Still Doing It All? Here’s the Shift That Frees You

You don’t have to carry the weight alone.

Here's how to lead with clarity, calm, and a stronger team.

Last time, we talked about the fine line between being liked and being respected.

That moment when things start to shift - your team doesn’t show up the same way, the weight feels heavier, and deep down you know: something has to change.

This week, we go deeper.

Because as your business, role or influence expands, so does the pressure.
You could try to carry more... but you already know how that story ends.
Burnout. A team that waits for you to do it all.  Missed opportunities.

So what if you led differently?

Not by doing more but by shifting how you lead.

One of the most impactful shifts you can make?

→ From solving every problem...
to coaching others to rise.

→ From managing every task...
to consistently sharing the vision so people know not just what needs to be done, but why it matters.

This shift is what creates teams that think, lead, and grow alongside you.

And here’s what we see all the time:

Leaders who care deeply... so they do everything.
They jump in to solve, fix, nudge, and follow up five times.
They carry the weight because if they don’t, things fall through.

This is called over-functioning.

It’s when you take on more than your share of the responsibility because it feels faster, safer, or more efficient in the moment.

But here’s the problem:
When you over-function, others under-function.
And over time, that leads to burnout for you... and disengagement for them.

Here's how to gently guide your team into alignment without over-functioning:

1. Share the vision - in real, relevant ways.

Not like a corporate script.  Just honest reminders of where you're going and why it matters.

• Try this: Open your next meeting with: " Here's how this connects to the bigger picture..."

2. Help each person see how they fit into the story.

People want to feel part of something meaningful.  When they understand their role, they naturally take more ownership.

• Try this: In your next 1:1, ask: "Which of your current priorities feels most aligned with where we're headed?"  Listen.  Then reflect together.

3. Coach instead of fix.

You don't need to have all the answers.  You just need to ask the kind of questions that unlock great ones.

• Try this: "If you were leading this project, how would you move us forward?

And here's a gentle but important reminder:

• If you're not growing, it's hard for others around you to grow.

Leadership skills have a shelf life of just 2.5 years. (MIT Sloan, BCG)

Even when the World Economic Forum highlights leadership and social influence as top skills we need to keep developing to stay steady and strong in a rapidly evolving world.

But this isn't about pressure.  It's about support.

You don't need to overhaul everything.

You just need space to check in with yourself, rest, and build rhythm that helps you lead well and live well.

Because let’s be honest - what sets modern leaders apart today isn’t how much they hustle. It’s how clearly they lead, how well they align their people, and how confidently they move forward without doing it all themselves.

And if you don't have a team right now, this still matters.

You're always leading something:

Your time.

Your energy.

Your priorities.

Your future.

Leadership is about how you show up for your life - and the impact you create by being who you are.

I don’t write these to add to your to-do list. I write them because leadership today is harder, faster, and more needed than ever.   

Because I care deeply that you rise in a way that’s true to you.
With clarity. With presence. With tools that help you lead well and live well.

And one more thing -

What's your biggest challenge right now?

Hit reply and let me know, we'd love to highlight and support what's most top of mind for this community in an upcoming newsletter.

Clean 15 of 2025: Eat Fresh Without the Stress

If you love eating fresh produce but worry about pesticides, the Clean 15 list for 2025 is your new best friend.  Published annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), this list highlights the fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues - even when not organically grown.  That means you can buy these conventionally and still feel great about what you're putting on your plate.

Here's the Clean 15 for 2025:

1. Avocadoes
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Onions
5. Papayas
6. Frozen sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Honeydew melon
9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage
11. Watermelon
12. Mushrooms
13. Mangoes
14. Carrots 
15. Bananas

Why It Matters

Buying organic is great when possible, but it's not always easy or affordable.  The Clean 15 gives you peace of mind that these produce items are typically grown with minimial pesticide use - making them a smart, safe choice for your family and your wallet.

Quick Tip

Still want to go the extra mile?  Give your fruits and veggies a rinse with water, distilled white vinegar, and baking soda.  This removes any lingering residue or dirt - organic or not.

Here's a delicious, healthy recipe centered on Clean 15 produce - fresh mango-avocado salsa!  It's vibrant, easy to make, and perfect as a dip, salad topper, or taco accompaniment.  All ingredients (mango, avocado, onions, and lime) are on EWG's 2025 Clean 15 list, meaning they typically have minimal pesticide residues.  

Ingredients

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced

2 ripe avocadoes, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, gently combine the mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro.
2. Add the lime juice and olive oil.  Toss carefully to mix without mashing the avocado.
3. Season with salt and pepper.  Taste and adjust lime, salt, or jalapeno to your preference.
4. Let sit 5-10 minutes for flavors to meld.
5. Serve with tortilla chips, over grilled fish or chicken, on tacos, or as a fresh side salad.