🔥 The Spark

A couple of years into working at a new company, I started searching for leadership development opportunities. I wasn’t managing a team, but I wanted to grow in how I showed up at work — in areas like communication, influencing without authority, and giving and receiving feedback.

On a mission to build those skills, I met with someone from our learning and development team to see what might be available for employees like me. Their answer surprised me. Summarized, they said:

“We focus on developing leaders from the top down. That way, leaders can pass the learning to their teams. If individual contributors want to grow, that’s their responsibility.”

I was disappointed. While I understood the intention, the reality was inconsistent. Some leaders actively coached and shared what they were learning. Others didn’t prioritize development at all.

The message I took away: leadership development is reserved for people who already have leadership titles.

But I didn’t want to wait for a title to start building the habits of a strong leader. I wanted to grow right where I was, when the pressure was lower and the space to experiment was bigger.

💡The Insight

In many organizations, leadership development is positioned as a reward for promotion, performance. But leadership isn’t earned through tenure or title — it’s how you carry yourself. It’s the tone you set in meetings. How you respond to conflict. How you support others. How you manage your time and energy.

If that’s true, why wait?

Here’s the truth I came to accept:

No one is more invested in your growth than you.

Not your manager. Not your company.

You.

That doesn’t mean you stop asking for support or advocating for better systems. But it does mean you don’t depend on others to drive your development.

📘The Turning Point

One skill I wanted to work on was giving and receiving feedback. Since it appeared I was on my own to figure this out, I started on a quest to learn more. I picked up the book Radical Candor by Kim Scott — and I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to talk about it with others, so I started a book club with colleagues and invited members of an employee resource group I was involved in.

That small book club turned out to be a pivotal experience. We had real conversations, challenged our habits, and created space to grow together.

I learned how to ask for feedback, how to give it kindly and clearly, and how to accept it with curiosity. Inspired by the book, I started seeking feedback more intentionally — from peers, from leaders — and what I heard helped me grow in real (sometimes uncomfortable) ways. (I’ll write more about that soon.)

If I had waited for a perfect program to be handed to me, I would’ve missed all of it.

Taking ownership of my development wasn’t just necessary — it was empowering.

Today, the company referenced earlier has evolved. The learning and development strategy now includes resources for employees at many levels — not just those at the top. I have taken part in the offerings, and been pleased with their commitment. Regardless, taking action and showing up for myself is what matters most.

🪄 The Next Step

Try this:

✅ Identify one skill you want to grow — giving feedback, setting boundaries, managing your energy, running better meetings.

🧠 Ask: What’s one thing I can do this week to practice that skill?

🔁 Then do it. Don't strive for perfection. You’re building the habit, not waiting for the program.

✨ Bonus: Invite others in. Growth is contagious.

🧭 Go Further

Learn

🔍 Explore what’s available wherever you are — at work, in school, or beyond. What leadership development resources or communities already exist? Ask around. Find one thing to tap into.

Grow

📚 Radical Candor by Kim Scott offers a direct, human approach to feedback — how to care personally while challenging directly. While the book targets people leaders, the lessons apply whether you manage others or not.

🎧 The Radical Candor podcast is one I regularly return to. A favorite episode:

• “Radically Candid Conversations: Muriel Wilkins and Kim Scott on the One Skill Leaders Need Today”

Reflect

🪞Where have you already shown leadership — even without a formal title?

The Spark

"Am I even serving a purpose anymore?" she asked me.

I could relate because I was experiencing something similar. I also lead a mentorship program that is part of the same broader enterprise initiative, and that means less hands-on involvement for me.

We've both dedicated ourselves to these programs. Every detail, from setting the strategy, managing committees, building the application to recruiting mentors, organizing timelines, and writing communications – we were in the trenches.

And now?

The programs and processes we've built have influenced leaders to model an enterprise mentorship program after what we built.

That is incredible! And, it means our role has shifted from doer to leader.

