Reflection on Growth & Learning

The Secret Ingredient of Leadership

When I started Thallora, I thought a “real leader” needed to have all the answers, like that go-to person everyone asks for help. But then I read this article by John Hagel that completely changed my perspective. It turns out that acting like you know it all can actually hurt trust. People actually trust you more when you’re honest about not having all the answers—who knew?

So, I decided to switch things up. Instead of coming in with “the answer,” I started asking big, open-ended questions like, “What’s a different idea we haven’t tried yet?” or “How can we make this project stand out?” And honestly, it changed everything.

The whole team became more connected, and ideas were flowing like crazy! Instead of just following orders, everyone was excited to share their thoughts. By letting curiosity take the lead, I realized my job wasn’t to have all the answers but to get conversations going. Now, asking questions is my go-to leadership move. It keeps things fresh, creative, and real at Thallora—and it’s way more fun than pretending to know it all ;).

Seeing Through Different Lenses

Since starting Thallora, it has really shown me that language is way more than just words; it completely changes how we see things. After watching Lera Boroditsky’s TED Talk, it hit me just how much language shapes our reality. It’s pretty wild to think that even the way we give directions or talk about colors can actually affect our thinking. For example, Boroditsky mentions an Aboriginal language in Australia where people say “north” and “south” instead of “left” and “right.” Just imagine needing to know your direction all the time just to say “hello”! (No offense to any Australians out there!)

I see this all the time at Thallora, especially with clients and team members from different backgrounds. The way we share ideas or explain projects isn’t just about being clear; it’s also about connecting through a common understanding. Language can show us a lot about how people see the world, so I try to really listen and catch the little things people say that reflect their perspective. By being aware of these differences, we can create marketing messages that really resonate with a diverse audience. Boroditsky’s talk reminded me that language shapes our connections, and it’s not just about what we say—it’s also about how we perceive each other.

Work-Life Balance, Finding My Rhythm

Let’s be real—trying to lead Thallora while juggling a full-time job and school feels like I’m spinning a ton of plates while running a marathon. David Lancefield’s take on balancing big goals with personal life really struck a chord with me. He points out that some leaders get so wrapped up in their work that they end up sacrificing relationships, health, and happiness. And while I’m not the CEO of a huge company, I’ve definitely had moments where I question if it’s all worth it.

So, I decided to hit the brakes a bit. Instead of charging ahead blindly, I started setting some boundaries and carving out time for things outside of work. I realized that if I wanted Thallora to succeed without completely burning myself out, I needed to prioritize both my goals and my personal life. Now, I make sure to fit in things that keep me grounded—like catching up with friends, taking breaks when I need to, and being there for my family. This change has been a total 180 for keeping me motivated and excited about what we’re doing.

It’s not just about finding balance; it’s about having a vision that includes both work and life. By keeping my personal priorities in focus, I’ve found a groove that lets me lead with energy while still enjoying other parts of life. Thallora’s goals are ambitious, but with this healthier approach, I know I can keep pushing forward without burning out.

Authentic Leadership – Being Real, Together

One of my main goals with Thallora has been to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. But I learned from Suzanne Peterson and her co-authors that leading isn’t just about having a vision; it’s also about balancing confidence with approachability. I used to think that being a good leader meant I needed to have all the answers and always be super chill, letting everyone share their thoughts freely. I realized that if I leaned too much into that, my voice would get drowned out, and my team sometimes missed having clear guidance.

So I decided to mix things up. Instead of leading with questions or suggestions all the time, I started using stronger, more direct language when it felt right. At first, it felt a bit weird (being “the boss” isn’t really my thing), but I found out that these small tweaks made a big difference. Suddenly, I could set a clearer direction while still keeping our vibe open and inviting.

Now, I try to strike a balance—I take charge when needed, but I also make sure everyone feels heard. It’s about building that real connection where people know I’m in this with them, not just standing off to the side. This mix of confidence and approachability has helped me create a culture of trust at Thallora, where everyone’s ideas matter, and we’re all growing together. Leading isn’t about being “perfect”; it’s about finding a style that makes people feel welcome while still moving towards exciting goals together.

Building a Safe, Connected, Growing Team!

One thing I’ve picked up at Thallora is that leadership isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s really about creating a space where people actually want to come in, take risks, and do their best work. Sunnie Giles’s research on leadership shows just how important it is to build safety, connection, and openness in a team. At Thallora, I’ve started focusing on these aspects by making sure everyone feels they’re in a safe and supportive environment. Instead of just laying down the rule, I make a point to listen to what the team has to say and clear the air when things get messy. The goal? To ensure that everyone feels like we’re all in this together, with no surprises or blame.

It’s not always easy to create this kind of vibe, but it’s definitely worth the effort. I’ve found that when the team feels supported, they’re much more likely to share new ideas and try different things without the fear of failing. At Thallora, we celebrate the little wins and learn from our mistakes as a group, which keeps everyone engaged and growing. Like Giles points out, building a sense of connection and openness is key to creativity and resilience. It’s not just about leading; it’s about nurturing a team that’s truly excited to innovate and grow together.

Looking Forward

Thinking about my journey with Thallora and all I’ve picked up this semester makes me really excited for what’s next. Every lesson—from sparking curiosity to knowing when to set boundaries—has helped shape the leader I’m becoming. Looking ahead, I’m open to whatever comes my way and can’t wait to keep learning, connecting, and growing. If you’re up for a chat, want to share ideas, talk about marketing, or just need some good vibes, I’m just a message away. Let’s keep pushing forward!