Leading Fearlessly in New York

Leading Fearlessly in New York

As I stepped off the plane in New York, excitement and nerves washed over me. I was about to experience a "pinch-me" moment—something I had dreamt about but never quite expected to live. I was there alongside Peace, Katy, from Ausmumpreneur and Women Changing the World, and a group of inspiring female leaders for the launch of our book, Women Living Fearlessly. This project had been a true labor of love, bringing together stories of courage, resilience, and the strength of women who dared to lead fearlessly.

The Journey to New York: A Reflection

As a Relationship-Based Leadership Specialist, my work has always revolved around creating environments where people can be at their best more often. Over the years, I’ve championed the importance of curiosity, insightful questions, and nurturing connections. The journey to New York was more than just a professional milestone; it was an opportunity to reflect on my growth, resilience, and belief in the strength of relationships.

I was overwhelmed when Peace and Katy invited me to contribute to Women Living Fearlessly. I let the email sit in my inbox for three days because I wanted to make sure it was real! It was an amazing opportunity to share my philosophy and the lessons I’ve learned throughout my leadership journey. Writing my chapter was a deeply personal experience. It wasn’t just about my insights but about seeing my life from a different perspective. I wrote it from Bali which gave me the space to sit with my story, re-experiencing some of the highs and the lows.

The Launch Event: A Moment of Pride

Before the launch event, we met in Times Square for a pre-launch photo shoot. Next thing I know, we are told our faces and our book are going to be on a Times Square billboard. I am still pinching myself. Walking into the launch event, I was surrounded by women who had dedicated their lives to leading with courage, empathy, and authenticity. It felt like more than just a book launch; it was the celebration of a movement—a bold declaration that women could lead, succeed, and inspire without compromising who they are.

Standing there, I felt a deep sense of pride, not only in what we had achieved together but in how far I had come on my journey. I remembered the moments of self-doubt and the times when I questioned whether I was on the right path. Yet, in that room full of trailblazing women, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I had found my place among them, not because of my achievements but because of the relationships I had nurtured along the way.

Leaning Into Purpose and Passion

During my time in New York, I was reminded that when we lean into our purpose and passion, our impact naturally follows. Listening to the stories of other fearless women, I saw the profound influence that passion-driven leadership can have. Each story was different, but a common thread was the power of leading with authenticity and the courage to be oneself.

I spoke about leading with strength and kindness, and the importance of trust in building meaningful relationships. These principles are at the heart of everything I do as a Relationship-Based Leadership Specialist. It’s about showing up with integrity, being consistent, and creating a foundation where people feel valued and understood. Hearing the feedback from other women at the event, I felt reassured that these key messages resonated deeply, no matter where one was on their leadership journey.

Being in New York allowed me to see how these principles resonated on a global scale. The core principles of relationship-based leadership - purpose, people, and process - are universal. They transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, resonating with leaders everywhere who seek to make a positive difference.

A Call to Lead Fearlessly

The launch of Women Living Fearlessly was not just a celebration; it was a call to action. For me, leading fearlessly means showing up as your true self, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. It means having the courage to build authentic relationships, to listen, and to lead with empathy. And it means being willing to learn, adapt, and grow—qualities that are essential in today’s ever-changing world. It means having the courage to experiment, to try things out, and to be prepared that you won’t always get it right, but in those moments you are learning.

The Journey Continues

My time in New York was a “pinch-me” moment, but it was also a powerful reminder that the journey is ongoing. There are still more stories to share, more connections to build, and more leaders to inspire. I left New York with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the power of community. Thank you to my co-authors and to Peace and Katy for the opportunity.

As I continue my work as a Relationship-Based Leadership Specialist, I carry with me the lessons learned from this incredible experience. I’m more committed than ever to helping leaders create environments where people can thrive, where authentic conversations can flourish, and where relationships are the foundation of success.

To every woman who has faced challenges and risen above them, to every leader who dares to lead with strength and kindness, and to everyone who believes in the power of relationships—this journey is for you. Thank you, New York, for reminding me of the impact we can create when we lead fearlessly, together.