Episodes

  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Finding your guiding light

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Finding your guiding light
    Jan 7 2026
    When leadership feels steady, it's easy to move forward with confidence. But most leaders don't struggle when things are going well — they struggle when things feel messy, unclear, stressful, or conflicting. When you're pulled in too many directions, when decisions feel heavier than usual, or when something simply hasn't gone well in your organization or business. In those moments, it's tempting to look for more information. Another article. Another framework. Another opinion. But what gets leaders through those seasons isn't more information. It's clarity. It's alignment. It's having a guiding light. That guiding light is what vision-centered leadership is all about. Why Vision-Centered Leadership Matters Vision-centered leadership gives you something steady to return to when everything else feels uncertain. It helps you make decisions with confidence, not because you have every answer, but because you're grounded in what actually matters. At its core, vision-centered leadership is rooted in three things: Knowing your why Understanding your values Committing to ongoing self-awareness and personal growth You've probably heard all three of these ideas before. But when they're intentionally woven together, they don't just shape how you lead, they shape who you are while you're leading. Your Why: The Anchor Beneath the Work Your why is your anchor. It's the deeper reason behind the work you do...beyond your job title, your company, or your never-ending to-do list. It's the impact you want to have. The contribution you want to make. The purpose that makes the hard days worth it. When you're connected to your why: You don't need constant external validation You recover from setbacks more quickly Decision-making becomes clearer Your why gives you a lens to filter choices through. If you're not sure what your why is, start with questions like these: What kind of leader do I want to be remembered as? Who or what am I ultimately doing this for? What would feel meaningful to me, even if no one else ever noticed? Naming your why clearly gives you energy when you're exhausted and perspective when things feel chaotic which, as we all know, they sometimes will. Your Values: The Compass That Guides Decisions If your why is your anchor, your values are your compass. Your values guide the day-to-day decisions, especially the hard ones. They help you navigate moments where the "right" answer isn't obvious. Imagine your core values include integrity, collaboration, and growth. If you're offered an opportunity or promotion that compromises one of those (even if it comes with status or money) your values point you toward alignment instead of temptation. Values help you: Set boundaries around your time and energy Decide which opportunities to pursue or decline Model consistency and authenticity for your team To clarify your values, reflect on questions like: What principles do I hold myself to, even when it's difficult? What frustrates or inspires me the most, and what does that reveal? When have I felt deeply in alignment, or completely out of alignment, and why? This isn't about listing words that simply sound good. For me, my values include integrity, compassion, empathy, self-awareness, honesty, respect, and curiosity. But the heart of those values goes deeper than the words themselves. At the core is partnership, a reverence for transformation, and a commitment to growth that creates a more joyful, life-giving world. I can feel it immediately when someone truly shares those values. AND just as clearly when they don't. Those shared values shape who I choose to work with and which efforts I want to support. Staying connected to that deeper meaning keeps me aligned as a leader. Self-Awareness and Growth: The Work That Never Ends The third pillar of vision-centered leadership is a lifelong commitment to self-awareness and personal growth. The best leaders are still students. They're willing to reflect, adjust, and evolve. They're comfortable admitting they don't know everything...and they stay curious instead of defensive. Self-awareness means understanding: Your stress responses and triggers Your communication patterns Tendencies like over-functioning or avoidance Your strengths and your blind spots Personal growth means doing something with that awareness. That might look like coaching, therapy, journaling, mentorship, or intentionally creating space to reflect. Ideally, leaders have more than one way they engage in growth. Why does this matter so much? Because you can't lead others well if you don't know yourself. When you do, you become a calmer, more grounded, more adaptive leader. Someone who doesn't panic under pressure, offload stress onto their team, or lead reactively. Instead, you lead with intention. Why All Three Work Better Together Each of these elements is powerful on its own. Together, they create something stronger. Your why gives you purpose Your values give you direction ...
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    8 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Reframing Failure

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Reframing Failure
    Dec 17 2025

    In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most important and least discussed realities of leadership: failure. Every leader will experience it. The question is not if it will happen, but how you respond when it does.

    Failure does not mean you are a bad leader. It does not define your character, your capability, or your future. What it does offer is an invitation to reflect, learn, and lead with integrity and resilience.

    Separating Who You Are from What Happened

    One of the most damaging patterns leaders fall into after a misstep is personalization. A decision does not land, a mistake is made, or a risk backfires and suddenly the story becomes:


    "I'm not cut out for this."
    "I failed my team."

