Let Your Light Shine

“She was confident, cheery, motivated, personable, and I hated her for it.” Those words came from Emily, one of my university Leadership Institute students, during a small group discussion. It was one of the times we were exploring who we are, realizing the most effective leaders are highly self-aware.

Emily had been nominated multiple times for the Leadership Development Program, but she had not applied. It took quite a bit of coaxing to get her to even agree to give it a try. She did not see herself as a leader, even though everyone else did.

Her past was tough. Her father was killed while she was in high school, she moved into a dark place, and was struggling with trust and relationships. Her story continued with how she eventually became aware of her admiration for this girl, and deep down, wanted to be like her.

Emily continued, “and once I realized this, we became best friends. Emily discovered that when people allow their light to shine, it gives others permission to do the same.

Another student, Brad, was pursuing his MBA, had a six-figure salary, was well-spoken, impeccably dressed. Everyone admired him and knew he was the picture of success. But I knew his background of a top student in high school who went down the road of substance abuse, separation from family, and homelessness. He had never shared his story publically and was very reluctant to do so.

After much encouragement from me, he surprised me and everyone at his graduation from the leadership program by telling his story. The crowd was in tears. By shining a light on his dark past, his prestige went every higher and others who followed him were free to share their journeys.