When I started my professional career as an Admin Procurement Assistant at Catholic Relief Services in 2009, leadership wasn’t something I focused on. I was committed to doing my job well, staying dedicated to my work, and striving for excellence. At that time, leadership wasn’t even on my radar. However, in 2010, when I transitioned into a new role with the Creative International Ambassador Small Grant Program to Support Gender Equality in Afghanistan (ASGP) as a Capacity Development Technical Assistant (CDTA), I had a profound realization: everything rises and falls on leadership.
That moment became a turning point for me. I recognized that strong leadership could influence not only the success of an organization but also the development of the people within it. This sparked a journey I never imagined I would embark on – a journey of intentional growth with leadership at its core.
To deepen my understanding, I enrolled in the Leadership Development Program at the Institute for Leadership Development (ILD) in 2010, a year-long program in Herat. It was there that I first grasped the power of influence and the profound impact a leader can have on those around them. This realization changed my perspective forever. Since then, I have committed myself to continuous learning and growth in the realm of leadership.
I have read several influential leadership books, including Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell, Leadership Is Language by David Marquet, Leadership Strategy and Tactics, Extreme Ownership, and The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink, as well as Dare to Lead by Brené Brown and The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey. Additionally, I completed the Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles course at Harvard University. These resources have significantly shaped my approach to leadership and furthered my commitment to continuous growth.
I have also participated in various leadership programs, including the Co-Serve International Servant Leadership Program in 2024 and the First Alumni Summit in Denver, CO. Through these experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to share my learnings through speaking and writing, helping others on their own leadership journeys.
Now, 15 years later, I look back on my leadership journey with a sense of awe. I once thought I had learned everything I needed to know, but the more I’ve grown, the more I’ve realized just how much more there is to learn. Leadership is a lifelong journey of self-improvement. It’s not until you take a step back and reflect on how far you’ve come that you truly see the distance you’ve traveled. It’s like revisiting your childhood home years later – it seems smaller than you remembered, but the journey that has brought you to this point is much greater than you realized.
Through leadership, I’ve experienced a transformation that goes beyond professional growth—it has been a journey of profound personal development. Leadership has been the catalyst for my self-discovery, deepening my self-awareness, strengthening my self-esteem, and guiding me toward self-actualization. It has taught me the power of self-reflection and the unwavering strength of resilience. Most importantly, leadership has shown me how to ignite the potential in others, empowering them to become the best versions of themselves and inspiring them to reach heights they never thought possible.
One of my greatest passions now is to share what I’ve learned about leadership. I want to help others understand that leadership isn’t just about managing people – it’s about growing yourself and helping others grow too. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about continually learning, developing new skills, and becoming more than you ever imagined.
If you’re reading this, I hope it inspires you to start your own leadership journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your leadership skills, remember that growth is a continuous process. There’s always more to learn, more to do, and more lives you can impact. I’ve experienced firsthand how leadership can change lives, and I’m excited to see where your leadership journey will take you.