Understanding ‘You’ is Key to Empowered Leadership

Approaching my 50th birthday and ushering in 2024, I find myself deeply immersed in the theme of empowerment—a feeling that not only resonates within me but also vibrantly echoes in my work with clients. One recent Tech & Thrive client's profound reflection perfectly illustrates this journey:

"I feel incredibly seen. It’s like I just found an owner’s manual that was written about me. So much of the resentment and frustration I’ve felt about work the past 3-4 years all makes sense now. That level of clarity feels incredible. It’s empowering, and there’s a new feeling of confidence."  

This sentiment captures the core of my mission. True leadership transcends professional evaluations and external feedback; it's about embarking on a personal path to self-awareness, and ultimately empowerment.

At Tech & Thrive, this journey begins with the 'T' of our T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System™, which is a Transparent Leadership Assessment—a powerful tool for unlocking self-discovery and true empowerment.

Leadership isn't just about guiding others; it's about deeply understanding ourselves. When we explore our leadership styles, strengths, and areas for improvement, we gain a sense of clarity that empowers us to lead more effectively. This introspection is particularly crucial in the fast-paced, often unpredictable realm of technology.

I find that technology-minded professionals often overlook the role that developing their non-technical skills plays in their ability to stretch beyond their technology abilities. 

Transparent leadership is more than just openness; it's about introspective understanding of how our leadership style impacts our team and projects. For women and people of color in tech—who often face unique challenges like implicit bias, unequal pay, or limited growth opportunities—this clarity becomes a powerful tool. It helps navigate the complexities of the industry with more confidence and authenticity.

When I work with a client and they offer feedback like this: 

"Coaching has concretely shifted my leadership style. I now focus on leveraging my core strengths, delegating appropriately, and empowering my team to soar. My capacity has multiplied, and my life is now approaching a balance that feels sustainable. I feel a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and passion for my work."

I know that what I’ve created in Tech & Thrive is filling a gap for leaders who are tackling complex challenges and unable to fully lean into their core strengths while also navigating a way through those behaviors that derail their success.  The above quote is from a tech company founder who was stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and overwhelm, where work was bleeding into all aspects of their life.  It’s evidence of the transformative power of understanding and embracing your unique leadership qualities. 

The T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System™ more than a tool; it's a journey to uncovering your true potential as a leader. Many of our clients have discovered invaluable insights from working through it that redefine their approach to leadership and work.

In the tech industry, where diversity is still a work in progress, understanding and harnessing our leadership style is crucial. It equips us to confidently face industry-specific challenges and leverage our unique perspectives for innovation and growth.

I encourage you to take the first step in understanding your leadership style by taking the T.H.R.I.V.E. Quiz. This simple yet insightful tool can start your journey toward greater self-awareness and leadership empowerment.

Every step toward understanding yourself is a step toward becoming a more effective and empowered leader in 2024!

Are you ready to explore your leadership style and harness your full potential in 2024? I’d love to hear how these insights resonate with your experiences. Share your thoughts with me in an email or a LinkedIn DM, and let's continue this empowering conversation. 

Denise Musselwhite is a tech executive turned leadership coach, speaker, and strategist. After 25 years in the tech industry, she founded Tech & Thrive, a coaching and consulting practice that provides personalized coaching solutions to help women and diverse professionals in tech overcome the hidden barriers holding them back. Learn more about Denise and her coaching at denisemusselwhite.com.