Embracing Resilience and Wisdom in Times of Change

Leading today is truly a journey of heart and strength. Each day unfolds with its own challenges—some we can predict, others that surprise us, and others can overwhelm us, stirring deep emotions from anger, and sadness to despair. In my journey, as a woman, and as an immigrant, I’ve found a powerful lesson: resilience develops as we persist through each difficulty we face. It involves embracing each challenge with courage, vulnerability and learning deeply from every experience, and gradually finding inner strength in places we least expect.

In this moment, many of us find ourselves treading through waters of uncertainty and constant change. Our world is evolving and so are our business environments, priorities are being redefined, and external pressures—some within our grasp and others beyond our control—are complicating our paths. With every change, there’s both a challenge and an opportunity, yet all of it wraps us in a palpable sense of chaos that really tests our strength and adaptability.

Navigating Leadership Amidst Uncertainty

So how do you lead when you can’t see what’s coming next? How do you make decisions when everything around you keeps changing? How do you stay calm when you’re feeling frustrated, hopeless, or even a bit lost? And what do you do when the weight of hopelessness, anger, or sadness starts to press down on you? These are real questions we face as leaders, especially when our resilience is put to the test.

I’ve faced my share of uncertainty—moments when I doubted my place at the table, when sudden changes forced me to pivot, when the weight of responsibility felt almost unbearable. Today, those feelings of uncertainty are more widespread, sometimes almost surreal, as we all try to find our footing in a world that keeps shifting beneath us. Through it all, I’ve held on to one clear lesson: leadership isn’t about controlling what happens to us. It’s about choosing how we show up in the face of it all.

Stoicism in Leadership: The Power of Control

The realization that reshaped my approach to leadership and life came from an unexpected place during the pandemic at the invitation of a colleague—a 2,000-year-old philosophy known as Stoicism. At first, it felt too theoretical, yet, as I engaged more deeply, I discovered its relevance in managing the complex emotions we often face—anger, disappointment, and even despair. Stoicism taught me it’s not about suppressing these feelings or pretending everything is alright. It’s about recognizing what we can control, learning to let go of what we can’t, and showing up with courage and integrity, even when it feels hardest to do so.

The dichotomy of control, a fundamental Stoic principle, encourages us to reflect on a powerful question: “What is within my control?” This inquiry isn’t just about focusing our energies wisely; it’s about navigating our emotions with clarity and seeking inner peace amidst chaos. It helps us recognize our points of influence and reconnects us with what truly matters—our agency, actions and attitudes.

For leaders, this principle is invaluable. Whether you’re guiding a team, running a business, or simply trying to maintain balance in your life, understanding where you can make an impact is transformative. It encourages us to meet challenges with a grounded sense of purpose and to embrace the opportunities for growth they present, even when they feel daunting.

Here’s a practical breakdown of how we can integrate Stoic wisdom:

1.Focus on What You Can Control

“Some things are in our control and others not.” — Epictetus

It’s all too common to lose sleep over things beyond our reach. Yet, embracing the truth that worry changes nothing can be liberating. Here’s how you can practically apply this wisdom:

• Visual Exercise: Sketch two overlapping circles—think of them as your personal Venn diagram. Label one circle “Within My Control” and the other “Outside My Control.” Whenever you face a challenge, note where it falls in these circles. Commit your energy to actions that fall within your control, fostering a proactive rather than reactive mindset.
• Daily Reflection: Start each day by asking yourself, “What’s truly within my control today?” Focus your efforts there. Life is unpredictable, sometimes challenging us in extreme ways, both at the macro and micro levels. By grounding yourself in what you can control and/or influence, you can navigate your day with a sense of calm and purpose, despite the inevitable chaos.

2.Build Self-Awareness (Because Leadership Starts with You)

“Who you are is how you lead.” — Brené Brown

Great leaders are not just aware of themselves; they actively use this awareness to enhance their growth and leadership. This involves recognizing your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and understanding the impact of your leadership style on others.

• Reflective Practice: Instead of traditional journaling, try sending yourself a reflective email at the end of each week. In your email, note what went well, what could have been better, and what you’ve learned. This practice helps internalize your experiences and insights, making them more actionable.
• Cultivating a Culture of Awareness: We are role models whether we are aware of it or not, so let’s be aware of it and lead by example and encourage your team to engage in similar reflective practices. When leaders prioritize self-awareness, it fosters an environment where everyone is encouraged to grow and improve continuously.

3.Respond, Don’t React

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Viktor E. Frankl

In the swirl of life’s challenges, it’s natural to feel knocked off balance. Yet, how we respond to these moments can teach us a lot about who we are. It’s not merely about maintaining composure; it’s about embracing our emotions and choosing to respond with intention and integrity to move us closer to the desired outcomes. When we react we are guaranteeing at best some heavy “cleaning up” and at worst failure.

• Two-Minute Rule: Whenever you find yourself in a heated moment, take two minutes to really feel your emotions, breathe into them. Whether it’s frustration, sadness, or confusion, let yourself experience these feelings fully. This isn’t about indulging the emotions but rather acknowledging them with compassion and awareness. After those two minutes, gently guide yourself to ask, “What’s the next best step?” This helps transition from a reactive posture to one of thoughtful action.
• Building Emotional Resilience: Encourage your team to embrace this practice too. By fostering a space where emotions can be recognized and managed thoughtfully, you help cultivate a team dynamic that values reflection over reaction. This practice not only enhances personal resilience but also strengthens the team’s collective ability to face challenges with grace.

4.Premeditatio Malorum: Preparing for Life’s Setbacks

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou

Premeditatio Malorum is the exercise of imagining things that could go wrong or be taken away from us. It helps us prepare for life’s inevitable setbacks. We must prepare ourselves for this to happen.

• Mindset: Embracing a mindset of preparedness is both practical and empowering. While optimism and hope are crucial, being realistically prepared for challenges ensures resilience and adaptability.
• Ask yourself: What is the worst that could happen in this situation? Is there anything I can do to change, influence or prepare for this outcome? If there is do it.

Leadership is a Daily Practice

Leadership isn’t defined by titles or authority; it’s profoundly shaped by the daily choices we make. It’s about showing up authentically, oftentimes navigating through feelings of anger, disappointment, or despair with resilience, and leading with clarity even in the face of uncertainty.

Change is a constant, and challenges are part of our journey. Yet, the way we respond to these challenges—choosing hope over hopelessness, action over resignation, and courage over fear—reflects our true leadership. Each day offers a new opportunity to affirm our commitment to the values we hold dear and to focus on what truly matters.

So, the next time you’re confronted with a tough decision, a stressful situation, or an overwhelming challenge, take a moment to center yourself and ask:

What’s in My Control Right Now?

This question isn’t just about finding immediate answers; it’s about reconnecting with your inner peace and ensuring your actions align with your deeper purpose. That’s where true leadership begins—within the quiet spaces of our choices.