The Lead As You Are Journal
This is my collection of reflections, stories, and truth-telling essays—originally published on LinkedIn, now gathered here in one place for easier reading.
They explore themes from my Lead As You Are coaching roadmap: identity, belonging, clarity, courage, confidence, self-leadership, and what it means to live and lead from a place of authenticity, integrity and honesty (and the occasional emotional plot twist).
You're welcome to read them in any order—follow what resonates. Some pieces are funny. Some are tender. All of them are written for people who’ve been quietly carrying questions like:
“Where do I belong?”
“Why do I feel so tired?”
“Is it OK to want more than this?”
If that’s you—you’re home.
Bring your favorite beverage. Read On.
Welcome in.
LinkedIn Articles
Breathing Pause.
As 2025 comes to a close, and 2026 is around the corner, I wanted to pause and take stock.
This article is a personal reflection and an invitation to pause.
A moment to reflect on a year shaped by transition, learning, and quiet becoming.
Leadership Without the Title
What do you picture when your think about what a leader is?
For years, I thought leadership meant getting promoted or being handed a microphone.
These days, I think differently. This month’s story starts with a birthday video for my dad, hard-felt and heart-felt. A small act that softened something big between us and keeps reshaping our relationship.
Maybe it’s time we widen what we mean by leadership.
Courage: The Heart in Action
I’ve learned that courage isn’t a feeling but a values-driven behavior. It feels more like fear — sweaty armpits, shaky hands, and a racing heartbeat.
In this piece, I share why that messy version of courage is often the real thing - and how it plants the seeds for confidence to grow.
No Cape, Just Confidence
We’ve all been sold a strange version of confidence; TED Talks, power poses, and perfect answers.
But in my experience, confidence often looks nothing like that.
It’s awkward, wobbly, unpolished… and somehow way more powerful than it gets credit for.
Here’s my take on what real confidence can look like; and why it’s often invisible (and yes… even a little sexy).
When Purpose Feels Like a Branding Exercise
Forget Finding Purpose. Follow What Feels Like Home.
Purpose isn’t always poetic. Or easy to pitch.
Sometimes it’s a Post-it note idea that won’t leave you alone.
Sometimes it’s just a little yes in your body when everything else is yelling no.
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the word "purpose," this one's for you.
Coming Home to Ourselves
Clarity isn’t loud, but it’s strangely life-saving. This piece reflects on growing up as a CODA, the messy path of emotional over-functioning, and the quiet relief of making one decision—just one—that actually feels like yours.
I Love You Too – And Other Generous Assumptions That Make Life EasierEver
Sometimes, the static between us and the people we love isn’t from what they said—but from what we think we heard. This piece explores how our inner screenwriter turns vague silence into a crisis—and how practicing kinder assumptions can soothe more than just our nervous system.
The Small Potato Syndrome
Ever hear someone say, “I’m just a small potato”?
It’s funny. Until it’s not. This piece explores why so many of us—especially those who’ve lived between cultures—learn to shrink ourselves without even noticing.
Holistic Leadership: The Influence We Don’t Even Know We Have
Leadership isn’t about job titles or charisma levels. It’s about dancing badly in a bar in Toronto—and somehow inspiring someone to change their life. This article is a gentle (and spicy) reminder that the way we live is the way we lead.