What Does It Mean to Lead Yourself?
Dear Women Leaders,
You are the leader you’ve been waiting for.
We often think of leadership as external—guiding a team, managing a project, setting direction. But real leadership starts with you leading YOU.
And here’s the truth: you cannot lead others until you lead yourself.
Yet so many women leaders haven’t given themselves permission—or haven’t made the time—to invest in their own growth.
It feels self-serving... because it is.
Yes, self-leadership is about you.
Your goals. Your needs. Your aspirations. Your clarity.
But here’s the beautiful part:
💡 What serves you also serves your organization.
💡 What supports your personal growth also strengthens your professional leadership.
Both can be true.
What Does It Mean to Lead Yourself?
It means taking intentional action to:
Reflect on what you want, not just what’s expected
Set goals that align with your value
Make time for rest, clarity, and strategy
Invest in your development—mentorship, coaching, learning
Know your needs and honor them
Transformation Starts With You
When you lead yourself, everything else changes:
You show up with intention
You communicate with clarity
You build stronger, healthier teams
You create culture, not just follow it
Your leadership—rooted in your truth—can transform your entire organization.
So let me ask you:
👉 What have you done lately to lead yourself?
Sincerely,
Your Leadership Coach
Rebecca Malotke-Meslin is the founder of Pleasantly Aggressive Coaching & Consulting, where she helps women working in independent schools and non-profit organizations to lead more confidently, authentically, and unapologetically. Rebecca combines a background in social research with 20 years of sales, marketing, communications, and school leadership to create an in-depth and engaging experience for her clients. Rebecca is also the co-host of the Confidently You: Women in Leadership Podcast.
