Why Beauty, Wellness, and Meaning Are My Leadership Compass
Over time, I’ve realized that the kind of leader I want to be—and strive to be—isn’t built solely on strategy, skills, or experience. It’s rooted in who I am, how I care for myself, and how I choose to show up. I strive to lead from the inside out.
At the heart of it all are three core pillars: beauty, wellness, and meaning. These values shape not only how I lead in business, but how I move through every facet of life. They guide how I manage my time and energy, how I nurture relationships, and how I make aligned, intentional decisions—whether I’m navigating a major project at work or simply trying to be a more present spouse, parent, daughter, and friend.
Because, like most of us, I wear many hats. Leader. Mother. Wife. Friend. Sister. Daughter. And every day brings a thousand little decisions, shifting priorities, and unexpected moments that ask me to pivot and respond with clarity and grace.
These pillars have become my compass through all of it. And they’ve changed everything.
Beauty: shaping experiences that make us feel
When I talk about beauty, I’m not referring to surface-level perfection or polished aesthetics. My definition of beauty is much deeper—more emotional, more human. To me, beauty is about how we shape the experiences we have in the world and with each other in a way that makes us feel something real.
It’s the thoughtful details in how we host a gathering, the intentional way we listen in a conversation, or the atmosphere we create in a room that makes someone feel safe, seen, or inspired. It’s not just about how something looks—it’s about how it feels.
In leadership, beauty shows up in the culture we cultivate, the tone we set, the emotional energy we carry into a meeting or a difficult conversation. It’s about crafting experiences that are rooted in care, creativity, and connection. Experiences that move people. That uplift. That ground.
When we lead with beauty, we lead with heart. We pay attention not just to outcomes, but to the emotional imprint we leave behind. And in a world that often feels rushed and transactional, choosing beauty is a quiet act of defiance—an intentional way to bring warmth, meaning, and humanity back into the spaces we touch.
Wellness: the foundation of sustainable leadership
This pillar has become non-negotiable for me. If I’m not well—physically, emotionally, or mentally—I can’t lead with clarity, consistency, or compassion. Wellness is not just a personal priority; it’s a leadership imperative. When I’m well, I’m better equipped to support others, make sound decisions, manage stress, and stay calm in the face of uncertainty.
That means fueling my body with whole, nourishing foods. Nutrition directly affects my energy, mood, and focus, and eating well is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways I stay grounded. Movement is also essential—a daily reset that clears my mind, releases tension, and reconnects me with my body. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or just stretching between meetings, exercise helps me regulate my energy.
I also actively protect my peace. For me, that means making time for the things that bring me quiet joy and help me reset—writing, tinkering with creative projects, or simply diving into something unrelated to work. These moments of personal expression and play help me stay emotionally clear and grounded.
One of the most energizing ways I fill my cup is by feeding my mind. Curiosity and learning—whether through reading, exploring new ideas, traveling, or diving into unfamiliar topics—keep me sharp, inspired, and humble. Continuous learning stretches my thinking and helps me stay open, adaptable, and creative, all of which are essential in leadership.
When I’m well, I don’t just feel better—I lead better. I listen more deeply, respond more calmly, and bring grounded, steady energy into every space I enter. And this extends far beyond work. Wellness allows me to show up fully and lovingly in every area of life—at home, in friendships, in motherhood, and in partnership. It’s the root system that supports everything else.
Meaning: leading with purpose and clarity
Meaning is what helps me stay aligned and focused. It’s what gives me the courage to say no to things that don’t serve the bigger picture, and a resounding yes to the things that do.
When I choose projects, activities, or goals, I ask: Does this feel meaningful? Is it aligned with my values? Will it bring value to others in a way that matters?
Leadership with meaning isn’t just about results—it’s about impact. It’s about building something that reflects who you are and the legacy you want to leave behind.
This pillar keeps me tethered to purpose, especially when things get noisy or overwhelming. It reminds me why I’m here.
This is bigger than business—it’s a way of life
While these pillars guide me in my work and leadership, they are not confined to my professional life.
This mindset shapes how I live.
It shapes how I parent—with patience, presence, and a desire to raise children who are grounded in values, not just outcomes.
It influences how I show up in friendships—with consistency, empathy, and room for deep connection.
It strengthens my relationship with my husband—because when I’m aligned internally, I can show up with more compassion and clarity in our shared life.
It also deepens how I relate to my parents, extended family, and community—with more listening, more intention, more love.
I don’t believe in compartmentalizing leadership and life. To me, the best leaders are those who live in alignment—who lead not from a title, but from a deep, grounded sense of self.
And that’s what I continue to strive for. A life where beauty, wellness, and meaning are not just ideals, but daily practices. Where leadership is a reflection of inner clarity. And where the way we live is the most powerful way we lead.