by Josh Ball | Jun 16, 2025 | Brand Building, Career Transition, leadership
Too many high-performers second-guess themselves the moment the room gets bigger. New titles, new stakes, new people, same you. But imposter syndrome thrives in silence. And leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about bringing the right presence.
You Belong in the Room, Even If It Feels New
There’s a moment in every leader’s journey where the table changes.
New job, new industry, new challenge.
And suddenly, the same confidence that carried you through storms starts whispering doubts…
“Do I really belong here?”
I’ve been there. Stepping from law enforcement into corporate security. Sitting across from executives in tailored suits with business school pedigrees. And here I was boots-on-the-ground experience, a different kind of resume, and a whole lot of lessons learned from the field.
It felt like a mismatch. But it wasn’t. It was growth.
Here’s what I had to learn the hard way…and maybe you do too
- The room didn’t invite you by accident
- You weren’t a charity hire. You were chosen because your perspective is needed. Full stop.
- New doesn’t mean unqualified.
- There’s a difference between being unprepared and being uncomfortable. The first requires action. The second requires belief.
- Humility and authority can coexist.
- You don’t have to pretend to know everything. Ask the smart questions. Listen well. Speak when it counts.
- Growth always feels unfamiliar.
- That’s the point. If it were comfortable, it wouldn’t be growth it’d be repetition.
Try This
Next time you walk into a new room, whether it’s an executive meeting, project kickoff, leadership roundtable, remind yourself:
- “I earned this seat.”
- “I bring value no one else does.”
- “I don’t have to prove everything today, I just have to show up aligned with who I am.”
The Bottom Line
Belonging isn’t about comfort it’s about conviction. You belong in the room not because you’ve mastered it, but because you’re willing to grow inside of it.
And that’s exactly what real leadership looks like.
by Josh Ball | Jan 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
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.
by Josh Ball | Jan 1, 2025 | leadership
As a leader, every new year is a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Leadership is a journey, not a destination, and the lessons we learn along the way shape us into more effective and compassionate guides for those we serve. As we step into this year, here are seven essential leadership lessons to carry forward. These principles will not only strengthen your ability to lead but also inspire your team to achieve their full potential.
1. Vision is Everything—Start with “Why”
A leader without a vision is like a ship without a compass. Simon Sinek’s iconic message, “Start with Why,” remains as relevant as ever. To lead effectively, you must articulate a clear and compelling vision that resonates with your team.
Take the time to evaluate your organization’s mission. Ask yourself:
• What are we trying to accomplish this year?
• Why does it matter?
When your “why” is clear, your team will naturally align their efforts toward achieving it, creating momentum that sustains even in the face of challenges.
2. Communication is a Superpower
One of the most undervalued skills in leadership is communication. Clear, consistent, and authentic communication builds trust and minimizes misunderstandings. In the new year, commit to refining how you communicate with your team.
This includes:
• Actively listening without interrupting.
• Providing actionable feedback that empowers rather than criticizes.
• Setting clear expectations and aligning them with measurable outcomes.
Remember, great leaders don’t just tell—they engage, inspire, and motivate through meaningful dialogue.
3. Empowerment is the Key to Growth
Micromanagement is a trap that many leaders fall into, especially during high-pressure situations. However, true leadership lies in empowering others. This year, focus on delegating more responsibilities and trusting your team to deliver results.
Here’s how you can empower effectively:
• Assign tasks based on strengths and interests.
• Provide the resources and support they need to succeed.
• Celebrate their achievements and use failures as opportunities for growth.
Empowerment fosters innovation, builds confidence, and creates a culture of ownership within your organization.
4. Adaptability is Non-Negotiable
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that change is constant and unpredictable. Leaders who can pivot quickly and embrace flexibility are the ones who thrive.
Adopt an agile mindset by:
• Staying open to new ideas and technologies.
• Encouraging a culture where adaptability is rewarded.
• Learning from setbacks instead of dwelling on them.
In 2024, make adaptability one of your core values. It’s the difference between surviving and thriving in a rapidly changing world.
5. Emotional Intelligence is a Competitive Advantage
Gone are the days when technical skills alone defined a great leader. Emotional intelligence (EQ)—the ability to understand, manage, and influence emotions—is now a crucial leadership trait.
Leaders with high EQ:
• Build stronger relationships with their teams.
• Resolve conflicts more effectively.
• Inspire loyalty and commitment.
Focus on improving your self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation this year. These skills will not only enhance your leadership but also create a more positive and productive workplace environment.
6. Resilience is Built, Not Born
Leadership is not without its challenges, and resilience is what will carry you through the toughest moments. Resilience is not just about bouncing back but also about growing stronger from adversity.
Build resilience by:
• Practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques.
• Surrounding yourself with a strong support network.
• Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Remember, resilience isn’t just for you—it’s a quality you can instill in your team. When they see you navigating challenges with grace and determination, they’ll be inspired to do the same.
7. Leading with Integrity is Non-Negotiable
At the heart of great leadership lies integrity. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Leaders who operate with honesty and transparency earn the trust and respect of their teams.
This year, prioritize integrity by:
• Leading by example—your actions should match your words.
• Owning up to mistakes and taking responsibility for them.
• Making decisions that align with your values and the greater good.
Integrity is the foundation of trust, and trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership.
Putting These Lessons Into Action
Leadership is not about perfection; it’s about progress. As you navigate the year ahead, use these seven lessons as guiding principles. Reflect regularly on how you’re applying them and where you can improve.
A few actionable steps to start:
1. Schedule weekly or monthly check-ins with yourself or your team to review your goals.
2. Ask for feedback from peers and subordinates—leadership is a two-way street.
3. Create a personal development plan to sharpen your skills in areas like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
By committing to these lessons, you’re not only setting yourself up for success but also creating a ripple effect of positive change within your organization. Here’s to a year of growth, impact, and inspiring leadership!
