LEAD with Impact: What I've learned about Leadership.

What I Learned from “Lead with Impact”: Growing as a Leader Through Self-Reflection and Adaptability

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a leadership training program called Lead with Impact, and it was an experience that reshaped the way I think about leadership—not just as a position, but as a practice.

One of the most valuable takeaways from the training was the need for self-reflection. In leadership, it's easy to focus on leading others, but the real growth starts with leading yourself. Lead with Impact emphasized looking inward: understanding your motivations, recognizing your blind spots, and staying grounded in your values. Self-reflection isn’t a one-time exercise—it’s a habit that strengthens your emotional intelligence, decision-making, and authenticity as a leader.

The training explored different leadership styles—from  servant leadership to transformational, from directive to coaching, and collaborative to authoritative —and more. This training challenged us to identify our natural styles while learning to flex between others. Why? Because no one style fits every team or situation. A great leader knows when to step back, when to step in, and how to adapt their approach to bring out the best in others to get the job done well.

Alongside that was a powerful lesson on communication: not just speaking clearly, but truly connecting. Lead with Impact reminded us that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. People have different needs, backgrounds, and working styles. To lead effectively, you must adjust how you communicate—whether that means simplifying a message, listening more intentionally, or showing empathy in a tough moment. The benefits in doing so builds trust, improves innovation, enhances productivity, strengthens moral and resolves conflict.

Another core theme of the training was the importance of continuous learning. Great leaders don’t “arrive”—they evolve. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or lived experience, the best leaders are always curious, always listening, and always growing. In a fast-changing world, staying open to learning is what keeps leadership relevant and effective.

Our final project involved giving a presentation of what we learned from first-hand experience and what we learned in the class. We also presented our leadership goals to one another, not just to get us thinking about how we can lead with intention, but also to hold ourselves accountable.

My presentation on leadership to "LEAD with Impact" participants on May 29, 2025.

Ultimately, this training helped me see leadership as a dynamic, people-centered craft. One that demands self-awareness, adaptability, and the humility to keep learning. I walked away feeling inspired—not just to lead—but to lead with intention and to lead with impact. To me, that means inspiring others, nurturing their work environment and shining the light on their success.