Allow Yourself to Be Work In Progress
Transform your leadership skills with this inspiring newsletter
The word "courage" often conjures up images of grand gestures and daring feats. But what about the quiet courage it takes to reinvent yourself, to embrace vulnerability, and to share your voice with the world?
That's the kind of courage I encountered when I connected with Nick Makris, the author of the insightful Substack newsletter, Compounding Leadership. Nick's journey, from pharmacist to seasoned leader to writer, is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing your passions.
In this interview, Nick opens up about the challenges and triumphs of finding his voice as a writer, building a community, and inspiring his readers to take action. He shares valuable insights on vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone seeking inspiration to navigate life's complexities, Nick's story will resonate with you.
Join me in delving into Nick's world and discovering the courage it takes to lead, to write, and to truly connect.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background
I started my journey as a pharmacist, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of patients. Over the years, my path took me into leadership roles at pharmaceutical companies across Canada, Europe, and the U.S., where I had the privilege of helping bring innovative medicines to market and building teams that thrive in complex environments.
What’s always driven me is curiosity and the desire to create a better future. I’m passionate about challenging the status quo, building solutions, and inspiring others to lead with purpose.
This journey eventually led me to create my newsletter, Compounding Leadership—a place where I share leadership lessons I’ve learned with a community of curious minds. My hope is that this newsletter can offer both inspiration and practical advice, whether you’re navigating your career, leading a team, or working towards personal growth.
But above all, my most fulfilling role is being a father to two wonderful teenage boys.
Q: Beyond the act of hitting "publish," what's the most courageous thing you've done as a writer on Substack?
The most courageous thing I’ve done as a writer on Substack is actually calling myself “a writer." It’s something I still struggle with—putting myself out there, beyond my comfort zone, and pushing myself to be seen and heard. It wasn’t easy to step into this new identity. In fact, it took me weeks after publishing on Substack to feel comfortable enough to add "writer/author" to my LinkedIn profile. Yes, I’m a writer, an author—and proud of it!
Taking that leap of faith, even when it feels uncomfortable, has been an ongoing act of courage that continues to challenge me.
Q: Many people dream of writing but fear judgment or failure. What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to share their voice on Substack?
It may sound like a cliché, but my advice is very simple—start by writing for yourself. In my case, I had my two boys in mind and wanted to detail the lessons that may help them navigate their own journeys one day. Writing became a way to reflect on my experiences, and I found that by writing for the people I cared about, it became easier to push past the fear of judgment.
When you focus on your content, rather than worrying about how it will be received, you free yourself from the weight of perfection.
Writing is not about getting it absolutely right, it’s about sharing what matters to you and letting the process evolve in time.
The only way to fail is not to try.
So why not give it a try!
Q: In your opinion, what's the most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with your work?
The most courageous thing a reader can do after engaging with my work is to take action—whether that means applying a piece of advice, reflecting on a lesson, or simply starting a conversation with a friend or colleague.
I believe that ideas only become powerful when they are put into motion.
We live in a world flooded with 24/7 content. It has become way too easy to consume and move on - real growth happens though when we challenge ourselves to apply what we’ve learned, take the next step, or even question our assumptions.
Q: Vulnerability is often a key component of courage. How do you balance being vulnerable with maintaining healthy boundaries as a writer in such a public space?
Vulnerability is essential for connection, but it’s a delicate balance—and one that I continuously reevaluate.
In a public space like Substack, where personal stories often resonate, I try to share what will be helpful to my readers—a personal story that brings the leadership lesson to life—without crossing into areas that might compromise my well-being or the privacy of others. The key is finding that balance and rechecking it. It can be different for everyone—being open enough to be vulnerable while knowing when to hold back.
Q: Courage often involves taking risks. What's the biggest risk you've taken in sharing your writing or building your Substack community?
The biggest risk I’ve taken in sharing my writing and building my Substack community is being authentic—putting myself out there with leadership lessons (sometimes painfully learned). There’s always the fear of not living up to the standards I set for myself, especially when I believe in leading by example. But it’s been so rewarding when colleagues, customers, and friends come up to me and share how something resonated with them.
This is me, this is my voice, and I hope it helps someone in their leadership journey.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck or unfulfilled but is hesitant to take the leap and reinvent themselves?
Start small. Identify one area where you can make a change or take a small risk that excites you. It doesn't need to be perfect. Ask for help. Above all, give yourself permission to be a work in progress.
Q: If you could go back and tell your pre-Substack self one thing about the journey ahead, what would it be?
It truly is about the journey, not the destination. I would tell myself that the path won’t be linear; the milestones may feel distant, but the lessons learned and amazing connections built along the way will be worth it. And yes, your two boys will be the first ones to subscribe to your newsletter.
If you enjoyed this interview and resonate with
way of being, subscribe and reach out! He’d love to hear from you.
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I feel like creatives in general really struggle to validate themselves by calling themselves a writer, filmmaker, artist, etc. Our society has made us a believe than we need to make money from our endeavors in order for them to be worthwhile or valid. But if you have the courage to tell your story and put your creations out into the world, your work is more than worthy of the title! - Ceylan from OBA Media
Great one!!!