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Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter where I give actionable leadership and personal advice from my experience as a people leader.

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Today’s Email:

Let me take you back to a period in my life between 2012 and 2016. During those years, I was on a constant treadmill of busy. I was moving, hustling, tackling one thing after another, and checking off endless to-do lists.

I thought I was doing everything right.

I convinced myself that keeping busy was the same as being productive. And honestly?
I thought I knew it all. I wasn’t carving out time to reflect, to develop myself, or even to think about how I could improve as a leader. I was just… busy.

What I didn’t realise then was that I was missing the most important piece of leadership—self-awareness. I was so caught up in the cycle of "doing" that I didn’t make time for "being." I wasn’t taking stock of my strengths, my weaknesses, or the areas where I could grow. My personal development was happening by chance, not by intention.

I was learning on the go, sure, but without any direction or purpose.

And as a result, my growth as a leader stalled. I had no idea where I was really headed because I hadn’t taken the time to look within.

Looking back now, I see the cost of those lost years. The time I didn’t spend on myself, I missed out on becoming a better version of the leader I wanted to be. I missed the chance to lead with purpose and to inspire those around me. And that’s why I’m here, sharing this with you, because I’ve learned that real leadership starts with leading yourself.

Self-awareness is the foundation. It’s about being honest with ourselves—acknowledging both our strengths and our weaknesses, and having the courage to improve. Real leaders don’t just focus on looking good or keeping control; they focus on becoming their best selves so they can help others shine, too.

Today, we’ll explore what it really means to lead yourself first and the steps to get started. Because if you want to have a meaningful impact, you’ve got to start with you.

What we’ll cover off:

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of strong leadership.

• How to build confidence by acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses.

• The steps to lead yourself with purpose and authenticity.

• Why leading yourself first allows you to better lead others.

Let’s face it, leadership isn’t just about titles or power. It’s about knowing who you are and committing to growth, every single day. True leaders understand that the journey begins within. They’re confident enough to acknowledge their weaknesses, celebrate their strengths, and keep pushing to improve. Why? Because when we show up as our best selves, we empower others to do the same.

When you ignore your flaws and stay comfortable, you’re not doing yourself—or your team—any favors. Leadership is about embracing the challenge, stepping up, and leading by example. If you want to be the kind of leader others respect and trust, you’ve got to start by leading yourself.

Many leaders stumble here. They get caught up in thinking leadership is about looking impressive, about never admitting to weaknesses, or about always having the answers. But these are myths.

Real leadership is humble. It’s grounded in truth and the courage to grow.

The biggest trap? Ignoring personal growth and staying in the comfort zone. This isn’t just a missed opportunity; it’s a recipe for stalled progress. Leading others effectively starts with taking a hard look in the mirror.

Game Plan: 4 Steps to Lead Yourself First

1. Learn

   What: Be curious and open to learning.

   Why: Knowledge fuels growth, and a curious mind is a powerful tool in any leader’s toolkit.

   How: Set aside time each week to read, ask questions, or listen to others’ insights. Aim to learn something new every day that could improve your leadership.

   
   

2. Evolve

   What: Embrace change and personal growth.

   Why: Leaders who stay stagnant fall behind. Growth, even in small steps, keeps you sharp and ready.

   How: Take small actions that challenge you. Attend workshops, seek feedback, or set a goal to improve a specific skill. Step by step, you’ll see yourself evolve.

   
   

3. Adapt

   What: Be flexible and resilient.

   Why: Challenges are a part of leadership, and adaptability allows you to face them with confidence.

   How: When faced with a setback, pause and ask, “What can I learn here?” Adaptation means finding solutions rather than being shaken by problems.

   
   

4. Deliver

   What: Focus on results and follow-through.

   Why: Leaders are ultimately judged by their ability to take action and produce outcomes.

   How: Set realistic goals, commit to them, and follow through. Show your team that you’re not just about words—you get things done.

Remember, leadership is a journey, and it starts with self-awareness and growth. If you’re aiming to lead others, begin by leading yourself with honesty and courage. Develop a habit of learning, embrace change, adapt to challenges, and consistently deliver on your promises. As Jack Welch said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

So ask yourself—have you started leading yourself yet? Because when you do, you’ll be ready to lift up those around you.

Until next Tuesday,
Howard

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

Igniting their impact in leadership and at home.

Let me share my insights and help you:

• Reclaim your time

• Prioritise your wellbeing

• Achieve work/life harmony

• Improve customer centricity

• Connect & elevate team culture

• Simplify your leadership beyond busy

• Building a bench and plan for your successors

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