Written by: Denise Ledi, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When I was first approached about becoming an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, my immediate reaction was: “What? Who me? NO WAY! I don’t have anything to say that could possibly fill the pages of a magazine. Get out of here!” Anyone seeing my reaction would have wondered ‘what on earth was said. I had my full throttle “Ledi stare” going on, a stare that can cut through stone!
Given my response, you’d think this was a completely outrageous idea. It wasn’t. I’ve written blogs; co- authored scholarly journal articles, and book chapters. I am a leader and coach who has helped countless others struggling with the trials and tribulations within their own leadership journeys. So what did I mean: no way?
“Well, this is different! It’s not the same thing! Well… maybe it is, but I don’t know what I would write about month after month. Maybe in a few years… once my business is more established… I’ll have more to say. Yeah, that’s right, I’ll do it then. Someday...”
This response ladies and gentlemen is classic Denise. Living in my head vs my heart; playing it safe vs taking expansive steps forward. Limiting my desires, natural gifts, and talents from their full expression, hidden from myself and the world. Why? Self-doubt, fear of failure, and fear of judgment, my trifecta of limiting beliefs both conscious and unconscious that have unwittingly held me back from fully stepping into my potential and embracing life itself. Instead, I held myself back. I lived with missed opportunities and regret.
I STILL recall the flash of disbelief and surprise on the face of the person who asked me to consider doing this, but that’s not what stuck with me. I expected a verbal sparring match; debating how wrong I was. But I was ready! Armoured up and ready to go at it, bobbing and just like my boxing aficionado father taught me as a kid. But no such thing occurred. Instead, we shared a moment of silence. Then I received a slow, knowing nod and a look reflecting compassion and understanding.
Oh…
THAT connected with me more ways than words ever could. Because the thing is, I wanted to do it. Badly! Being a published writer has always been a dream of mine since the time I could read. In ways beyond what I had already done, beyond academia. About what specifically I didn’t know, but that spark, that desire was there. When asked about contributing to the magazine, I felt that familiar pull… You know the one; that twinge of excitement, curiosity, and potential of something more... the one that makes you want to reach out, grab on, and go for it!
I was humbled, and had a decision to make. What do I want to do? Maintain the illusion covering up fears? Or drop the fear and excuses, listen to my inner yearning and inspiration within me and go for it? Aka show up as my authentic self-unleashed and unconstrained? THIS is a choice all of us constantly face; not tomorrow, not years later, in each moment regardless of what the situation is, or where you’re at in life. Choices that best serve your highest aspirations are made in the present, in the now, all the time. And I knew it.
Right then and there I made the choice to accept the offer. Not years later, now. I surrendered. I stepped forward with aligned action, fully embodying the highest version of me. Whew! And here we are. I’m not only a Contributing Editor for Brainz Magazine; I’m a contributing author in other works, books included.
Right on Denise!
No, not quite! This isn’t the entire story…
I’m here to unabashedly tell you that my dreams? Would have remained unfulfilled had I not engaged in the inner work needed to uncover my fears and address the root causes behind them. No doubt about it.
My inner work journey began years ago with my coach. I didn’t fully understand what “inner work” was, much less what it meant, or why it was necessary. I didn’t get what the heck “inner work” had to do with learning how to be a better leader or why, but I trusted my coach and the process. I was hungry for change. I was hungry to be and do more. But on some level, I knew there was something here… so I leaned in.
Thank God.
did the work needed to work recognize and move through fear and self-sabotaging behaviors. These behaviors try to maintain the familiar and status quo, and seemingly try to protect and keep me safe. Noble! But I see them for what it they are.
Saboteurs…..
I now choose to embrace these fears instead of run from them. I move through and past them day by day. I choose to step into who I want to be and truly am. And I’m better off for it. All because I’ve gone beyond awareness and understanding. I’ve addressed the root of the cause for the habitual responses and behavior patterns that have kept me stuck are released.
And I’m healing........
Obviously, all of this is a work in progress and continues to evolve. I still have fears I succumb to in the moment. I need a wake-up call and or kick in the rear now and again to snap me back to awareness. But that’s ok! That makes me human; knowing and living this:
Leadership starts with self-leadership; it starts from within. Beyond the surface, beyond awareness; though acknowledgment, acceptance, compassion and forgiveness through to creating new meanings. It’s what clears the path towards your dreams, helps you reach your potential, and allows you to create great impact in the world.
That’s leading. That’s self-mastery. That’s living. That’s what life is all about.
What are some of the fears you need to journey through and resolve?
To your success!
Denise Ledi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Denise Ledi is an Empowerment & Executive Leadership Coach based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada serving clients across North America. She has spent more than 20 years as a leader in addiction & mental health, forensics, and correctional healthcare and knows firsthand how complex and challenging it can be to lead in ever-changing environments. Denise integrates real-world leadership experience, experiences as a coaching client with expertise as a certified executive trained coach and Master’s trained Criminologist to provide a unique, innovative, integrative perspective to her clients to help them gain clarity and achieve the measurable results they're looking for. Denise has been a mentor to 100+ professionals and family, including her younger brother & sister after their mother died and as their father built his Engineering firm into a successful business as a new immigrate to Canada. Chapter Chair- Powerful Women Today Edmonton, budding podcast host, speaker, and presenter Denise believes that our highest potential is reached by helping others reach theirs. Her primary mission is to empower others to become their best selves, access their whole potential, and make an extraordinary impact on the world!