    But failure is not an identity. It is an experience. You may have made the wrong call with the information you had. You may have miscommunicated, overlooked something, or taken a risk that did not work out. That does not make you the failure.

    This distinction matters deeply in leadership. When you fuse your identity with a single outcome, you limit your ability to recover, learn, and move forward effectively.

    Why Transparency Builds Trust

    One of the most powerful things a leader can do after a failure is to name it. Not to dramatize it or overexplain, but to acknowledge it honestly.

    When leaders hide their missteps, teams learn to do the same. When leaders model transparency, they create psychological safety. People stop focusing on blame and start focusing on learning.

    Think about the leaders who impacted you most. They were not flawless. They were real. They owned their mistakes, reflected on them, and invited others into problem solving rather than fear. That is what builds trust and credibility over time.

    Reflecting Without Spiraling

    After the initial sting of failure, once emotions settle, the most important leadership question becomes:


    What was my role in this?

    This is not about shame or self blame. It is about honest reflection. Try asking:


    • What choices did I make leading up to this?
    • What assumptions was I operating under?
    • Where did I have an opportunity to course correct?
    • What information or support was I missing?

    This kind of reflection does not weaken your authority. It strengthens it. Taking responsibility for your part, not everything, builds self awareness, wisdom, and long term growth.

    Emotions Are Data, Not the Decision

    Failure often triggers intense emotional responses like fear, embarrassment, anger, or the urge to withdraw. That is normal. Your nervous system is trying to protect you.

    But emotions, while valid, are not the whole story. They are information, not instructions.

    Instead of leading from emotion, lead with awareness. Ask:


    • What is this emotion trying to tell me?
    • What story am I telling myself and is it true?
    • How can I respond in a way that serves the bigger picture, not just my ego?

    That pause between feeling and action is where leadership strength lives.

    Preparing for Failure Instead of Fearing It

    Failure will happen. You do not need to chase it and you do not need to be afraid of it. You can prepare for it.

    Decide now how you want to respond when things do not go as planned. Build practices that help you regulate your nervous system. Remind yourself that you have survived failure before and you will again.

    Leaders who move through failure with clarity, accountability, and compassion are the leaders people trust most. They do not hide. They do not spiral. They reflect, learn, and keep going.

    Failure does not define you.
    Transparency builds trust.
    Reflection fuels growth.

    And leadership continues, wiser than before.

    Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
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    7 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Belief Sparks Possibility

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Belief Sparks Possibility
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I spoke with Pam Miller, a Life and Health Transitional Coach whose leadership story perfectly illustrates the transformative power of one person's belief. Pam shared a defining moment from her twenties. A moment when fear was holding her back, her confidence was shrinking, and she fully intended to say no to an opportunity that terrified her. But one leader saw something in her she couldn't yet see in herself. That single moment changed the entire trajectory of her life. When Fear Keeps Us Small In her twenties, Pam worked with a Christian youth organization called The Navigators, supporting high school students through mentoring, small groups, and faith-based leadership development. She felt confident in one-on-one settings and smaller groups, but when she was asked to be the keynote speaker at a large youth event, she panicked. She immediately imagined herself failing: stumbling over her words, blanking on stage, embarrassing herself. She was ready to decline on the spot. And then her colleague Jim stepped in. He pulled her aside and gently said: "Pam, I can see you doing this. I already see you on that stage, doing a great job." He saw her potential long before she did, and that changed everything. The Moment Belief Sparks Possibility Pam describes that moment as the first time someone spoke belief into her in such a direct and specific way. It stopped her in her tracks. Jim wasn't offering empty encouragement. He was naming a gift she didn't know she had, and he believed it so deeply that Pam began to believe it too. She said yes. She got on stage. She didn't pass out. And more importantly — she felt alive. That single "yes" unlocked an entirely new trajectory for her life, including decades of speaking, coaching, and eventually stepping into her calling as a life and health transitional coach. Fear, Mental Rehearsal, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves During our conversation, Pam and I explored how fear distorts our self-perception. She shared how her brain immediately rehearsed images of failure and how one person's confidence in her helped her mentally rehearse success instead. We talked about research on mental rehearsal, where visualizing a successful outcome can create similar neurological changes to actually practicing the skill. In Pam's story, Jim's belief served as the catalyst that allowed her to see herself succeeding before she ever stepped onto the stage. It's a powerful reminder: Our thoughts shape our outcomes, and fear often lies. Leaders Aren't Born. They're Developed One of the beautiful threads in Pam's story is the reminder that leadership isn't about titles. It's about presence, attention, and support. Sometimes leadership looks like: Naming potential others can't see yet Speaking life into someone who feels discouraged Reflecting strengths buried under fear Offering belief until their own self-belief catches up Pam now carries that forward in her coaching work. She helps women who feel overwhelmed or stuck move through major life transitions and she uses the very same leadership approach Jim modeled for her: seeing the best in others until they can see it too. Navigating Life's Transitions with Courage Pam now supports women through her "Thriving Through Life's Transitions" program, helping them navigate: Personal or professional shifts Health changes Identity loss Overwhelm or discouragement Fear-based thinking and negative self-talk Her work mirrors her own journey: helping women uncover the potential that fear has buried, rebuild confidence, and experience the freedom that comes from small, steady steps forward. As she shared during our conversation, "Everything you ever want is on the other side of yes." Connect With Pam Go say hi to Pam on Instagram and check out her website, where you can also sign up for her newsletter "Insights by Pam." Don't miss out on the free resource she's sharing with Illustrating Leadership Podcast listeners: One Surprising Reason Why We Experience Stress. Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
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    36 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Trusting Yourself as a Leader

