The Art of Leadership: How Intentionality and Vision Drive Growth

When I left corporate life, I made a promise: to carve out more time for art. For me, art isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a practice. It’s about slowing down, exploring possibilities, and creating something meaningful.

I work with mosses, lichens, and flowers that I forage and preserve. Each piece I create is an intricate exploration of the natural world—a reflection of connection, balance, and transformation.

Preserving moss requires patience and focus. It’s a reminder that great results come from slowing down and being intentional—whether in art or leadership.

What I didn’t realize when I started this journey was how much art would influence my coaching practice. The lessons I’ve learned while creating have shaped the way I guide leaders through transformation. Like art, leadership requires intentionality, the ability to embrace uncertainty, and the courage to take bold steps forward.

Art and Leadership: Finding Parallels

At first glance, art and leadership might seem like two completely different worlds. But as I’ve leaned into both, I’ve noticed striking similarities.

1. Intentionality Matters
   When I create, I carve out intentional time to do so. Art doesn’t happen in stolen moments—it requires focus and presence. Leadership is no different. The best leaders don’t simply react to what’s in front of them—they step back, reflect, and approach their work with deliberate intention.

2. Clarity Emerges in the Process
   When I open a bin of preserved moss or lay out my tools, I don’t always know where I’m headed. But as I work, clarity emerges. This mirrors what I see in my coaching clients. Often, they come to me feeling stuck or uncertain. Through reflection and action, their path becomes clear—not all at once, but step by step.

3. Releasing Control Creates Space for Transformation
   One of my favorite pieces took months to create. Initially, I had a vision for it—a detailed, specific image in my mind. But the more I tried to force it, the less it worked. Frustrated, I set it aside. Weeks later, I returned with fresh eyes, released my original agenda, and allowed the process to guide me.

   The resulting piece looked nothing like I’d envisioned, and yet it’s one of my most celebrated works. It’s the top-viewed piece on my website and has led to several commissions. The lesson? Sometimes, letting go of control creates the space for something even better to emerge.

   In leadership, the same is true. Leaders who cling too tightly to their original plans risk stifling creativity and missing opportunities. Those who step back, release their agenda, and stay open to new possibilities often discover innovative solutions and unexpected success.

4. Mistakes Are Part of the Journey
   In art, mistakes aren’t failures—they’re opportunities. A misplaced piece of moss might spark an idea I hadn’t considered. Leadership works the same way. Challenges and missteps can open doors to new approaches and possibilities.

5. Creativity Inspires Confidence
   Art is about more than the finished piece—it’s about the confidence that comes from creating. Leaders often find that when they try something new—whether it’s a bold strategy or a different way of engaging their team—it builds their confidence and expands their capacity for growth.

The Practice of Leadership

Leadership, like art, is a practice. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up, engaging with the process, and staying open to what emerges.

One of my clients, a senior executive, came to me feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities. She was a high-achiever, deeply committed to her team and her work, but she felt stuck in the day-to-day grind. Through our coaching sessions, she began to carve out intentional time for reflection. She realized that her greatest insights often came during moments of pause—when she stepped away from the noise and allowed herself the space to think clearly.

This piece took months to create. What could you achieve if you let go of control and trusted the process?

As she implemented this practice, she found herself leading with greater clarity, energy, and purpose. Her team noticed the difference, and so did she.

A Challenge for Leaders

As we enter the new year, I encourage you to think about your leadership practice. How can you carve out intentional time to reflect, experiment, and grow?

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Create Space for Reflection: Block out time in your schedule—not to accomplish a task, but to think, explore, and let ideas surface.

• Embrace the Process: Whether it’s solving a complex challenge or building a vision for the future, focus on the journey, not just the destination.

• Find Your Creative Outlet: Maybe it’s not art for you, but find something that allows your mind to wander. A walk, journaling, or even reorganizing your workspace can unlock surprising insights.

Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together

Art has taught me that the most meaningful work doesn’t come from rushing—it comes from creating space for discovery. The same is true for leadership.

If you’re ready to approach leadership with greater clarity and intention, I’d love to help.

• Schedule a free consultation with me.

• Explore my artwork at Foresthetic.

Leadership is a practice. Let’s shape yours together.

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