Are You Prepared To Lead?
Its definitely a question that has stared me in the face a lot, especially in recent times with not only governments struggling, but some of our inspirations dying and leaving spaces for newer ones to rise into them. Everyone has been sharing in this collective fear of having no idea what COVID 19 will take us. This is the very moment where those who have the courage to step up and put themselves out there to bring people towards hope, grace and faith.
I never thought I had that capacity to be a leader. I thought of all the worst examples when I think of them. Hitler, Mugabe, Pol Pot, Stalin, Mussolini: despots and dictators who infected millions with the worst ideas and worst of all my own father. I’ve been nervous of putting myself in that spotlight. Feel the heat of the lightbulb burn a hole in my skull.
I worried I would become a consistent feeder of my own ego. Living in the shadow of my own kindness being a weakness, I saw my father be secretive, angry, covetous and ultimately dishonest to himself and others. I knew what I didn’t want to become…and that was any facsimile of what he was.
As time went by, the river weaved and I learnt so much about myself. I learnt to speak up and be unafraid to speak. From secondary school poetry, singing and writing songs and playing instruments, watching people on busy Saturday afternoons. Made mistakes that I regretted, others that I didn’t so much.
After all the heartache, I realised some of the greatest leaders didn’t always let their ego rule their message. I could truly enjoy my craft and be inquisitive (like Bowie) I could inspire my colleagues and put in the hard work (like Grohl) I could be a perfectionist and a showman (like Prince) but most of all I have to lead with my heart, with my story and from the front.
Ultimately in all the professions I practice, I’m not here to lead forever but for a time until either a client, a group, an idea or a song ignites in their hearts and the torch is passed. Leaders must create new leaders, be they big ones leading others or just leading themselves to better days.
Stay safe, stay focused and #embraceinfinity
Aquila Hope is a transformative coach, black trans activist, speaker, podcaster and songwriter. They’re found through Instagram, Twitter, Medium and their own website. Their podcast ‘Grasp At The Root’ can be found on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcasts or wherever podcasts are distributed. Aquila lives on the outskirts of Birmingham, enjoys self improvement, creating music, good coffee and pizza.
