Daily writing prompt

Are you a leader or a follower?

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Some lessons in leadership come from unexpected places… and they stay with you forever.

When asked if I’m a leader or a follower, the honest answer is: I’m both. Mostly a leader—yes. I lead with passion, purpose, and a strong sense of direction. But I also know when to step back, listen, and follow. That balance has taken me years to embrace, and it’s one I hold with gratitude.

I don’t chase titles—I chase impact.

At 49, as a mother, a wellness advocate, and someone who’s traveled a winding road of experience, I’ve learned that humility is one of the most powerful traits a leader can carry. True leadership isn’t about always being the loudest voice in the room or holding the official title—it’s about recognizing when someone else has the insight, the vision, or the heart to guide the moment.

I see this most clearly in my role as a parent. My youngest is getting closer by the day to turning 15, and while I’m still guiding him through life’s complexities, he teaches me in ways I could have never anticipated. The same goes for my eldest. There have been moments—quiet, powerful moments—when they became the teachers, and I was humbled to follow. Their intuition, courage, or honesty became the lesson. And in those moments, I listened.

Sometimes, leadership looks like stepping aside so someone else can shine. A child guiding a parent. A student enlightening a teacher. And if you’re humble enough, you can see that leadership can rise from the most unexpected places.

Even in working relationships where I may not hold the “leader” title, my leadership still shows. Through collaboration, care, and consistency, I naturally rise when needed. But I never shy away from following when someone else brings something meaningful to the table. That, to me, is strength.

Because sometimes, the most powerful act of leadership… is knowing when to follow.