What If Leadership Meant Becoming More Human, Not Less?

There’s a story that many of us have been told - that to lead well, we need to be invincible. Always composed. Always producing. Always strong. But what if that story no longer serves us? What if leadership, especially in the midst our current multiple crises, is inviting us to be more human --not less?

This question lives at the heart of my new book Leading Through Fire: Resilient Leadership for People, Planet and the Future, where I explore how we can lead through challenge and change with more honesty, connection, and care. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about staying real and staying rooted.

Why Old Models of Leadership Are Ready to Evolve
In Chapter Two of the book, I wrote: "In times of great transition, the most powerful leadership comes not from control, but from connection."

That quote has become an anchor for me. It reminds me that while pressure and complexity may be rising, we don’t have to harden in response. We can become more receptive—without losing our strength. We can stay open—and still lead with clarity.  The world is shifting. And our teams, our communities, and our planet are asking us to show up with more authenticity.

While I was writing the book, I looked at peer reviewed research from all sorts of disciplines.  One study found that leaders who cultivate emotional intelligence, purpose-alignment, and systemic awareness are not only more resilient—they also lead more innovative, connected teams.

Returning to Ourselves as Leaders
So what does it look like to lead as a full human being? It means noticing when we’re stretched too thin—and choosing to pause instead of push. It means staying curious when things feel uncertain. It means bringing our values into the room with us, not just our titles.

Slowing down has helped me hear my own wisdom more clearly. A walk in the garden. A moment of breath before a hard conversation. A genuine check-in with my team. These small shifts reconnect us to what matters.

Five Gentle Practices to Lead with More Humanity
Here are five everyday practices that can help you lead from a place of wholeness and warmth:

1. Notice what’s real. Start your next team meeting with a check-in. How are people arriving today? Go first. Your honesty makes space for theirs.
2. Take a clarity pause. Before your next big decision, take a breath. Ask yourself: What values do I want to lead from in this moment?
3. Use rest as strategy. Build in breaks—even short ones. A rested leader is a more present, creative, and compassionate one.
4. Listen to your body. Your body often knows before your brain does. Tension, fatigue, butterflies—they’re all cues worth paying attention to.
5. Return to purpose. Let your purpose be your compass. Revisit it often. Speak it out loud. Purpose helps us lead with steadiness, even in chaos.

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The Fire is Real. So is Our Capacity to Grow
Let’s be honest: leadership isn’t always easy. Especially in times like these. But your leadership is more important than ever.  It can bring out the best in us.  We don't need to be perfect.  We need to be human. We need to stay connected—to ourselves, to each other, and to what really matters. If this resonates, I invite you to stay close. Join the waitlist for the release of Leading Through Fire.

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