Running a 24/7 business changes the way you think about time, responsibility, and leadership.  A crew operating across time zones. A client whose plans shift unexpectedly. In industries like private aviation, the business never truly sleeps and for a long time, I believed When the business never sleeps In aviation, timing is everything. Weather changes.

When leaders rely on intention alone, they miss what power is actually surfacing in real time. can harden into default behaviors that feel practical but are actually protective and erosive over time Self-examination, therefore, should not be a one-time reckoning, but an ongoing discipline.

Executives spend most of their time in strategic meetings and filtered conversations, insulated from problems: Case study number three A local automotive repair shop came looking for help with what the manager prioritized fixes using simple Lean tools, and instituted weekly rounding and feedback between the manager Highly data driven organizations are several times more likely to report significant improvements in organizations bringing about transformational change through adult and organizational learning, change management

I was very aware that time seemed to go by more quickly the older I got. I believe I chose my life, and I love it - even in tough times. Hug like it’s the last time every time Don’t judge people. of keeping myself healthy and fit, I’ve continued to cherish time, I’ve managed to get through struggles For the times I’ve fallen short - I am truly sorry.

Written by Pooja Desai, Keynote Speaker, Author, Poet, Writer & Entrepreneur Pooja Desai is known as a legendary healthcare leader. She is a children’s advocate, storyteller, and the author of the Tia Bua Series published in 2023. As co-founder of Heels and Boots on the Ground, she considers herself to be a knowledge donor across multiple platforms, helping adults and children believe in their magic. Leadership is not simply about giving direction. It is about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, inspired, and empowered to grow. One of the most important questions every leader should ask themselves is: Are you leading the way you want to be led? Throughout my journey, I have been known for my legendary leadership across multiple platforms. While titles, accomplishments, and recognition are meaningful, one of the greatest lessons I have learned is this: the most impactful leaders lead their teams the same way they themselves would want to be led. Authentic and kind leadership is how I lead I believe in, and have a proven history of, leading with kindness. The more engaged the employee is, the better the ROI and retention are for your business. Teams remember whether they were respected, heard, appreciated, developed, and protected during difficult moments. Leadership is not about control. It is about connection. The strongest leaders understand that their role is not to stand above their team, but beside them. Great leaders grow other leaders True leadership is not threatened by the success of others. Instead, it creates space for others to shine. A powerful leader mentors, teaches, encourages, and helps others discover strengths they may not yet see in themselves. They understand that leadership is not diminished by sharing knowledge. In fact, it is multiplied. A strong leader also understands the importance of celebrating employee ideas and ensuring credit is given where it truly belongs. Innovation grows in environments where people feel safe to contribute, create, and speak openly. Employees who feel seen and acknowledged are more likely to remain engaged, inspired, and invested in the mission. Great leaders do not take credit for the work of their teams. They elevate the people behind the success. A good leader advocates not only for themselves, but for their teams as well. Advocacy means speaking up when something is right and when something is wrong. It means protecting the culture, supporting fairness, recognizing contributions, and ensuring every voice has value. One of the greatest traits of exceptional leadership is accountability Accountability builds credibility. Strong leaders hold themselves to the same standards they expect from others. They take ownership of their decisions, communicate honestly, and remain transparent during both success and adversity. Accountable leaders do not blame others when challenges arise. Instead, they lead with integrity, learn from setbacks, and work collaboratively toward solutions. Teams respect leaders who can admit mistakes, grow from them, and continue moving forward with humility and purpose. As a strong leader, you also must encourage your teams to grow, glow, or go. Hard choices lead to maintaining the right culture. Leadership is also about celebrating both wins and losses. Wins deserve recognition because people need to feel appreciated for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Celebration builds morale, confidence, and motivation. But losses matter too. Great leaders do not disappear during difficult seasons. They stand present in chaos, help their teams learn from setbacks, and remind them that failure does not define them. Only growth does. The most respected leaders are not remembered because they were perfect. They are remembered because they were human. They listened. They remained teachable. They led with accountability, empathy, consistency, kindness, and courage. The best leaders understand that culture is created daily through small actions. When leaders choose to lead the way they want to be led, they create workplaces, organizations, businesses, and communities where people can thrive rather than survive. At the end of the day, leadership is not measured only by numbers, performance metrics, or titles. It is measured by the lives you impact, the people you elevate, the trust you build, and the leaders you help create along the way. So, tell me, are you leading the way you want to be led? What are leadership qualities or ideas that have helped you grow, inspire others, or create positive change within your team? Share your thoughts and experiences. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Pooja Desai Pooja Desai, Keynote Speaker, Author, Poet, Writer & Entrepreneur Pooja Desai is a keynote speaker, author, poet, writer, and entrepreneur who champions children’s advocacy. With 25 years in healthcare leadership, she believes in transformational growth through mindset, emotional wellness, and purpose-driven impact. With a background spanning executive speaking, authorship, content, and program design, Pooja uniquely blends strategy with storytelling, translating complex leadership principles into actionable, human-centered solutions that help build resilience across multiple platforms.

State, managing your own psychology and energy. You can build it, one decision at a time. They update and manage their own mindset first. 3. So you must learn how to manage it. You don’t need to be a motivational speaker. They feel it, mirror it, and the storm then feels ten times worse than it needs to be.

It is about managing cognitive load.

When was the last time you felt truly seen, not for what you achieved, but for who you are? Whether you manage a global team, navigate creative chaos, or simply want to communicate with more intention International Entrepreneurship & Management Journal (2024).

The colleague who never delivers on time because they are "a big-picture thinker."

We might not feel warm and fuzzy towards certain family members, yet at this time of year, it seems an We are thrown together with siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins that we have managed to successfully avoid Countdown to the day Take a little time leading up to Christmas to reflect on why you are triggered by If so, how did you manage that at the time? Did you ever discuss it? Manage your expectations.

These were not isolated mistakes, but conscious decisions repeated over a long period of time. At the same time, I expanded beyond the court, building a fitness program, speaking at symposiums, writing

You’ve mastered time blocking, breathwork, maybe even tried “bio hacks.” Chronic stress doesn’t just make us tired. Reaction time and memory. And yet, how many leadership trainings account for this?