Lead Like You: Discovering Your Entrepreneurial Leadership Style With Confidence and Heart

What first comes to mind when you think of a leader?

Is it someone commanding a room? Launching bold ideas? Wearing the title “boss” like a badge of honour?

I used to think that too — until I found myself leading something I deeply believed in… long before I ever called myself a leader.

Over the past five years of building the Made To Grow Project, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always arrive with a grand announcement. Sometimes, it shows up quietly — in the choices we make, the values we stand for, and the way we support others.

The truth is: entrepreneurship is leadership. And each of us brings a unique blend of experience, heart, and vision to the table. The magic happens when we stop trying to fit into someone else’s version of what a leader should be… and start embracing who we already are.

Step 1: Recognize Your Leadership Style

You don’t need to become someone else to lead well — you just need to get clear on how you lead.

Ask yourself:

• What do people naturally come to me for?

• When do I feel most aligned, most in flow?

• What values am I unwilling to compromise on?

Some of us lead through inspiration, others through action. Some by nurturing, others by strategizing. There is no one-size-fits-all — and that’s the beauty of entrepreneurial leadership. You get to lead like you.

Step 2: Own Your Story

Your lived experience is your leadership edge.

Every challenge you’ve navigated, every pivot you’ve made, every doubt you’ve overcome — it’s all shaped the way you show up today. For a long time, I thought my people-pleasing tendencies and self-doubt were barriers. But they became part of my strength when I began to lead with compassion — for myself and others.

When you stop hiding parts of your story, you start leading from wholeness. And that’s where real confidence begins to grow.

Step 3: Practice with Purpose

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about being willing to keep showing up. You build leadership confidence the same way you build anything else: by doing it.

Start by:

• Speaking up even when your voice shakes.

• Setting boundaries that honour your energy.

• Making decisions rooted in your values, not your fears.

And above all — stay connected. Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, challenge you, and remind you of your power when you forget.

Leadership isn’t a title — it’s a practice.

It’s found in the way you follow through.In the way you lift others up.In the way you lead from the inside out.

If you’re building a business, you’re already a leader. My invitation to you is this: lead with heart. Let your leadership be an extension of who you are — not a performance of who you think you need to be.

Remind yourself when necessary...you were made for this!