Life as Leaders (On and Off the Stage)
Whether you’re holding a mic or holding space for your team, leading a boardroom or managing bedtime routines, you’re leading.
A few weeks ago, I kicked off a mini series with my Fresh Take email community called Life as Leaders: On and Off the Stage — all about what it really looks like to show up with purpose, pay attention, and lead in everyday moments. The kind of leadership that happens when no one’s clapping, no one’s recording, and you still decide to go all in.
The response was so strong, I wanted to share it here too.
Below are 4 quick-hit reflections. Bite-sized leadership lessons with a Fresh Take and something specific to think about for each.
These aren’t meant to be long reads; they’re meant to stick with you, challenge you, and remind you that the best leaders don’t just do leadership — they live it.
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Let’s go 👊
1. The Most Powerful Leaders Do THIS Quiet Thing
It’s not what you say. It’s what you see.
Most people think leadership is about being the loudest.
But real leadership? It starts by being the most observant.
The best leaders notice.
They notice what’s missing, who’s quiet, where the energy is off.
You can’t lead what you don’t see.
So that tendency we all have to run 90 miles a minute, blazing past everything and everyone around us? Yeah, it’ll catch up.
The good stuff lies in the slowing down, the paying attention.
💥 Fresh Take: Observation is underrated. Noticers change rooms before they say a word.
❓Think About It: What are you walking past that needs your attention?
2. Are You Showing Up or Just Going Through It?
Leadership lives in the small stuff.
As leaders, we chase big moments:
The standing ovation after a keynote.
The launch day that goes off without a hitch.
The deal that finally closes.
The room full of people following the vision.
But leadership? It’s built in the in-between.
How you open a meeting.
How you answer that late email.
How you treat the intern, the barista, the one who can’t give anything back.
How you walk into your home after a long day.
We’ve had some awesome interns at Elevate. One in particular comes to mind—a quiet guy, super smart, kept to himself. One morning, I simply asked how his weekend was.
Ten minutes later, he was lit up, telling me about a side project.
The next week, he showed up differently. More confident. More engaged. Not because of a seminar. Just because someone saw him.
💥 Fresh Take: Small moments aren’t small. They’re stacking a legacy.
❓Think About It: What “ordinary” moment today deserves your best?
3. They’re Not Listening 🫣
They’re WATCHING. And feeling.
We spend a lot of time on the right words—I do too, especially on stage.
But here’s the truth 👇
People don’t remember what you said.
They remember how you made them feel.
You’ve probably heard Maya Angelou’s quote about this, and it holds up every time. Whether you're a speaker, a CEO, or a stay-at-home parent—you lead with your energy.
💥 Fresh Take: Your energy communicates louder than your words ever will.
❓Think About It: What do people feel after being around you? If it’s not what you hope, how can you shift?
Your presence is speaking before your mouth ever opens.
4. You Don’t Need a Title to Lead
Leadership isn’t reserved for a role or a rank. It’s a decision you make—every day.
You lead when you show up with intention.
When you create calm in the chaos.
When you make people feel safe, seen, and steady.
I remember a time when I was just a few months into a new role—no title, no platform, no team. But I could see where there was confusion and tension, so I leaned in.
I didn’t fix everything. But I helped ask better questions. I brought clarity. I created space. That’s leadership too.
💥 Fresh Take: You don’t have to have “authority” to have influence.
❓Think About It: Where can you lead today, without waiting for permission?
That’s a Wrap! (But Not Really...)
This might be the end of the Life as Leaders blog, but let’s be real—we’re all leading, every single day.
No matter your title, your age, your industry…you are a leader. And the world needs what you have.
Here’s the thread that’s run through this whole blog:
Great leadership builds great culture.
And culture doesn’t happen because we talk about it.
It’s built moment by moment, through how we communicate, celebrate, and show up—especially when things get messy.
That’s the heart of my work.
Yes, I love the stage. But some of my favorite work happens inside teams—building cultures that are clear, contagious, and consistent.
If your team’s ready for more than inspiration—if you want real tools, better collaboration, and a stronger sense of purpose—I’d love to help.
💥 Fresh Take: Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a series of choices we make every single day.
And culture? It’s built by those choices… stacked over time.
Let’s connect. I’d love to talk about how I can support your team.