Let’s normalize conscious leadership

Not just for those at the top, leadership is for everyone

If you asked most people to describe what a leader looks like, you might receive answers like:

• the CEO of a large corporation
• a high position in a country’s government
• a 30 to 40-something, white, cisgender male
• authoritative, controlling and has all the answers
• lone wolf, disconnected from their team
• someone with many followers or admirers
• wealthy, influential, powerful
• driven, hustles and pushes others

There’ve been amazing leaders throughout history, as well as incredibly dysfunctional and destructive personalities. No leader is perfect, nor should they have to live up to unrealistic expectations. However, there are crucial differences between power hungry leaders and those who use their position in the community to uplift and empower everyone else.

We’re acculturated to believe only a few people can attain a leadership role. You must climb an invisible ladder, stepping on others to get ahead. Your title is a status symbol and how much money you have in your bank account demonstrates worthiness. More is better, sometimes to the…