Stand Tall While Others Shine

(dramatic music) Headspace Studio. (upbeat music) Hi there, and welcome to Radio Headspace, it's Dora. A few years ago I was leading a team on a big project. I'd helped build the vision, rallied the people, and shaped the work every step of the way. When it came time to present it, I made a choice. I stepped back so that they could shine, and they absolutely nailed it. But after the presentation, I felt this gnawing feeling in my chest, like I guess it was jealousy, unappreciated, maybe unseen. I kept thinking that was brave leadership, right? So why am I feeling these things? I'd grown up thinking that strong leadership meant being front and center, that if I wasn't getting full direct credit, I wasn't doing enough. And while my mind knew that that wasn't true anymore, my body didn't. What I hadn't considered is that those old tapes, leadership equals visibility, they take a minute to stop playing. But over time, every part of me started to believe real courage isn't always loud, sometimes it's letting your work and your people speak for themselves, and trusting that your power isn't diminished just because it's not being constantly performed. True leadership, true bravery isn't about being the loudest voice in the room, it's about making space, and it's about knowing the difference between feeling invisible and choosing to lead in a way that lifts everyone, including yourself. When I first began mentoring students in my teacher training program, I felt a lot of pressure to show up as the expert. I thought leadership meant being the one with all the answers, the one holding everything together. But during one of our practice labs, a student led a session that completely moved the group. They guided with such clarity and presence that I found myself stepping back and just watching. In that quiet moment, I realized that they didn't need me to lead. They were already leading. I felt proud, but I also noticed a small voice inside asking, "Well, where do I fit in now?" It was uncomfortable at first, but it helped me see the old belief I had been carrying, that leadership meant being at the center of everything, and now I see it differently. True leadership is about making space for others to rise. It's not always about being seen. It's about being steady, supportive, and trusting that your impact doesn't need to be loud to be felt. So here's what I've learned. You can want to be seen and you should be seen. Leadership isn't about disappearing, but it is about being intentional with how and why you show up. If you've ever felt jealous, or unappreciated, or unsure whether you should take the spotlight or share it, just know that that's part of the growth. Old beliefs about leadership take time to unravel, and it's okay to feel both proud of your team and a little bit human that you wanted the credit...