magic.” This is a powerful reminder for leaders to take initiative, innovate, and carve their own paths. Leadership involves not just following best practices but also setting new benchmarks and leading by example.

5. The Importance of Support Networks

Meltzer also emphasized the value of building strong support networks. He suggested that like any skilled magician who relies on a team to set the stage, leaders should surround themselves with people who can offer different perspectives and support. This network is vital for personal growth and helps maintain resilience in challenging times.

6. Leading with Integrity

Another critical aspect Meltzer highlighted was the importance of integrity in leadership. He reminded the graduates that the true test of leadership is not just about achieving success but doing so in a way that respects and uplifts others. Leading with integrity involves being honest, transparent, and committed to fair practices.

7. Continuous Learning and Growth

Brad encouraged a mindset of lifelong learning and curiosity. He argued that the most effective leaders are those who remain students at heart—always curious, always eager to learn more, and always willing to evolve. This approach not only enhances personal development but also ensures that one’s leadership style remains dynamic and relevant.

Leading with Confidence and Courage

Brad Meltzer’s speech goes beyond typical graduation advice, offering deep insights into effective leadership. It encourages us to lead with vision, overcome adversity with courage, adapt with purpose, and innovate with integrity. As we take these lessons to heart, we prepare not only to succeed for ourselves but also to inspire and impact everyone around us.

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You have probably heard the old tale about the battle between two wolves.  In the story, a grandfather tells his grandson about two wolves fighting inside of him – one represents our “good” virtues, and the other our “evil” vices. In the case of empowering women leaders, which is the winner?  The one you feed. 

This classic story of wolves isn’t just a quaint tale; it’s a powerful metaphor for our internal conflicts that influence our actions and outcomes.  The essence of, well, being human.  

This is a reboot!

For women leaders today, the struggle is next level – because it involves a whole different wolf pack of  – our thoughts.  One “species” is the subtle and very challenging thoughts of self-doubt, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, second-guessing and more. 

This wolf pack can devour our confidence and hold us back. 

Here are some internal challenges facing women leaders:

• Self-Doubt: Questioning your decisions or capabilities, whispering that you might not be up to the task, often leading to hesitation in decision-making and a reluctance to take bold steps.
• Perfectionism: Striving for flawless results can create unrealistic expectations, leading to frustration and burnout when those standards are not met.
• Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like a fraud in your roles and doubting your accomplishments. Convinces you that you’re not really qualified, and soon, everyone will discover this.
• Fear of Rejection: worrying about being negatively judged or not accepted by others, which can hinder open communication and assertiveness.
• Fear of Failure:  Spinning about not succeeding can prevent taking risks that are part of growth, advancement and creating new results.
• Constant Comparison: Comparing yourself to others in similar roles can lead to a distorted view of your accomplishments.
• Second-Guessing: Keeps you looping on decisions made, wasting energy and clouding your focus.

This blog is really a call to action. Better leadership begins internally.  Here’s a great place to begin. 

“The hardest person you will ever have to lead is yourself” – Bill George, True North

The Power of Growth Mindset

On the other side, there is a completely different “species” of thoughts available for us to choose, practice and strengthen –  and which propel us forward: growth, mastery, seizing opportunities, and embracing possibilities.

• Growth Mindset: Viewing challenges as opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge, rather than as threats.
• Mastery v. Performance: Shifting from a perfectionism-driven approach to one of excellence, focusing on continuous improvement rather than flawless outcomes.
• Ownership of Achievements: Recognizing your past successes as evidence of your capability and using this as a foundation to build further success, mitigating feelings of being an imposter.

By becoming aware of the thoughts you’re unintentionally feeding, and choosing instead to nourish those which support you, you pave the way for creating exactly what you want. It’s about making a conscious choice every day about which internal thoughts you give power to. 

Lead Like You Mean It

Better leadership means making deliberate choices about your thoughts every single day, because that choice impacts everything. Every day, you get to choose which thoughts get your time and energy.  Check-in with yourself to see if they are the ones that help you feel powerful, capable, and downright unstoppable.

 So, which wolf are you going to feed today?  I’d love to know. 

