by Gemiene Mueni
Passion is like a spark; it lights a fire that spreads. It's pure energy, the kind that comes straight from the heart. Leading a team for the first time can be a wild ride with no safety net—just you, your instincts, and a bit of excitement mixed with a dash of "What did I just sign up for?" My journey in leadership has often felt overwhelming, like stepping into a role far too big for me. It became clear that I needed to engage in some deep personal work to navigate these challenges.
Facing Myself
I’ve had to face myself—and I still do—embracing my strengths and confronting my weaknesses, knowing that leading my team begins with leading myself. By looking in the mirror—both literally and figuratively—I’ve realized the importance of understanding my motivations, fears, and aspirations. This process of introspection hasn’t always been comfortable, but it’s been essential. It has forced me to ask tough questions: What kind of leader do I want to be? How do my actions impact my team? Am I helping or hindering their growth?
Getting Out of My Way
The urge to micromanage? Oh, it was strong (and still is). It felt like the only way to keep everything on track. But then, like a lightbulb moment, I realized that micromanaging doesn’t just keep things in line—it crushes creativity, tanks morale, and leaves me anxious. Instead, I have to keep learning to be the kind of leader who trusts her team’s talents. After all, what’s the point of having a team if you don’t trust them? I’ve had to master the art of knowing when to step back and when to step in. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s all about trust and guidance.
Daring Greatly
As I continue to grow as a leader, I find myself returning to the words of Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming…”
This quote captures who I aspire to be as a leader, but I still have moments of doubt: What if I’m not bold enough? What if my vision falls short? We often hear that leadership is not a destination but a journey. Truthfully, there are days when I'd rather fast-forward to my beachfront retirement plan, skipping the now. But that's not the reality we live in. The work must be done. As Roosevelt said, true fulfillment comes from being "the man/woman who is actually in the arena, who strives valiantly; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause." Whether I succeed or fail, what matters is that I dare greatly and do the work, so I won’t be counted among those who never knew victory or defeat.
As I share my journey and the lessons I've learned, I hope that my reflections inspire and support you in your leadership journey. Dare greatly, take risks, and lead with purpose and passion. I invite you to join me in this pursuit—let's dare greatly together and make our leadership journeys meaningful and impactful. Share your own stories, support one another, and remember that it’s through our collective efforts and vulnerabilities that we pave the way for greater achievements and fulfillment.
Gemiene Mueni is a PR & Communications consultant and the founder of Click'd Age Consultancy (CAC_PR) in Kenya. She is passionate about helping remarkable brands tell their stories through media. Her expertise spans Public Relations, Branding, and Communication Services, making her a trusted partner for businesses and individuals seeking to connect with their audiences.