How To Feel Like A ‘Leader’
It’s a State of Mind - How to feel like a leader, or better yet.. reframe how you think about LEADERSHIP
Welcome. Let’s connect about how to empower your leadership skills while squashing a few myths on the subject. Simply — so you can take the lead and feel good about it.
Well, let’s we start with a new sense of what LEADERSHIP really means.. While a concrete, unified definition of the term ‘leadership’ does not exist, scholar-practitioners in the field of leadership like myself prefer to avoid the term ‘leader’. In reality the practice of leadership is much more than a position of authority or title. Instead, leadership focuses on HOW a person takes up their responsibility, power, and meets expectations of others in the pursuit of achieving a common goal. Leadership training, in support of this practice, helps people confidently take up their voice and presence in order to have the greatest impact with the valuable time they have.
As a professional, an aspiring one, or anyone with a pulse.. you’ve surely experienced discouragement that makes it more difficult for you to practice your best leadership. The figure heads of authority we’ve encountered in the form of parents, teachers, bosses, or customers leave lasting impressions (positive and negative) on how we take up our own power, as well as how we manage difficult situations..
Leadership is about taking that power back as you actualize your own vision, building better for yourself and your community. It is all hands on deck if we’re going to leave this lovely place better than how we’ve found it. The creators, innovators, visionaries, drivers, early risers and late nighters.. anyone driven to be of service is especially susceptible to developing their leadership practice. Which is good, because we need you. So, let me help ya however I can along the way, because leadership is going to suck sometimes.
Why does leadership suck..?
When your back is against the wall or you’re taking the leap of faith.. When you have the ‘blinders’ on and are fighting to bring your vision to reality.. You are stuck, conflicted, alone, angry, activated, excited.. THAT, my friends, is exactly when REAL leadership comes into play.
Leadership means consciously determining, then taking action to achieve the BEST possible outcomes. Sometimes, this means failing, then going back and figuring out another option. Sometimes, it means reflecting on what you’re missing.. maybe a blind spot or lack of perspective. Sometimes, it means navigating risky, frightening, or complex situations for the greater good.. This personal experience of creating something out of nothing requires a heightened level of critical thinking and mindfulness that empowers you to mobilize yourself and others through even the most complex of circumstances. It brings out the best in us so we can achieve the impossible.
How do you even find the motivation to act or feel like a ‘leader’ when the going gets tough..?
In terms of ‘feeling like a leader’, at State of Mind we teach clients the importance of identifying and developing what is referred to as your Leadership Presence - better understood by three manageable skills making up your overall presence.. (O’Neil, 2015).
Authenticity: The alignment between internal values and external expressions.
Influence: The ability to impact the beliefs or behaviors of others.
Self-Efficacy: The belief in your own leadership capabilities.
Come home to an internal power and cognition that ONLY YOU retain. Use your unique voice, perspective, and leadership presence to create better.
Want to get out of your own way?
Want the opinion of others to have less of an impact on you?
Start by reflecting on and identifying ways to improve these three skills. When you’re taking up full leadership presence, there is no one that can stop you.. not even you. You become the role model you never had. You bring yourself forward as a source of strength and support tied to something bigger. You create a better reality simply by being in tune with your internal world and by being more attentive to your purpose. Focus first on reflection, thinking about what skill needs the greatest development.. Then take small, sustainable steps to improve upon that skill for the coming weeks, returning to reflection at least once a month to think about your progress and set new objectives!
To wrap up —
If you want to start feeling more like a ‘leader’.. focus on how you can operate more authentically, influentially, and with more belief in yourself. Remember, nothing happens overnight.. so please, be compassionate as you practice and lean on support to help you along the way because sometimes.. leadership just sucks. You can connect with me below should you have any questions, a-ha moments, or if you want to learn more about how consulting can support your leadership development.
With love, V.
TLDR: Hey friend, Leadership Presence is key for feeling fulfilled and in charge of your life. Want to feel and act more in alignment with your own leadership?
Act with authenticity, standing by your values.
Inspire with influence, because there is no leadership without followership.
Self-empower that self-efficacy.. believe in your abilities and continue to LEARN!
About the author.
Victoria Kendall is a Leadership consultant, coach, and speaker based in California.
