The Secret Sauce of Leader-Moms: Mixing Courage with a Dash of Gratitude
Dear Fearless Leader-Moms,
I get it. Your inbox is probably overflowing, and here I am, suggesting you pause your marathon run through the relentless demands of leadership and motherhood to read an email.
"Not another lecture!" you groan.
But bear with me—this isn't your typical preachy sermon on work-life balance.
This is about unraveling the secret sauce that could very well be your next power move in the boardroom and at the bedtime story session.
Mixing courage with a dash of gratitude isn't just for the culinary adventurous.
It's the mantra that could save your sanity, amplify your impact, and possibly make you the subject of a future Harvard Business Review case study on how to nail the leader-mom gig.
Courage and Gratitude: Your New Executive Tools
Remember when you faced down that room full of skeptics, pitching an idea that was so out there, it just might work? That was courage, my friend. And when you silently thanked the universe for your team's dedication as you celebrated a project milestone, that was gratitude in its purest form.
Imagine applying that same boldness and thankfulness to the high-stakes game of raising future leaders (a.k.a., your kids). It's about making tough calls with a heart full of love and a mind fortified by the belief that yes, you are doing an incredible job.
Actionable Tip: The Courage to Delegate and the Grace to Thank
This week, I challenge you to delegate a task you've been clinging to, either at work or home, that someone else can handle. Yes, I mean it. Let it go. Then, watch as empowerment blossoms on both fronts.
Next, express gratitude. Send a thank-you note to a colleague or team member for their hard work. At home, acknowledge your partner or child for something they've done, no matter how small. Watch the magic unfold.
The Not-So-Secret Recipe for Success
Blending courage and gratitude doesn't require a masterclass.
It requires you—yes, you, reading this email between meetings or soccer practices—to pause and recognize your own strength and the contributions of those around you.
So, here's to you, the leader-mom who's flipping the script and showing the world that it's possible to lead with audacity and appreciate with depth. Who needs perfection when you've got this powerful combo?
Let's keep the conversation going. Hit reply and share how courage and gratitude play out in your life. Or, if you're feeling brave, tell me about a time you wished you had a bit more of one (or both).
Here's to mixing it up,
Magdalena