Leading When You Feel Lost

A question that comes up often in my work is:

"How do I lead when I feel so lost?" 

Or, its cousin: 

"How can I put this offer out into the world when I’m still struggling with the same thing myself?"

I want to unpack this with you, because it’s a powerful, and sneaky, expression of something I see all the time: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the fear of being seen.

We’ve been sold this idea that in order to lead, to teach, to guide, we have to have everything figured out. That we need to have reached the “destination” to be “qualified” to serve others.

That’s just not how it works.

You Can Be in Progress and Still Be in Service

Early in my business, I held back a lot. I had all this wisdom, training, experience in the past industries I had come up through. And yet,  I told myself I couldn’t share it for so many reasons: my revenue wasn’t where I wanted it to be, I didn’t feel “done” enough to take up space as a leader.

Except I already I was. Supporting clients who were making more money than me. And it was working. Not because I had it all figured out, but because I had incredible expertise and value to offer. Because I was deeply invested in their success. Because I was walking the path with them.

This is the heart of the work we do as educators, mentors, and leaders:Human connection.Honest storytelling.Permission-giving presence.

You Don’t Need to Pretend to Be Perfect

You don’t have to lie. You don’t have to make yourself the hero in every story. You don’t need a polished, step-by-step formula you’ve mastered from start to finish.

What you do need is clarity on what you’ve lived, what you’re learning, and what you’re willing to share.

Some of the most powerful leadership I’ve witnessed, and offered, has come from the messy middle. The space where we’re on our way to figuring it out AND we’re willing to turn around and say:

“Here’s what I’m seeing so far. Here’s what I’ve learned. Maybe it’ll help you too.”

That’s the beauty of this kind of leadership. It’s not about proving your worth. It’s about offering your presence, your perspective, and your imperfect path as a gift.

Your People Need You—Not the Perfect Version of You

If you're holding back right now because you feel like you're not "there" yet, I want you to hear this:

Your people need you now.

Not future-you.

Not polished-you.

You. Right now.

Because leadership isn't about being perfect.It’s about being present.It’s about being brave enough to tell the truth, to connect, and to show up with what you’ve got.

So this week, I invite you to get curious:

• What story are you holding back because it still feels a little unfinished?

• What lesson have you lived recently that could serve someone else?

• What would it look like to lead from where you are?

You don’t have to have it all figured out to show up with wisdom. You just have to be willing to lead from the truth.

And if you're feeling a little lost right now? You're not alone. And you're still worthy of being seen and heard.

Let me know what this brings up for you, or how you're showing up as a leader in progress this week.

You’re doing better than you think.

You’re already leading.

—Cait

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