We each have values and passions that are unique. These passions are clues that can lead us to the life we dream of. Many of us have experienced the internal tension that comes from doing something we don't like to do, or from saying something we don't believe to be true. That's not leadership.

Leadership is about shining our light authentically. True leadership is about clarifying our passions in order to inspire the best in others and ourselves. To do that, we need to get clear on what we truly value, and then practice speaking and living our own truth rather than someone else's.

In other words, we start by clarifying our own passions – the things we care about and why – and then sharing them with the world. When we follow our passions, we live a more authentic life. That authenticity increases our joy and fulfillment. It's that simple.

Even in our darkest, most insecure and fearful moments, we still have everything we need to be leaders.

What if every time we experienced worry or stress, those feelings were meant to be reminders to us about how powerful we are? What if every moment of doubt was meant to be a call for us to remember our best selves?

Our light may feel dim at times, but it can never go out. Beyond a healthy humility, negative self-talk and harsh self-criticism don't serve us well. Leadership at its core starts with self-love. Are we ready to embrace the weakest parts of ourselves, knowing that they help the strongest parts of us grow?

The idea that we can control the world around us – with our words, plans, goals, or actions – is an alluring fiction. It is a fiction that many of us hold onto for years, until an unforeseen crisis or random act of fate disrupts our carefully constructed worldview.

In truth, nearly everything in our lives exists outside of our control. Leaders don’t need to know all the answers, and seldom do. Rather, leaders spend time learning to navigate the unknown, step by step, moment by moment, with presence and alignment to their beliefs, values, and purpose.

In moments of uncertainty we can trust that we are fully prepared to "show up to what shows up." We only have to know the next step. Life will illuminate the right next step we need to take.

Leaders know that there’s a bigger plan. Some call it Fate; others God; others the Universe; others the Divine. Some may call it Science.

Whatever you name it, leaders realize there are larger forces at work. The sun rises without us having to set an alarm on our cell phone. The seasons change without needing a calendar appointment to do it. There is a grand set of forces working all around us. Those forces sometimes communicate to us via insight, intuition, and synchronicity.

Leaders polish their intellectual skills, but they are just as willing to follow their instincts, feelings, and heart as they walk in awareness.