The Clash of Style

For me, leadership has never been about chasing titles or checking boxes—it’s about investing my heart into the success of my team and organization. After 26 years of leading in retail, one thing I know for sure is this: when your heart is in it, the work feels bigger than the role.

But here’s the reality—leaders around us don’t all approach the job the same way. Some lead with deep, heart-focused commitment to their people, while others lean more self-focused, looking out for recognition, comfort, or career climbing. Early in my career, this used to frustrate me. I’d find myself asking: Why am I pouring so much into my team when others aren’t doing the same?

Over time, I learned something freeing: you can’t control how others lead, but you can always control how you show up. True leadership is defined by consistency, integrity, and the standard you set for yourself—even when the playing field feels uneven