Once a devoted physical therapist, my life's purpose revolved around navigating others through the storms in their lives, be it physical or mental. Little did I know that I, too, would face my fair share of obstacles, particularly in the realm of leadership. Regrettably, life doesn't come with a manual, and sometimes, we endure the sting. My life and career became a testimony to that fact.

In the dynamic journey from employee to director during my initial decade, I came to a pivotal realization: the significance of fostering meaningful connections with my team members had eluded me. Blinded by relentless ambition and business outcomes, I'd overlooked the essence of human connection in leadership.

In the midst of a profound disconnect with my team, I found myself grappling with the heavy burden of strained relationships and stagnating growth. As I embarked on an introspective journey, the unsettling truth revealed itself: the myriad ways I had failed my employees as a leader. A litany of shortcomings marked by pride, an inflated ego, unrelenting expectations, and a lack of ownership silenced the growth and potential within our enterprise.