Beyoncé's words resonate with anyone striving to lead—power doesn’t arrive by accident or luck. It requires intention, courage, and action. It means recognizing your potential and stepping into it fully. True leaders understand that they must actively pursue and claim their power. This isn’t about aggressive tactics or overpowering others, but rather recognizing your own strengths and asserting your presence.

It's always easier said than done but here are some ways to take action:

1. Identify Your Strengths
   Reflect on your unique strengths and qualities. What do you bring to the table that others might not? Whether it’s creativity, resilience, or an ability to inspire, understanding your strengths builds confidence. Write down three strengths and think about how they contribute to your leadership style.
2. Speak Up in Meetings and Discussions
   Next time you’re in a meeting or group setting, share your ideas, even if it feels intimidating. By speaking up, you assert your voice and show others that you’re engaged and ready to lead. Start small by contributing one idea per meeting to build your comfort level over time.
3. Set a Bold Goal
   Power is often found in action. Set a goal that pushes you slightly outside of your comfort zone, whether it’s leading a new project, starting a community initiative, or asking for more responsibility at work. Make a list of steps to achieve this goal, and take one step each day toward accomplishing it.
4. Embrace Failure as Growth
   Remember, those who actively claim their power also face setbacks. Reframe failure as part of the learning process rather than a deterrent. Each setback provides a lesson that strengthens your leadership. After each setback, ask yourself, "What did I learn, and how can I use this to become a better leader?"

By actively claiming your power, you show others that you’re serious about making a difference and prepared to handle the responsibilities of leadership. You won’t have to wait for power to come your way—you’ll create it yourself.

Don’t wait for permission to lead—step into your role and own it.

Often, we hold ourselves back, waiting for the “right time” or for someone to encourage us to take the lead. But leadership is not about waiting for the stars to align. It’s about having the courage to step forward, trust yourself, and start making a difference with what you have, where you are. Taking ownership of your leadership potential means owning your decisions, taking initiative, and believing in your impact.

Here are some ways to this:

1. Define Your Purpose
   Clarify why you want to lead. Is it to make a difference in your community, guide your team to success, or inspire others to take action? Having a clear purpose will keep you grounded and focused, even when challenges arise. Write down your purpose and keep it visible as a reminder of what drives you.
2. Take Initiative in Small Ways
   Leadership doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Start by looking for small ways to lead. Volunteer for a task at work, organize a team-building event, or offer to mentor a colleague. These smaller actions build your leadership muscle and help you grow in confidence.
3. Establish Boundaries and Set Expectations
   Power and boundaries go hand-in-hand. When you claim your power, you establish expectations for how you want to be treated and how you plan to lead. Set boundaries around your time, and communicate your expectations clearly with others. This not only fosters respect but also reinforces your commitment to your role.
4. Practice Self-Advocacy
   Leaders need to be their own advocates. If you need resources, support, or adjustments to fulfill your role, ask for them. Advocating for yourself shows that you’re serious about your role and willing to communicate what’s necessary to succeed. Write down one thing you need to succeed in your current role, and communicate it to a supervisor, colleague, or mentor.
5. Celebrate Your Wins
   Recognizing and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces your belief in your ability to lead. Take time each week to reflect on what you accomplished. Document your wins in a journal or on a vision board as a reminder of your progress and power.

Owning your power in leadership is an ongoing journey. By taking these steps, you’ll build a foundation of confidence, resilience, and impact. Remember, leadership is about showing up as the best version of yourself, and each small action brings you closer to making a lasting difference.

Hidden Brain: How to Win People Over

I listened to this episode yesterday and knew I wanted to share with you. There are some interesting insights as to how we interact with each other and how we are perceived; how that gets us ahead or what we want, or how it gets us behind. Take a listen for how to “win friends and influence people”- skills that help us get what we want no matter what stage of life or what sector we work in.