This quote is inspiring and encouraging to me because it inspires me to do something and it encourages me that something can be done. I see a lot of folks think that nothing can be done about this or that, that their one voice won’t make a difference. I feel that sometimes too but then I read a quote like this and am encouraged to take action, I remember Malala’s story and know that one person can make a difference.

At its core, leadership is about action, initiative, and courage. We often believe that change will come from external forces—perhaps from those in established positions of power or those with greater experience. However, real leadership begins when we acknowledge that no one else is better equipped than we are to lead in our own lives, communities, and causes. Malala’s message serves as a reminder that we should not wait for permission or for others to advocate on our behalf. True leadership is about being proactive and recognizing that we each have the power to influence change.

This quote also speaks to the importance of confidence. So many women feel they aren’t “ready” or “qualified enough” to step into leadership, yet the truth is, if we wait until we feel fully prepared, we may wait forever.

Here are some steps so you don’t get stuck waiting for when you feel ready

1. Own Your Voice
   Stop waiting for others to express what you’re feeling or to speak to your vision. Start by practicing voicing your ideas, concerns, and solutions in everyday settings—at meetings, in conversations with peers, or in community groups. The more you speak up, the more natural it becomes. Your perspective matters and is often the spark others are waiting for.
2. Identify Areas Where You Can Lead
   Look for gaps in leadership or areas that need fresh energy in your workplace or community. Is there a project that’s been stagnant? A cause that no one has championed? Step forward and own that space. Don’t wait to be asked—volunteer to take the lead or offer new ideas.
3. Build Your Confidence by Taking Small Risks
   Leadership doesn’t always mean grand gestures. Start with small actions that stretch your comfort zone. This could be leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or organizing an event. Each step helps build your confidence and reinforces the belief that you are capable of leading bigger initiatives.
4. Surround Yourself with Support
   Find mentors or peers who can encourage you to grow as a leader. We are often our own worst critics, so having a support system that affirms your abilities can make a huge difference. Lean on those who can provide honest feedback and push you to keep moving forward.
5. Act Now, Don’t Wait
   Whatever vision or idea is stirring within you, act on it now. Leadership isn’t something you “arrive” at—it’s cultivated through experience. Start where you are, with what you have, and let your leadership journey evolve as you go. As Malala suggests, the world is waiting for you to take that first step.

As leaders or future leaders, we must remember that our voice and our actions have power. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the microphone—pick it up and start speaking for yourself. That’s where real change begins.

Last week I went to the Teton Leadership Summit and one of the keynote speakers was Dr. Vivienne Ming, a self proclaimed Professional Mad Scientist. Her scientist mindset is wired to challenge boundaries, always looking at what is and thinking about what it could be. Here’s one of her many talks to check out and similar to what I heard last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4fxmSdrchs&t=8s.

So this got me thinking about what boundaries have I put on myself? Why is it important to challenge boundaries?

Challenging boundaries is crucial in leadership because it fosters growth, innovation, and progress. Leaders who push limits often discover new paths, improve systems, and create meaningful change. Breaking through predefined barriers helps in moving beyond the status quo, which can otherwise hold individuals or organizations back from their full potential.

Why Challenging Boundaries Is Important:

1. Encourages Innovation: When you challenge what’s been traditionally accepted, you invite creative thinking. The willingness to step outside established norms enables the discovery of new solutions, products, or methods that can revolutionize your organization or community.
2. Promotes Personal Growth: Pushing personal limits allows you to develop new skills, build resilience, and foster confidence. When you face and overcome challenges that initially seemed out of reach, you expand your capabilities.
3. Drives Organizational Change: In a world that’s constantly evolving, organizations that stick to rigid boundaries risk becoming obsolete. Leaders who question the way things have always been done ensure that their teams or organizations stay relevant and competitive.

How to Challenge Boundaries:

1. Identify Limiting Assumptions: Start by questioning the assumptions that define your current boundaries. Ask yourself and your team why things are done a certain way, and whether it’s the best or only way forward. This sparks curiosity and creativity.
2. Embrace Failure as Part of the Process: Challenging boundaries often means making mistakes. Leaders who accept failure as a natural part of pushing limits are more likely to experiment and take the risks necessary for innovation.
3. Seek Diverse Perspectives: Innovation happens when you challenge boundaries with fresh perspectives. Engaging people with different backgrounds and viewpoints helps you break free from traditional thinking and find new ways to approach old problems.

By constantly challenging limits and questioning the status quo, you grow as a leader, inspire those around you, and drive meaningful change in your organization or community.

New Episode!

In this episode of Ladies in Leadership, I’m joined by the incredible Lindsay Linton Buk, an artist and photographer from Jackson, Wyoming, whose Women in Wyoming project is shining a much-needed spotlight on the stories of remarkable women across the state. Lindsay shares how her journey took her from the small town of Powell to the fast pace of New York City, only to realize the impact she could make by coming back home.

We dive into the Women in Wyoming project and how it highlights the inspiring stories of women from all walks of life—artists, ranchers, doctors, pilots, and more. Lindsay and I also talk about the challenges Wyoming faces in keeping young talent in the state and how she’s using her work to encourage the next generation to recognize the unique opportunities Wyoming offers.