Lead Like a Lady: Turning Life’s Battles into Leadership Triumphs

In the dim light of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Children’s Hospital, I found myself living a parent’s worst nightmare. My daughter, lying in a hospital bed, was fighting a battle against a pulmonary embolism and blood clots in her lungs—a condition that abruptly turned our lives upside down. As I sat there, a flood of thoughts washed over me, but one stood out starkly: the simplest moments can sometimes teach us the most profound lessons about leadership.

Leadership isn’t a title reserved for the few; it’s a role we all play at various points in our lives

Rachel Fox

Leadership isn’t a title reserved for the few; it’s a role we all play at various points in our lives, often without even realizing it. As a mother, I was called to be the first line of defense for my daughter, advocating for her safety and well-being. This situation reminded me that leadership is deeply woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. It’s about listening to that inner voice that tells you something isn’t right and having the courage to act on it, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Many of us question our ability to lead. We wonder if we have what it takes or if we’re even considered leaders at all. But here’s what I’ve learned: leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about seeing a need, stepping up to meet that need, and influencing outcomes for the better. Whether you’re a mom, a sister, a CEO, or an associate pastor, you are a leader in your own right.

Standing by my daughter’s hospital bed, I realized that I am a leader to her. This experience, as heart-wrenching as it was, taught me that leadership comes in many forms. It’s not always about the grand gestures or public acknowledgments. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet strength we find within ourselves in the face of adversity.

I am a Black woman, a mother of eleven children, each with their own unique personalities, likes, and dislikes. Yet, they all share one common trait: a fierce love for their mother. This love, this bond we share, has been my greatest source of strength and has shaped me into the leader I am today. My children have taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, showing me that it’s about being present, making sacrifices, and guiding them with wisdom and love.

Leadership can be daunting, especially when faced with the unknown. But if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that we, as women, have been called to lead in many different ways. This calling is not just about professional achievements; it’s about making a difference in the lives of those around us, in big and small ways.

The narrative of women in leadership is changing. It’s becoming more inclusive, recognizing the diverse roles women play in society. As women, we are called to lead not just with our minds but with our hearts. We are called to be advocates, mentors, and visionaries in our communities, workplaces, and homes.

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that leadership is indeed a calling—a calling to serve, to inspire, and to empower. It’s about embracing the challenges and opportunities that come our way and using them to forge a path for others to follow.

So, to every woman reading this: know that you are a leader. Your experiences, your struggles, and your triumphs have prepared you for this role. Lead with courage, lead with love, and most importantly, lead in a way that only you can.

This blog post is more than just words on a screen. It’s a call to action for all women to recognize their power and potential as leaders. Whether in moments of crisis or in the everyday choices we make, our ability to lead can make a profound difference. Let’s embrace our leadership journey together, with all its ups and downs, and empower each other to rise to the occasion, time and time again.

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