Some of my most formative leadership lessons came not from opportunity, but from adversity.
During my master’s, I wrote an article that was later published without credit. I had received glowing feedback in class, so I kept wondering why it never made it to the journal. Months later, I casually googled the title – and there it was, line by line, except my name. This taught me about trust, integrity, and the quiet power of intuition.
When I considered a PhD, I had the skills but lacked mentorship. Instead, I was met with assumptions around women’s long-term commitment in academia – maternity leave and study breaks that often disrupt supervisors’ time. This was a lesson in bias, belonging, and letting go gracefully when inclusion isn’t served at the table.
Early in my career, I wasn’t seeking recognition, yet its absence on one particular day nudged me to act. That evening, I googled “writing competitions” and found the Peter Drucker Essay Contest. I submitted my piece on leadership, ranked in the top 10 globally, and was invited to Vienna. This experience reinforced the value of owning my strengths and choosing contexts where they are seen and rewarded.
These were just a few early steppingstones. Many others followed. Yet I’m grateful for every challenge that strengthened my clarity, resilience, and wisdom. Today, I lead and coach from lived experience, not theory, because I understand firsthand the importance of mentorship, empowering others, and creating inclusive spaces.
Take a moment to recognize the steppingstones in your own journey. And be the sponsor, the mentor, and the leader you once needed.
Habit of Growth 