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Trusting Yourself as a Leader
    Dec 3 2025
    In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I dive into one of the most essential, and most underrated, leadership skills you can ever develop: self-trust. Leadership will always include moments where the decision, the responsibility, or the next step ultimately rests on you. And in those moments, the voice you trust matters. But for many new and emerging leaders, that inner voice is clouded by fear, doubt, overthinking, or the urge to please others. In this episode, I walk through how to recognize and redirect your saboteurs, tune into your intuition, release people-pleasing patterns, and rebuild the confidence to trust yourself again. Understanding Your Saboteurs We often assume our loudest internal thoughts...the ones that criticize, doubt, catastrophize, or convince us to shrink...are our intuition. But they're not. Those voices are saboteurs: fear-based inner critics trying to keep you safe by keeping you small. They say things like: "You're not experienced enough." "What if people don't like how you handled that?" "You're probably overreacting." If you let saboteurs run the show, you end up making decisions rooted in fear, not wisdom. You'll second-guess yourself, chase external validation, or avoid the very actions leadership requires. The first step isn't fighting your saboteur. It's noticing it. Ask yourself: Is this fear or wisdom? What story is this voice telling me? Do I actually believe it? Redirecting your saboteur is where self-trust begins. Listening to Your Intuition Unlike saboteurs, your intuition is quiet. Steady. Calm. It may show up as a gut feeling, a physical sensation, or a grounded inner knowing. It often tells you truth before logic can catch up. Your intuition might say: "This is right, even if it's hard." "This isn't right, even if it looks good on paper." To access it, ask: What decision would I make if I wasn't afraid? What feels true in my body? What do I know deep down, even if I can't explain it yet? You don't have to be "woo-woo" to listen to your intuition. It's simply nervous system intelligence speaking quietly beneath the noise. Self-trust grows when you create space to hear it. Letting Go of People-Pleasing Many leaders, especially empathetic ones, fall into the trap of people-pleasing. Wanting harmony, wanting to be liked, wanting to support others…these are strengths. But when the desire to please overrides what the team needs, or what you know is right, it becomes a problem. People-pleasing leads to: Saying yes when you mean no Avoiding necessary feedback Overcommitting to prove your worth Prioritizing approval over alignment People-pleasing erodes self-trust because deep down, you know you're not leading from your values. You're leading from a fear of disappointing others. Letting go of people-pleasing isn't harshness. It's honesty. You can be kind and direct, empathetic and boundaried, caring and clear. Leadership isn't about making everyone happy. It's about leading well. How to Build Real Self-Trust Self-trust is built slowly and intentionally through repeated aligned action. Here are three practices I share in the episode: 1. Keep small promises to yourself. Start with simple things, like ending a meeting on time or taking a breath before your next task. Each follow-through reinforces the message: "I can trust myself." 2. Say the hard thing kindly. As you practice honest, compassionate communication, you'll see you can handle tough moments. And that others respond better when you lead with clarity. 3. Take aligned action even when you're nervous. Confidence isn't built by waiting to feel fearless. It's built by moving forward while unsure. Let your values drive your decisions, not your fear. The more you redirect your saboteurs, honor your intuition, and release the need for external approval, the more you'll lead from grounded, authentic confidence. Your Voice Is Wise. Trust It Self-trust is a leadership skill that grows decision by decision. And the more you choose alignment over approval, wisdom over fear, and courage over comfort, the more powerful and grounded your leadership becomes. You already carry the wisdom you need — now is the time to trust it. LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SABOTEURS WITH THIS QUICK ASSESSMENT. And connect with your host, Jessica Wright, on LinkedIn.
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    8 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Leading With Softness

