I’ve always believed that good leadership starts with staying true to yourself. Back when I was managing high-stakes corporate projects, I learned that the only way to turn things around was to lead in a way that felt natural to me, not just copy someone else’s approach. That lesson came back to me recently during a challenging moment in a volunteer role that I had held for years.

Someone criticized the way I had been running things, and instead of pushing back, I chose to step aside. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it gave me the space to reflect on what leadership really means and how sometimes the strongest move is to let someone else step in and learn, even if they stumble a bit along the way.

As we go on this week's Wise Walk together, I’m sharing what that experience taught me about boundaries, authenticity, and the value of stepping away when something no longer feels aligned.

• Where are you currently being asked to lead in your life?

• When you take on a project, initative or event, do you have full freedom and support to carry it out in a way that feels authentic to you?

• Do you stay true to your vision when others try to steer you toward a path that feels misaligned?

• Is there a leadership role where it might be time to step aside for someone more passionate and vocal?

• Have you led something successfully yet begun hearing restless feedback about doing it differently?

• If people bring fresh ideas, are you willing to invite them to lead and let their vision unfold?

• Can you hand off the reins smoothly, set the new leader up for success, and settle into a supportive back seat?

• How does it feel to ride along, caring about the destination but no longer steering the bus?

• Can you give the new leader space to stumble and learn just as you once did?

• As they take charge, can you appreciate how far you’ve already brought everyone on the journey?

Thanks for joining me on this Wise Walk. I hope it reminded you that staying true to yourself is always the best path forward. Until next time, read the signs, direct your path and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[08:01] I felt judgment and under attack when this individual criticized how I was leading a project. It was also disheartening because my efforts and leadership benefited many individuals for over 6 years.

[09:18] It was hurtful to hear criticism instead of collaboration and helpfulness.

[10:03] I reflected on my professional experience and decided it was time to pass the baton.

[11:52] I knew when it comes to leading something that matters, that I can only drive the bus the way I know.

[12:34] I want people involved to be part of the solution and not criticize afterwards.

[13:14] Taking a step back has freed me to do other things in my life.

[15:53] It's important for me to remember the fact that they don't know what they don't know.

[17:14] It's always easier to come in on things that you don't have full visibility to.

[19:30] I am so grateful for our Wise Walks that give me the ability to self-reflect and process some of these things that go on in my own life and welcome in other's experiences, challenges and perspectives.

[20:20] The biggest takeaway for me is to lead your way. Lead authentically and if it's not in alignment, take a step back or get off the bus entirely.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Clarity comes when you give yourself permission to step back and trust what feels right.” - Mary Tess
• “Lead in a way that aligns with your truth, not someone else’s expectations.” - Mary Tess
• “Giving others space and grace allows them to stumble, learn, and eventually shine.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mary Tess Rooney

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Have you ever started a big project and wondered how you would ever pull it off? I felt that way recently when it came time to prep my house for sale, and just thinking about all the steps involved made the whole thing feel heavy. But then something beautiful happened. A good friend stepped in, and with her help, what once felt impossible started to feel exciting and even fun.

On today’s Wise Walk, we are talking about what it means to find your “mission impossible” partner, the person who shows up with energy, ideas, and that can-do spirit that makes a daunting task feel doable. We will explore how to spot what is holding you back, how to create space for your dreams, and why the right support can completely change your experience of a challenge.

Let’s slow down and get real about the power of asking for help, the magic of clearing emotional and physical clutter, and the joy that comes from turning what once felt overwhelming into something light, energizing, and full of possibility.

• Are you feeling called to do something that feels heavy emotionally, physically, energetically, or spiritually, like a mission impossible?

• As you sit with that idea, is there someone you can call and say, this is what I am envisioning, dreaming, and being called to do?

• Can you ask them to help you mission impossible the crap out of it and block time together to make it happen?

• Are you willing to give yourself the space and time to turn that mission from impossible to possible?

• When you think about what feels impossible, what is holding you back or weighing you down?

• Is there a way to lighten that physical, emotional, energetic, or spiritual block so you can move forward?

• Do you have a sounding board or expert you can call upon for support and fresh ideas?

• Are you sharing your mission with others who might have time or energy to help you?

• Who in your life can make your mission not just possible, but fun, light, and energizing?

• Are you asking the right people who genuinely want to support you and see your mission succeed?

• Do you have fun-filled people in your life who can help you turn the impossible into possible?

• Are you willing to share your vision so those who care about you can help bring it to life?

I hope you are dreaming big, clearing any blockages, and leaning on the friends and sounding boards who lift you up.

Whenever the timing feels right, take those steps toward making your mission possible.

As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today’s episode.

In this episode:

[03:46] I'm ready to put my house back on the market. It's stressful being on call to show the house.

[05:11] I've been trying to process the type of experience I want to have. When the realtor calls, I want to take the dogs and go.

[06:05] I reached out to my friend Katie. She volunteered to help me mission impossible.

[08:00] She has a great eye for real estate. We have been clearing any distractor.

[10:35] I don't love the idea of storage units. In this scenario it's helpful.

[12:24] I'm donating stuff to bring other people joy. It feels expansive and lighter.

[14:38] I love the fact that Katie is just as excited to make it happen.

[15:10] We can do this in any part of our life. If we figure out the mission and the barriers and who or what can help us.

[17:23] I'm super grateful because Katie and I still have five days to continue to our work.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Making the decision sometimes is the hard part. But following through and clearing things, that’s another hard part.” - Mary Tess
  
• “We are getting creative. We are working together. And we are making this mission possible.” - Mary Tess
  
• “We don’t need to change who we are, but we can free up space so others can see the potential for themselves.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mary Tess Rooney

Email

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Heart Value