Leading From the Inside Out

Early in my career, I believed I was only as valuable as my résumé. If an experience couldn’t be listed on a line—whether it was volunteer work, a certificate, or a side project—I didn’t see the point in doing it. Every move I made was about looking better on paper and chasing the next rung of the ladder.

The problem? Those checkboxes didn’t always translate into advancement—or fulfillment. I was doing everything “right” but still asking myself: Does this love me back?

What I was really searching for wasn’t another bullet point or title. It was admiration, respect, inclusion—a sense that I belonged. And I eventually had to learn that who you are matters just as much as what you accomplish. Talent and achievements can open doors, but they’re not the whole story. Discovering the “more” beyond the résumé is where true leadership begins.

Why External Success Alone Isn’t Enough

In leadership, it’s easy to measure success by titles, awards, and external recognition.But those markers only tell part of the story. You can have an impressive résumé and still feel completely disconnected from your purpose.

This is something I see often — and it’s not always about burnout.  Sometimes it’s about misalignment.  You’ve been climbing the ladder, but it’s leaning against the wrong wall.

The Shift From Doing to Being

“We live in a culture that glorifies being busy, often equating it with value or self-worth. But in reality, busyness can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and even burnout” (Verywell Mind).

When you’re only focused on doing, you tend to chase every goal, opportunity, and project that comes your way.

When you shift toward being, you lead from a place of clarity and conviction. Decisions become easier because they’re rooted in your values.

It’s not necessarily about slowing down (though sometimes that is what we need) — it’s more so about moving with intention.

Helping Leaders From the Outside — While They’re Still Inside

Over the years, I’ve worked with leaders in two main ways:

1. Those who’ve already left corporate, looking to reinvent their careers.

2. Those still in corporate, navigating the pressures, politics, and personal goals of being inside the system.

Both groups need support — but helping leaders while they’re still inside is uniquely rewarding. You can see the ripple effect almost immediately: better communication, healthier boundaries, stronger teams, and leaders who stop simply surviving their roles and start thriving in them.

The Pros and Cons of Internal vs. External Support

Internal leaders often have more influence day-to-day but face greater pressure to conform. Their wins can be visible — but so can their struggles and the ways they are torn.  External coaches/mentors bring fresh perspectives without being caught up in office politics — but they can’t directly change company culture from within.

That’s why the sweet spot is finding leaders inside the system who are willing to grow — and equipping them with the tools, support, and mindset shifts they need to lead differently.

How the CEO of You® Academy Bridges This Gap

The Academy was designed for leaders who want to align their career, wellness, relationships, and values — without having to walk away from the positions they’ve worked so hard to earn.

It’s a space where you can:

• Step back and see the bigger picture of your leadership.

• Strengthen your influence while protecting your well-being.

• Build a network of peers and mentors who understand your challenges and help you rise above them.

Final Reflection

Sometimes, the biggest leadership transformation isn’t about leaving. It’s about leading differently from where you are — so you can create impact without losing yourself in the process.

When leaders are willing to do the inner work — building self-awareness, aligning with their values, and tending to their own well-being — they’re better equipped to guide and sustain their teams. That’s the shift from the inside out: growth that begins within and extends outward to create lasting change.

Our current Academy cohort is full, and we’re excited to walk alongside this incredible group of leaders over the coming months.

If you’d like to join the waitlist for the next session, you can do that here. If you are ready to get to work now as opposed to waiting on the next Academy, click here to set up a discovery call with Dr. Princess Cullum for 1:1 coaching.

Source: Verywell Mind “How Constantly Staying Busy Affects Our Well-Being” Jodi Clarke MA, LPC/MHSP 21 Nov. 2023 https://www.verywellmind.com/how-the-glorification-of-busyness-impacts-our-well-being-4175360?utm_source=chatgpt.com