Her personal mission is to make leadership education more accessible.
Victoria enjoys large bodies of water (seen here), gathering around good food, live music, and talking about Ted Lasso.
Support is key as you navigate how to take up your voice, power, and leadership.
Be sure to lean on those you love, find mentors in all walks of life, let people support you.
How small festivals are making a BIG impact on the future of music..
BeachLife: The ‘good vibes only’ festival.
Welcome to Beach Life & the best fest you (probably) haven’t heard of.
Outdoor venues like The Queen Mary, Waterfront Park, and The Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach are a hotspot for CA festival culture in 2023. Elevated expectations, atmospheres, and lineups are setting the tone for a new era of music as we know it. Among the many festivals scattered across the Golden State, there is ONE that stands out and has proven committed to exceeding attendee expectations. State of Mind founder, Victoria, shares her perspective as she prepares to support a client at 2023’s BeachLife Ranch.
What makes BeachLife Ranch special as California's live music revival continues?
The answer is simple: the people.
Maybe you haven’t heard of BeachLife yet? Let’s get you caught up.. With a heightened focus on the bigger picture, BeachLife Festival is going above and beyond when it comes to amazing lineups, inclusive experiences, and vendor curation. Each stage features massive GA spaces and seating areas by partners like IKON Pass and Body Glove.. as well as elevated viewing experiences for VIP, and consciously designed concessions/bathroom areas. While a large faction of festivals are falling short of ticket-holder expectations around sound quality, organization, safety, and accessibility… BeachLife offers an almost luxury alternative where every choice was clearly determined to improve the attendee experience.
BeachLife Festival brings their flagship event to the LA South Bay every May, this year flaunting superstars like Gwen Stefani, The Black Keys, Sublime, and John Fogerty at the shore. Boasting coastal views and boutique festival perks, BeachLife is an immediate ‘bucket list’ recommendation for the new or veteran festival goer..
BeachLife: The ‘good vibes only’ festival.
In terms of ‘things to do at BeachLife’.. Festival organizers are giving audience members an incredible show they’ve come to love and exceeding expectations of what else you should be getting out of your festival weekend. No more typical vendors and food options. Instead expect free ice cream, surprise meet & greets, wellness services like IV Hydration, and after-party karaoke. The map is designed to be explored. You’ll have to see it for yourself, but a few highlights include picking up complimentary fresh fruit and Celsius upon arrival, craft beers at the Kona Brewing deck, dancing in the sand, and artist lounge hangs curated by my new favorite artist Victoria White.
This festival proves to be full of surprises, like watching BabyJake play piano on your way to the bathroom kind of surprises. All I can say is, having attended macro and micro festivals for years, BeachLife is a breath of fresh air. This team is proud, relaxed, and dedicated.. embodying the festival and community culture that makes BeachLife unique.
Take it from BeachLife founder Allen Sanford in his 2023 letter to attendees,
“When are you happiest? Ocean breeze, sunset, your favorite song, your favorite person or people, good vibes and love everywhere. And after experiencing that great stuff, there is a tendency to spread that goodness” ..
If you’re looking for music, culture, and entertainment.. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets, because it’s time for you to live your best BeachLife.
Want to know more?!
Their sister festival, BeachLife Ranch – is an Americana and Country based fest celebrating its second year, and held September 22-24th. Brilliantly multi-dimensional, the lineup features fan-favorites Jack Johnson, The Doobie Brothers, Brad Paisley and more. Regardless of your musical taste, artists are clearly chosen based on talent, no doubt putting on a show to remember this autumn (aka local summer). Clean off those boots and go ahead.. invite the fam because this community oriented event not only allows children, but has created an atmosphere to make enjoyment easy for fans of all ages.
About the author
Victoria Kendall is a Leadership scholar and consultant based in California. Honored as a talented and tenured leader in hospitality, she started State of Mind Consulting to do more good than she could working for a single organization. Her personal mission is to make leadership education more accessible.
Victoria enjoys bodies of water (seen here), gathering around good food, live music, and talking about Ted Lasso. Let’s connect.
TLDR: BeachLife Festival is bringing two amazing events each year to Redondo Beach, and you should follow along as our founder posts live from BeachLife Ranch September 22nd-24th!