The real reason I got into leadership

So you wanna know the real reason I got into leadership and those who inspired me?

SPITE. That was the initial motivator.

Let me explain.

Back in college, I had this Peer Mentor who's leadership style resembled that of an absent parent.

She would bring me to her dorm room, put on the TV, scroll on her phone and after an hour I would ask if that was enough "mentorship" for one day. I vowed to do better than her and I did, way better.

IT DIDN'T END THERE.

In my first job out of college, my supervisor, a grown ass man had a full on tantrum after we disobeyed him. When we confronted him, he claimed that he didn't in fact lose his absolute mind slamming shit around the office.

I realized then that being put in a leadership position didn't mean you were capable to lead.

MANY US OF GET INTO CHANGE WORK OUT OF SPITE.

We see an injustice. We meet someone who got us fucked up. We get a rumble in our spirit that says it doesn't have to be this way.

THIS SPITE CAN GET US TO BEGIN...BUT CAN IT SUSTAIN US?

Back then, I wanted to prove that the "leaders" I saw, weren't the only way to lead or engage in change.

THIS IS WHAT MOVES ME NOW.

This is a screenshot from a former supervisee that reads:

"I have been supervised by you in a workplace && all I can say is she means every word. I miss your leadership led with grace and compassion. It was a very healing experience to have someone who understands my struggles as a single mother in NYC! Forever grateful for all you have taught me in that short time"

Today, I focus on leadership because I've already proved to myself that we can do leadership differently. And now, I try to help others believe the same.

Why?

Because I wonder what the world would look like if we saw leadership as a way of moving with people, not a position.