From Turmoil to Transformation: How Challenges Can Shape the Leader You Were Meant to Be

The past two years have been a ride. Some of the turbulence? I caused myself—wrong calls, bad timing, letting frustration get the better of me. Other parts? Just the reality of doing work that didn’t light me up.

If you’ve ever been in that space, you know how heavy it feels. It’s not just the grind—it’s that quiet voice in your head asking: “Is this really where I’m supposed to be?”

For me, the answer didn’t show up all at once. It came in pieces—lessons learned the hard way, moments of uncomfortable self-reflection, and some big reality checks. And now that I’m on the other side, I can see it clearly: Those two years weren’t wasted. They were the training ground for the leader I am today.

The Gift in the Grind

It’s easy to be grateful when you’re winning. It’s a lot harder to be thankful for the rough patches, the setbacks, and the late nights wondering if you’re making any real progress.

But today, I’m more engaged and energized than I’ve been in years—not in spite of those tough seasons, but because of them. Here’s what they taught me:

1. Adversity is a teacher, not a verdict

I used to see problems as proof I was falling short. Now I see them as my best teachers. Every setback carried a lesson that made me sharper, calmer, and more prepared for the next challenge.

Takeaway:

• When something goes wrong, the first question I ask is, “What is this teaching me?”

• Keep a running list of lessons learned. Those notes will be gold later.

2. Passion is fuel, but perseverance is the engine

Some days I wasn’t passionate. Some days I didn’t even like the work. But showing up and giving my best anyway built habits and credibility I lean on today. Passion can come and go—perseverance is what keeps you moving forward.

Takeaway:

• Don’t tie your performance to your mood. Show up and deliver whether you’re “feeling it” or not.

• When passion is low, look for one small thing you can improve that day. It keeps you from stalling out.

3. Your influence is bigger than your role

For a long time, I thought my job was to lead my team. Now I see my responsibility—and opportunity—go beyond that. The more I poured into my peers and other leaders, the more impact I had.

Takeaway:

• Schedule time each week to connect with other leaders just to share ideas and wins.

• Ask: “Who outside my direct team can I encourage this week?”

4. Extreme ownership starts with looking in the mirror

Here’s the toughest truth I’ve learned: sometimes, I was the one getting in my own way. I blamed conditions, timing, or other people—but the real bottleneck was me.

Owning that was humbling. But it was also freeing. Because if I was the problem, I could also be the solution.

Extreme ownership isn’t about beating yourself up—it’s about taking responsibility for everything in your world. The wins, the losses, and the things you’d rather not admit.

Takeaway:

• Start every problem-solving conversation with, “What could I have done differently?”

• Identify one habit or mindset that’s holding you back—and replace it starting today.

Finding My Place Again

Right now, I’m building with my team in a way that feels natural, energizing, and fun again. And I’m not just leading my store—I’m working to lift my peer leaders and make a real impact across the organization.

That shift didn’t happen because the wind changed. It happened because I changed—my focus, my resilience, and my willingness to own the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Five Ways to Turn a Tough Season Into a Breakthrough

1. Reframe the season. Instead of “I’m stuck,” tell yourself, “I’m in training.”

2. Own everything. Even the things that feel “out of your control.” Especially those.

3. Set micro-goals. Small wins create momentum when big goals feel out of reach.

4. Add value beyond your lane. Helping others succeed reignites your own purpose.

5. Document your journey. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Closing Thought

Leadership isn’t about avoiding storms—it’s about learning to stand in them without losing who you are.

Those two years I used to see as wasted? They were the best leadership training I could’ve asked for. They taught me how to own my results, push through when passion fades, and recognize when the only thing standing in my way was me.

If you’re in your own tough season, remember this: your current struggle is tomorrow’s wisdom—and the second you take full ownership of it, you take control.

control of your future.