Episode 37 | Anxiety & Leadership

Life is a beautiful mix of joys and challenges, and right now, I’m experiencing both. Personally, I’ve never been happier. This season of life as a woman, wife, and mom feels like a harvest. My husband and I are enjoying the fruit of years of labor as our sons thrive after college, our daughter grows into an incredible young woman, and we set exciting goals for the future.

Then there’s work. While this fiscal year has started better than the last, the uncertainty surrounding political, economic, and global changes is unsettling. As a Type A strategist, navigating uncharted waters is uncomfortable. For years, I started every year with a meticulous annual plan and contingency strategies for nearly every scenario. But even with all that preparation, I found myself battling anxiety about what’s ahead.

Before the pandemic, I approached every new year with optimism, big plans, and focused strategy. That mindset carried me through major challenges, from capital campaigns to complex projects. But the pandemic disrupted everything, shifting my focus to survival. I told myself I’d return to big-picture thinking when stability returned.

Then 2024 arrived, making it clear that we are still in an era of disruption—one where institutions and norms are being reshaped at warp speed. For someone who craves stability, this realization was anxiety-inducing—until I turned to God in prayer.

Two Revelations

In prayer, two profound truths emerged:

1. God created you for this season. If we are here, leading in this moment, it’s because God ordained it. We were made for “such a time as this.”

2. God promises peace in challenges. Jesus warned us of trials but reminded us, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Peace is available, even in uncertainty.

Embracing Your Purpose

Take a moment to reflect on your journey. Could it be that your entire life has prepared you for this moment? Think about it: You’ve led through growth and setbacks, opposition and support, challenges and victories. These experiences haven’t just made you strategic—they’ve made you agile, resilient, and relentless in your purpose.

Your challenges have also equipped you to inspire others. Your journey can fuel emerging leaders facing unprecedented threats and remind seasoned leaders of their resilience to restore values and empower change.

Questions for Reflection

As you step into this season, ask yourself:

What am I facing that scares me?

Have I faced similar challenges before?

Did I survive them?

Answering these questions should help you come to the conclusion that you are more prepared than you think for the season ahead. You've overcome more than your fair share of challenges and you've accomplished more than most thought was possible. Let me tell you what the Holy Spirit said to me: Don’t panic like a "private" when you have the experience of a "general". You’ve been preparing for this season your whole life, whether you realize it or not. This isn’t your first battle, not even close to it. Now is the time to step into your calling, build your faith, and lead with courage.

The same God who brought you through before will bring you through again. But now, He’s calling you not just to survive—but to lead others to victory.

Remember, you were made for this season.