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Leading With Softness
    Nov 19 2025
    In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I had the joy of speaking with Jodi Gagne, Energy coach, EFT practitioner, and former theater stage manager and wedding planner. Jodi's career path is anything but linear, and that's exactly what makes her leadership insights so powerful. From high-pressure environments where there are no second chances to the deeply introspective world of energy coaching, Jodi's story teaches us that leadership isn't just about strength, structure, or decisiveness. It's also about softness, self-trust, and the courage to explore what's happening beneath the surface. Leadership Lessons from High-Pressure Worlds Jodi's early leadership development began in theater and wedding planning. Two industries where improvisation, grace under pressure, and "no excuses" execution are simply part of the job. In those worlds, there is no room for do-overs. The show must go on, and every role matters. What she took away from those environments was a visceral understanding of teamwork, collective energy, and the impact a leader has on the emotional tone of a space. A good leader could uplift the entire production, while a poor one could bring it down completely. But those early experiences taught her something else, too: this approach was largely outside-in: performance-driven, perfection-focused, and endlessly demanding. Discovering Softness and Self-Trust It wasn't until she transitioned into energy coaching that Jodi encountered an entirely different leadership paradigm — one centered on intuition, internal wisdom, and softness. Through the mentorship of Magali Pesha, Jodi learned to check in with herself first, trust what arose internally, and release the comparison mindset that so often dominates performance-driven work. This shift allowed her to embrace a "both/and" approach: Structure and softness Adaptability and self-awareness Responsibility and compassion Leadership, she realized, is not about having all the answers. It's about knowing yourself well enough to respond with grounded clarity. The Power of Honest Self-Awareness A major theme in our conversation was the role of honest self-awareness: the willingness to confront the parts of ourselves that feel uncomfortable, unpolished, or vulnerable. Jodi described self-awareness as an unfolding process, one that "isn't for the faint of heart." It brings us face-to-face with the parts of ourselves we'd rather avoid like insecurity, fear, jealousy, comparison, not-enoughness. But when we can hold softness toward those parts instead of shame, transformation becomes possible. "Every part has a place at the table," she shared. "Even the prickly ones." The Beauty in the Mess Jodi's current work as an energy coach and EFT practitioner helps clients sit with the "messy middle" of their emotions, honor whatever is true in the moment, and create space for relief, perspective, and growth. Rather than bypassing discomfort or rushing toward solutions, she teaches her clients to witness and mirror their own experiences: a practice she believes is profoundly missing in many people's lives. Because before you can build on something, she says, you need a solid foundation — not one made of denial or perfectionism, but of truth and compassion. Why Softness Belongs in Leadership One of the most beautiful throughlines of this episode is Jodi's reflection on softness as a leadership strength. Softness does not replace accountability, structure, or high standards. It tempers them. It helps leaders: Connect more deeply with their teams Build safer environments for expression and creativity Respond instead of react Lead with humility, presence, and emotional intelligence Ultimately, softness makes people feel seen, heard, and capable. Connect with Jodi Gagné You can connect with Jodi on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook, where she shares insights on energy, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), and compassionate self-development. She also offers opportunities to continue the conversation on her website.
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    37 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Power of the Pause

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Power of the Pause
    Nov 12 2025

    A lot of new leaders feel pressure to have the right answer right away. And a lot of seasoned leaders get into trouble when they succomb to this pressure. In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most underestimated leadership tools out there: the pause.

    We live in a world that rewards speed. Fast replies, quick decisions, and constant motion. But some of the best leadership moves come not from rushing forward, but from taking a breath, slowing down, and leading with intention.

