Leadership looks powerful from the outside. The title, the confidence, the way others lean in when you speak. But behind the curtain? It can be achingly lonely.
Whether you’re the president of an organization, the newest intern on a mission to prove yourself, or an entrepreneur building something from scratch—you carry the weight. You guide your team, mentor your peers, share your hard-won lessons… all while silently wondering:
Who’s guiding me?
That’s the hidden truth about leadership. You’re expected to lift others and keep climbing. But doing it all alone? That’s the fastest way to burn out, lose joy, and start doubting your own fire.
How to Lead Without Losing Yourself
Here’s what I’ve learned—practical, human ways to lead while keeping your light intact:
1. Share Your Knowledge Generously.
Don’t wait to be asked. Offer insights, tools, and shortcuts you’ve learned the hard way. Teaching isn’t bragging—it’s legacy-building.
2. Create Spaces for Growth.
Host a workshop, a brainstorming lunch, or even a quick virtual coffee chat. Learning thrives in community.
3. Lead by Example.
Your consistency is your credibility. Show what commitment looks like instead of simply talking about it.
4. Listen More Than You Speak.
True leadership begins with empathy. Listen for what’s not being said—the hesitation, the dream, the doubt.
5. Encourage, Don’t Judge.
Remember your own missteps and mentors. Offer feedback that builds, not breaks. Growth needs grace.
6. Spark Ripple Effects.
When you lift one person, you lift the room. The ripple doesn’t stop with them—it comes back to you, magnified.
Leadership isn’t a solo climb—it’s a shared ascent. When you pour into others, you multiply your own strength. Be the resource, the mentor, the “auntie” who makes growth contagious. Because when others rise, you don’t lose your light—you shine brighter.
I Am Eryka; Eryka I Am.
Brand Experience Designer. Entrepreneur. Author.
Eryka I Am 