Great leadership starts at home: Lessons from family
Key illuminated insight
Great leadership is built at home. From the integrity, resilience, and humor my parents taught me, to the creativity, confidence, and risk-taking my kids inspire in me today—these lessons shape the way I lead as a fractional CMO.
Step into full illumination
When I think about what makes a great leader, I don’t just think about boardrooms or strategy sessions. I think about the lessons I’ve carried with me since childhood—lessons from my parents and my extended family that built the foundation of who I am.
My parents taught me the value of integrity, resilience, and never giving up—even when the road was tough. They taught me that change is the only constant in life, and that to thrive, you have to be willing to adapt. My aunties and uncles reinforced those lessons too, showing me that being transparent and honest with everyone—no matter what—builds trust and respect that lasts a lifetime. They taught me that respect is a two-way street, that boldness is a strength, and that humor—especially the ability to laugh at yourself—is essential to weathering life’s ups and downs. They taught me to forgive myself when I made mistakes and to keep moving forward.
When my kids were growing up, I tried to pass on those same lessons: to be kind, to think big, to treat others with respect, to be transparent, and to embrace change. I taught them to believe in themselves, to be curious, and to never stop growing.
But here’s the beautiful part: now that they’re adults, the lessons flow both ways. They teach me just as much as I ever taught them—maybe more. They show me what it means to be confident in your ideas, to be patient when things don’t go as planned, and to think creatively when faced with challenges. They remind me that resilience isn’t just about getting back up, but about learning and evolving every time you do.
And they’ve taught me to take risks. To put myself out there, try new things, and embrace the unknown with a sense of adventure.
Great leaders grow by learning from their families, friends, and communities. We’re not shaped in isolation—we’re shaped by the people who challenge us, inspire us, and believe in us.
As a fractional CMO, I bring everything I’ve learned from my family to the work I do:
The integrity, transparency, and honesty that my parents, aunties, and uncles instilled in me.
The resilience, boldness, and humor that help me navigate challenges with optimism.
The confidence, patience, creativity—and risk-taking spirit—that my kids inspire in me every day.
The belief that change is constant—and that embracing it is the key to growth.
Every client I work with benefits from this foundation. Because at the end of the day, leadership is about bringing your whole self to the table—and that includes the lessons you learn at home.