Every leader’s journey is unique, and mine has been no exception. Leadership wasn’t something I sought out in the traditional sense. It was something I learned, adapted to, and eventually grew into through a mix of high-pressure environments, key mentors, and hard-earned lessons. My path into talking about leadership came from a mix of passion, necessity, and opportunity. In this post, I want to share the milestones that shaped my journey, the challenges I faced, and what I’ve learned along the way.
The Early Days: Learning Leadership in Public Safety
My leadership journey began in the trenches of public safety and law enforcement. In these high-stakes environments, leadership wasn’t a theoretical concept; it was a matter of life and death. Every decision mattered, and there was little room for error.
These experiences taught me the core of what leadership truly is:
• Accountability: As a leader, I was responsible not just for my actions but for the actions of those I led. Owning both successes and failures was non-negotiable.
• Adaptability: In unpredictable situations, being flexible and resourceful was crucial.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication could mean the difference between order and chaos.
Looking back, these lessons were the foundation of my leadership philosophy. At the time, I didn’t know they would one day inform my consulting and speaking career, but they laid the groundwork.
The Pivot: From Law Enforcement to Private Sector
After years in public safety, I realized my skills and experiences could benefit others outside the field. Leadership challenges aren’t exclusive to law enforcement—they’re universal. Teams everywhere struggle with trust, communication, and motivation.
The pivotal moment came when I was asked to give a presentation on crisis management for a local organization. At first, I hesitated. I wasn’t sure my experience would resonate with a corporate audience. But once I started speaking, I saw the impact my stories and strategies had on the group. That day, I realized two things:
1. Leadership is transferable: Whether you’re managing a public safety team or a corporate department, the core principles of leadership remain the same.
2. I had a voice worth sharing: My unique background gave me a perspective that resonated with people in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
This moment set me on the path to talk about leadership.
The Challenges of Starting Fresh
Transitioning from public safety to the private sector wasn’t easy. I faced a steep learning curve:
1. Imposter Syndrome: I often questioned whether my experiences were “enough” to offer value in different industries. It took time to recognize that my background was not just relevant but incredibly valuable.
2. Building Credibility: Breaking into a new world required me to establish trust with new audiences. Writing articles, networking, and delivering value through engagements helped me gain that credibility.
3. Learning the Business Side: I had to learn how organizations perceived value and how to tie leadership to enhancing that value.
Each of these challenges became a learning opportunity, shaping me into a more effective consultant and speaker.
Why Leadership Matters
What motivates me most about this work is the opportunity to make a difference. I’ve seen firsthand how leadership—good or bad—impacts teams, organizations, and even entire communities. Leadership helps:
• Navigate high-pressure situations: By sharing strategies I’ve used in public safety, I help leaders make confident decisions under stress.
• Build cohesive teams: Leadership is about inspiring people to work together toward a common goal. I provide tools to foster trust and collaboration.
• Develop resilience: Challenges will come, but how leaders respond defines their success.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
As I reflect on my journey, there are a few key lessons I’ve learned that I hope can inspire others who are considering a similar path:
1. Your unique experiences are your greatest asset. Don’t underestimate the value of your background, no matter how niche it may seem. There’s always someone who can benefit from your perspective.
2. Start before you feel ready. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the first step. Begin where you are, with what you have.
3. Build relationships. Leadership is about people, and so is consulting and speaking. The connections you make will be the foundation of your success.
4. Keep learning. Just as I had to learn the business side of consulting, you’ll encounter areas where you need to grow. Embrace the process—it’s part of the journey.
Looking Ahead
Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve built based on leading with confidence and clarity. But my journey is far from over. Leadership is a lifelong practice, and I’m constantly learning, even my own missteps.
Here’s to stepping into the new year with courage, curiosity, and a commitment to lead well.
