The Quiet Power of Leadership

A reflection on humility, trust, and why sometimes the most powerful role is simply holding space.

Do you ever notice how, during different phases of life, you can become so fully absorbed in the season you’re in that it shapes everything about how you show up? We leave some things behind, we carry others with us—but if we pay attention, there are always threads that remain constant. The foundation of who we are.

Here’s what I mean:

When I was teaching yoga regularly, I wanted to share the deeper parts of yoga philosophy “off the mat.” I posted quotes, had deeper conversations with friends and family, and poured myself into bringing those teachings to my students.

Same when I was all about essential oils—teaching classes, gathering people, sharing everything I knew about wellness. Same when I was studying nutrition, working in a health-conscious restaurant, or ghostwriting for a dietitian. Same when I was immersed in the food industry, geeking out over ingredients no one else at the table recognized. Same when I was in my fitness phase, recruiting friends into accountability groups. And again in my leadership roles—managing large teams and, now, offering that same leadership in retreat spaces.

What’s funny is, I still love all of those things—yoga, oils, good food, wellness—but I don’t share them nearly as much as I once did. These days I find myself quieter, more of a space holder, stepping in boldly when I’m needed—for others and for myself.

That’s especially true in the retreat world. On my retreats, my job is to plan every detail so attendees don’t have to think about their next move. They can fully retreat into a life-changing experience. Similarly for my assistants, the structure allows them to show up fully and confidently. I create schedules, manage the money, and design everything from top to bottom. The feedback I receive is consistent: the flow is seamless, the experience is unmatched, and people trust me because I make it easy.

Recently, a collaborator told me, “I know how to do what I do, but I need your leadership.” And honestly, it felt good to be recognized that way. To be seen as a leader without having to prove it. We’ve never been in the same room, but she knows from our calls and projects that I’ll show up exactly as I say I will. To me, that’s leadership.

Leadership isn’t about having the best résumé, the most degrees, or being able to talk endlessly about what we know. Leadership is showing up steady. It’s holding space and meeting people where they are. It’s anticipating needs and guiding others—not asking what they can do for you, but how you can serve them. True leadership is humble.

And part of that steadiness, I’ve learned, is knowing when to step in fully—and when to step back, empowering others to rise. It’s about creating space for people to bring their gifts forward, while trusting the strength of the whole.

Taking nearly 25 years in the hospitality industry and channeling that into a business that leads women through experiences that change their lives—that still blows my mind.

If I’m honest, I’ve struggled to fully step into calling myself a leader. And yet… I’ve hosted multiple sold-out retreats in one of the most logistically challenging places in the U.S. I have colleagues who turn to me for support. I have a growing list of women eager to join my retreats, and I also get to support the women who work with me in building new skills and confidence through this work. Staying humble will always be important to me, but stepping into my power as a leader—that’s the work now.

Maybe the truth is, I’ve been a leader all along. Not because I said it, but because I lived it. And maybe writing this is simply my reminder that leadership isn’t something I have to chase—it’s already who I am.

And maybe that’s true for you too, in your own way—are you feeling ready to step into this next empowered version of yourself? I’d love to know.