It’s always great to hear from you.

Get in touch here to learn more about one-on-one coaching and to follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of my community committed to purposeful growth and leadership for AMAZING WOMEN.

I recently got  back from SXSW 2024, where I had the chance to hear from Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert–known as “the Daniels,“— who are the creative geniuses behind “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” They talked a lot about an ancient Japanese concept called Ikigai, which basically means finding your purpose. 

Although their panel wasn’t about leadership coaching, it got me thinking about how Ikigai is a phenomenal process for my clients and for all women leaders who crave more impact, influence, and success.  Ikigai can shift you into consistent and intentional creation and action, paving the way for that outcome you really want.

Finding Your Purpose: Ikigai

So, what’s Ikigai (pronounced “ee-kee-guy,) all about? It’s basically your personal roadmap to leading yourself with purpose, and leading others.

Think about it as a blend of four elements : 

• What you love, 
• What you’re good at, 
• What you can get paid for,
•  & What the world needs. 

It’s about figuring out what truly lights you up and using that to guide your choices. Finding the overlap of these four elements may sound challenging, and while it may take some effort, it is WORTH IT.

By thinking about  these elements and exploring where they overlap, you’re well on your way to leading yourself with a sense of purpose that can keep you very motivated and in action.  That’s MAJOR. 

Leading With Intention

Leading yourself with intention is everything. Discovering your Ikigai means you are no longer drifting aimlessly, you have a clear path in mind and are the sole architect of it. You turn autopilot mode off  and forge a new direction that resonates with your own values and aspirations. By clarifying your purpose, you can make every decision through this lens and easily sync that up with your actions.  No more feeling stuck! Whether it’s pursuing impact, influence, wealth, or any kind of success as you define it, you do so with intention, conviction and consistent action..

Ikigai isn’t just about you though. By leading yourself with purpose, you become a motivating spark for those around you. Your clarity and authenticity motivate others to find their own Ikigai and discover what they are capable of. Together, you create a chain reaction of purpose-driven leaders making a real impact in their world and in the world.  AHHHMAZING!

Taking Action

Ikigai is such a great fit for my coaching clients and all women leaders because it isn’t just about deep thoughts and reflection – it’s about taking action. Armed with your newfound sense of purpose, you’ll have the confidence and drive to pursue your goals with passion and determination. Whether it’s launching a new initiative, founding a company, or mentoring the next generation of women leaders, every action you take is infused with purpose and intent. 

Ready to explore Ikigai? 

Here’s how you can get started:

• Reflect on what makes you tick – what do you love, what are you good at, what gets you fired up?
• Explore how each answer aligns with your current role and what you really want to create and do,  as a woman leader.
• Then, try it out and use your Ikigai as a guiding compass to inform your decisions and actions going forward..
• Share your journey with others and encourage them to discover their own Ikigai. 

Ikigai in a nutshell:

In his Academy Awards acceptance speech, Daniel Kwan took the opportunity to encourage everyone to tap into this creativity. 

“There is greatness in every single person, it doesn’t matter who they are. If you have a genius that is waiting to erupt, you just need to find the right people to unlock that.,”

As a successful woman leader, exploring  Ikigai can be an incredible tool. By finding your purpose, leading yourself with intention, and inspiring others through your actions, you’ll create a ripple effect of positive change for yourself and everyone around you. 

Inspired by the transformative power of Ikigai? You’re not alone. I invite you to explore the depths of your own purpose and potential with a guide who’s walked this path and helped many women leaders like yourself illuminate their journeys. It is my passion – and profession – to do that with you EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!

Dive deep into the heart of your Ikigai with personalized coaching designed to unlock your unique blend of passion, skill, vocation, and mission. Together, we’ll craft a roadmap that not only leads you to success but also fulfillment and impact. Whether you’re aiming to redefine your career, enhance your leadership, or simply find more meaning in your everyday actions, our one-on-one sessions provide the clarity, strategy, and support you need to lead with intention and thrive.

Get in touch here to learn more about one-on-one coaching and be sure to follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of a community committed to purposeful growth and leadership.

Stay true to your Ikigai and watch what happens.