The Insight

It is hard to be in the “messy middle” - switching between doing and leading. It's about finding your new voice as a leader. Letting go of the familiar comfort of being the doer.

It's not about being indispensable by doing everything yourself, it's about empowering others and working together to achieve a shared goal.

We can shift our mindset from doing to leading.

The Next Step

This week, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to reflect on where we can empower others. Perhaps you can delegate a task you've been holding onto, practice active listening offer instead of giving answers, or create space for someone else to shine.

This is how we find our voice as everyday leaders – by empowering others to find theirs.

And remember, it's okay to still love the hands-on aspects of your work! The goal is to find a balance that allows you to leverage your strengths and make the biggest impact.

Go Further

Listen

Brené Brown and Simon Sinek on the leadership skills we need to build | ReThinking with Adam Grant

Brené, Simon and Adam discuss how traditional leadership models are no longer sufficient. They explore the skills that are crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace.

Read

How to be an Effective Leader at any Career Stage

Leadership is about influencing others, and regardless of your job title or years of experience, you're a leader. This article highlights a unique leadership development framework called PACE - Pick, Apprise, Collect, and Elicit. Find out how you can identify your growth goals, make them happen, and iterate over time.

Reflect

Think about a leader you admire. What qualities do they possess that inspire you? How can you cultivate those qualities in your own leadership, in your own way?

Grab a notebook, type it out, or take a voice note capturing your thoughts.

It just felt right.

Everything I thought I knew about having a daughter has changed. It's been healing, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Parenting a strong, determined little lady like Grace isn't always easy, but watching her grow and shine makes it all worthwhile.

People will often tell me, she is just like you! Hearing that is an honor. I could only be so lucky to be anything like Grace. She will move mountains. The world won’t knock her down - I won’t let it.

The love I’ve given her comes full circle, and allowed me to love myself, and give myself grace.

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💪2025: Stepping into Empowerment
This year, I'm taking those reflections and turning them into action.

👩🏻‍💻 Professionally, I'm ready to embrace new challenges and continue growing. It's hard to believe I'm celebrating 5 years at my employer – time flies! Looking back on my journey, I'm amazed by the growth and opportunities I've experienced. This year, I'm empowering myself to take ownership of my day-to-day work, my career, and create the path I want. I'm also excited to empower others through mentorship and my leadership role within the Employee Resource Group I support.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 On the personal front, we are entering a new era! My husband John enlisted in the Minnesota Air National Guard and will be on active duty for basic training and technical school beginning mid-February. I will be solo parenting our two kiddos (9 and 6) and managing everything that goes with running a household until October! I know we'll find our groove, and I am excited for him as this mid-career change comes with growth and opportunity, for him and our family. This year is about empowering myself to embrace the challenge and empowering my kids to step up and own their responsibilities.

🌟👏Thank you to all who have been a part of my life - personally or professionally - over the last year. I look forward to what's to come in 2025!

I've been there. I AM there. And for a long time, I thought I had to have it all figured out. But the truth is, we all have different things figured out. We're all on this journey together, learning and growing along the way.

That's why I created this space. It has been on my mind and heart for years, but it is time to finally take the plunge.

I'm Leah Spielman, and I'm passionate about supporting women through connection, mentorship, and career development. I want this space to be broad, because we are MORE than our jobs and careers.

This isn't about me being the expert with all the answers. I believe that true growth happens in connection, and I'm here to walk alongside you, sharing my own experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

In this Substack, we'll explore:

• Navigating life's transitions: Whether it's career changes, relationships, or personal growth, we'll explore how to embrace change with grace and resilience.

• Cultivating a mindset for success: We'll reflect and explore, becoming more self-aware and confident, to approach your work and career with empowerment.

• Curated resources and connection: We'll create a shared space to exchange inspiring resources and support each other's growth.

Expect honest reflections, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement delivered to your inbox. My hope is that you'll find a sense of belonging, inspiration, and support for wherever you are.

Hit subscribe, and let’s get this going!