Leadership starts from within. Over the past decade, working in Saudi Arabia and the U.S, I’ve learned that before we lead others, we must lead ourselves. Self-leadership means being self-aware, committed to growth, and emotionally intelligent. It’s about setting clear goals, managing priorities, and leading by example. Resilience and adaptability are also crucial to face challenges and inspire others. Equally important is knowing what kind of leader not to be. Avoid being authoritarian; leaders who lead by fear harm trust and collaboration. Don’t be inauthentic; people respect leaders who act with integrity and transparency. Lastly, never be non-inclusive; great leaders embrace diversity and fairness. By focusing on self-leadership and avoiding these pitfalls, we can inspire and lead effectively, making a positive impact wherever we are.