    Quick Doesn't Always Mean Effective

    We often glorify leaders who seem decisive, confident, and fast on their feet. There's nothing wrong with decisiveness, but when we move too quickly, we risk making reactive choices that aren't aligned with our values or the bigger picture.

    As I share in this episode, "Quick doesn't always mean smart, and decisive doesn't always mean aligned." If you're always trying to prove you're on top of things, you might actually be skipping over context, intuition, and clarity...the very elements that create strong, sustainable leadership.

    Slowing Down Is Not Hesitation. It's Intention

    The pause is where alignment lives. It's the moment you:

    • Breathe before responding.

    • Listen before speaking.

    • Reflect before deciding.

    In high-pressure moments, when urgency wants to take the wheel, that's the time to pause and ask:

    "Am I reacting or responding?"

    In tough conversations, silence isn't awkward. It's powerful. Letting moments breathe builds depth, not defensiveness.

    And in your weekly rhythms, slowing down helps you zoom out, realign with your vision, and make space for perspective.

    How to Build the Pause into Your Leadership

    Here are three practical ways to use this skill right away:

    1. Take micro-pauses before responding.
      Even three seconds of breath before you answer can change your tone and clarity. It gives you time to regulate and respond with intention.

    2. Protect blank space on your calendar.
      Avoid back-to-back scheduling. Build short breaks between meetings to reflect, stretch, or simply breathe. This isn't wasted time — it's where clarity is created.

    3. Practice saying, "Let me get back to you."
      You don't need to answer every question immediately. Try:

      "I want to give that the thought it deserves. Can I circle back later today?"

      This models thoughtfulness and gives your team permission to do the same.

    The Pause That Changed Everything

    I once coached a leader who felt pressured to always be "on." She made most of her decisions in the heat of urgency and spent hours later cleaning up missteps.

    We introduced a simple practice: before answering any high-stakes question, she'd silently count to five. Within weeks, she noticed her tone shift, her team relax, and her decisions improve. One day, she caught herself about to say yes to something that would have derailed her week and then instead, she paused, reflected, and said no with confidence.

    That pause gave her her power back.

    The Real Power Behind the Pause

    Leadership isn't about always having the answer right away. It's about knowing how to find it. And sometimes, that clarity only comes after a moment of quiet.

    If you've been feeling rushed or reactive, remember: slowing down isn't weakness. It's wisdom.

    Because in a world full of noise and urgency, the leader who pauses is the one who's truly leading.

    Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
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    6 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Listening to Your Body

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Listening to Your Body
    Nov 5 2025
    In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Joanna Lund-Pops, embodied career and leadership coach, to explore how reconnecting with our bodies can transform the way we lead, make decisions, and sustain our energy — especially in the nonprofit and social impact space. Joanna helps changemakers move beyond the "do more with less" mindset and instead reclaim the bold, impactful careers and lives they were meant to have. Her insights remind us that great leadership doesn't come from the head alone — it comes from the whole self. What Embodied Leadership Really Means If you've ever heard the term "somatic" and wondered what it meant, Joanna breaks it down beautifully: the word soma means "body." Somatic or embodied work, she explains, simply means remembering that we have a body — and that it carries important information about how we feel, lead, and connect. In leadership, that awareness can change everything. "When we forget we have a body," Joanna says, "we lose access to the wisdom it holds — like when stress shows up as tension in your shoulders or a knot in your stomach." Somatic practices help leaders slow down, listen, and make decisions that feel aligned — not just logical. The Power of Being Seen When asked about the best leader she's ever worked with, Joanna shared the story of Michael, her chief program officer at a youth development nonprofit. Early in her career, she learned about an external leadership program the day before applications were due — and it required a reference letter. Despite barely knowing her personally, Michael not only agreed to help but sent a thoughtful, two-page recommendation within 30 minutes. What moved Joanna most was how accurately he described her strengths and contributions — proof that he had been paying attention, even when she wasn't reporting directly to him. That moment became a turning point in her leadership journey. "It's one thing to have a leader who believes in you," she shared, "but another to have one who truly sees you." Seeing Your People in a High-Stress Space Working in nonprofits comes with unique pressures: tight budgets, long hours, and the constant drive to serve others often leave little space for employee care. Yet, as Joanna and I discussed, leaders who take the time to know their people and make them feel valued actually create more sustainable organizations. As she put it, "Getting to know your people — really getting to know them — means understanding how they work, not just how you want them to work." She also emphasized that self-awareness is essential for leading well: "You can't help your team regulate if you're not aware of your own body, capacity, or trauma responses. Leadership starts in the nervous system." Why Mission-Driven Leaders Need Embodiment In the nonprofit world, leaders often overextend themselves in service of the mission. But Joanna argues that embodied leadership actually deepens connection to that mission, rather than detracting from it. "When I felt safer and more seen at work," she reflected, "I connected to the mission in a deeper way. People don't leave missions — they leave managers." Through her coaching practice, Joanna helps social impact professionals reconnect to their bodies, reframe scarcity mindsets, and build careers that feel aligned and sustainable. Small Somatic Shifts That Make a Big Difference Embodied leadership doesn't require an hour of meditation every morning — it can start small. Joanna recommends: Taking a short walk when you feel stuck. Pausing to notice where stress shows up in your body. Practicing titration — focusing on one small sensation at a time instead of diving into deep discomfort all at once. Even a few minutes of mindful awareness can help leaders regulate their nervous systems and make clearer, more compassionate decisions. As Joanna says, "If you don't take the time to listen to your body, eventually your body will make sure you do." Connect with Joanna Lund-Pops You can connect with Joanna and explore her embodied career guidance work at her website. Listeners of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast can also email her directly for a free 30-minute coaching session — just mention that you came from the show. Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
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    31 mins
  • Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Leader as a Mirror

    Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Leader as a Mirror
    Oct 29 2025

    In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most transformative mindset shifts for any leader...moving from being the fixer to becoming the coach. When you step into leadership, it's natural to think your role is to have all the answers. But true leadership isn't about solving every problem. It's about helping your team discover their own solutions and strength.

    From Fixing to Reflecting

    As leaders, it's easy to fall into what I call the "fix-it" mindset: rushing in to smooth things over, solve problems, and protect your team from struggle. While well-intentioned, that approach actually does the opposite of what we hope.

    Constant rescuing creates dependency. It signals to your team, you can't figure this out without me. Over time, that erodes both their confidence and yours.

    Leadership isn't about being the hero. It's about helping others become the hero in their own story.

    When you shift to a coaching approach, your goal changes from providing answers to asking questions. Instead of controlling, you reflect. Instead of rescuing, you empower.

    The Power of Reflection

    Think of yourself as a mirror for your team. Your role is to reflect back both strengths and blind spots in order to help people see what they may not notice in themselves.

    Ask questions like:

    • "Here's what I'm noticing. Does that resonate with you?"

    • "This project didn't land the way we hoped — what do you think contributed to that?"

    • "You've had some great wins lately. What's been working?"

    These simple questions do two things:

    1. They invite reflection and ownership, deepening your team's self-awareness.

    2. They show trust and that you believe in their ability to figure things out.

    Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is name someone's strength so they can claim it:

    "I've noticed how calmly you navigate conflict — that's a real asset to this team."
    "You consistently connect the dots across projects. That kind of strategic thinking makes a difference."

    How to Mirror Growth Opportunities

    Mirroring isn't just about praise. It's also about gently reflecting growth areas. Instead of correcting, invite exploration:

    "I've noticed you tend to hesitate before speaking up in meetings. Tell me a little more about what's going on there."
    "It seems like follow-through has been a challenge lately. What's been getting in your way?"

    This approach shifts the conversation from you need to fix this to let's explore this together. It replaces judgment with curiosity...and that's where growth begins.

    A Coaching Rhythm for 1:1s

    If you're new to this leadership style, try using this rhythm in your next one-on-one meeting:

    1. Start with wins: What's going well? What are you proud of?

    2. Move into challenges: What's felt hard or stuck recently?

    3. Encourage reflection: What insights are you noticing?

    4. End with action: What do you want to do differently or build on?

    You're still leading, but you're leading through questions, not directives. You let them lead first.

    Becoming a Mirror, Not a Fixer

    Your team doesn't need you to be their therapist, savior, or hero. What they really need is someone who sees them clearly. Someone who reflects their potential and invites them to rise into it.

    The next time you feel the urge to jump in and fix something, pause and ask:

    "What can I reflect here instead?"
    "How can I help them see what I already see?"

    Because sometimes the most powerful leadership move you can make is holding up the mirror and giving someone the space to recognize their own brilliance.

    Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can connect with and follow her on LinkedIn.
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    7 mins