For years, people have debated whether leaders are born or made. In my experience, the answer is clear: while some people show leadership ability early on, leadership is not something you’re born with—it’s something you grow into. It’s a skill, a journey, and most importantly, a choice. Every leader I’ve worked with, including myself, has had to go through a process of learning, adapting, and stepping into their role intentionally.
Leadership Is a Hero’s Journey
Leadership is not about being perfect. Rather it is about embracing the challenges and figuring things out along the way. I see leadership as a hero’s journey. Just like in the stories we grew up with, leaders face dragons, defeat scary monsters, but return home transformed.
But here’s an interesting fact. At the start of the journey, many leaders don’t see themselves as heroes. I know I didn’t. There’s resistance, fear, and that nagging voice that whispers, Who do you think you are? Yet, every great leader I’ve met has had to eventually realize that what we do matters to other people and we are leaders. Subsequently we focus on the opportunity to grow and serve. Is the same true for you?
The Truth About Leadership
One of the principles I teach in the program Turn Your Talent Into a Business is clarity. Leadership in your own life starts with asking the right questions: What’s my idea? Who am I serving? What problem am I solving? When you take the time to get clear on these foundational pieces, leading starts to feel less overwhelming and more like a natural next step. Someone has to make these decisions, and most likely it is you.
For me, clarity has always been key. When I sold my business to Bill Gates, it wasn’t because I had all the answers. It was because I understood my unique value and leaned into it.
From Fear to Confidence
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that fear is part of the process. Courage is when you feel fear and you do it anyway. I first heard that from Maria Shriver, former First Lady of California. I’ve faced it every time I’ve stepped into a bigger role. And every single participant in my programs faces it too. Doubts like… Who am I to lead this? Does anyone want this? Am I really the right person for this? …show up every time we’re about to level up. Fear is just a signal that growth is happening. You are moving outside of your comfort zone.
I always tell my clients to reframe their doubts as milestones. When resistance shows up, it’s not a sign to stop—it’s proof that you’re on the right path. Leadership is to recognize that fear and move forward anyway.
Leadership Through Emotional Connection
People don’t follow leaders because they’re perfect; they follow leaders who are real. That’s why I encourage you to share your struggles and triumphs. Vulnerability is one of the most powerful tools we have. It creates trust, and it reminds others that they’re not alone.
One of the most meaningful moments in my coaching sessions is when someone has a breakthrough. I call it “the lightbulb moment.” It’s when they stop seeing their challenges as roadblocks and start seeing them as stepping stones. Whether it’s reframing a caregiving role from a burden to a privilege or realizing that their story is their strength, these moments are why I do what I do.
The Shift From Hustle to Alignment
Early in my career, I bought into the hustle culture. I thought that working harder and doing more was the only way to succeed. But I’ve learned that true leadership is about alignment. It’s means building systems that support your goals, delegating effectively, and creating a life and business that works for you.
For me, alignment means knowing where I want to go and creating a plan to get there. It means making decisions based on what’s most important—whether that’s my family, my business, or my health. Leadership isn’t about burning out; it’s about showing up as your best self so you can inspire others to do the same.
Leaders Are Built Through Community
Leadership isn’t a solo journey. One of the things I love most about my work is the communities we create. In my peer-to-peer Impact Driven Consultants Forum, I’ve seen firsthand how much we can grow when we’re surrounded by like-minded people who challenge and support us.
If you’re on your own leadership journey, don’t underestimate the power of connection. Surround yourself with people who understand your vision and can help you stay accountable. Community is where transformation happens.
Leadership Is a Choice
At the end of the day, leadership is a choice. Decide to step up, to grow, and to create impact. It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from. What matters is that you’re willing to learn, adapt, and take that first step.
Show up every day, be real, and do the work. Say, yes, I’m ready to lead. And when you do–you are.
Are you ready to make the choice? If you are, I promise the journey will be worth it.
Let’s grow!
Beate
Beate Chelette is The Growth Architect & Founder of The Women’s Code, a training company specialized in providing companies an ROI on Balanced Leadership. She has been named one of 50 must-follow women entrepreneurs by the Huffington Post. A first-generation immigrant who found herself $135,000 in debt as a single parent, she bootstrapped her passion for photography into a highly successful global business and eventually sold it to Bill Gates in a multimillion-dollar deal.
Beate works with business leaders and supports organizations by developing and providing training the training, tools, and expertise to create and maintain a balanced, equal, and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity, employee engagement, and corporate growth.
Recent clients include Merck, Women’s Legislative Caucus of California, Cal State University Dominguez Hills, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), NFTE, CreativeLive, the Association of Corporate Growth, and TracyLocke.
Beate is the author of the #1 International Amazon Bestseller “Happy Woman Happy World – How to Go From Overwhelmed to Awesome” a book that corporate trainer and best-selling author Brian Tracy calls “a handbook for every woman who wants health, success and a fulfilling career.
To book Beate to speak or train please connect here. Your Time Is Valuable!