Introduction
Service has always been a central theme in my leadership journey. As I prepare for my upcoming mission trip to Sierra Leone in March, I’m reflecting on how service, when integrated into our daily lives, can elevate our leadership and create long-lasting impact. In this article, we explore the power of slow philanthropy—the practice of giving back with intention, thoughtfulness, and consistency—and how it ties into purpose-driven leadership. As leaders, especially women, we have the power to shape our work and lives by serving others with purpose, while maintaining balance and well-being.
Service and Leadership: A Daily Commitment
In my own journey of leadership, I have discovered that service is not a one-time event—it’s a daily practice. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters by narrowing down what is essential. Right now, as I prepare for this mission, I am balancing several layers of leadership, including running my business consulting practice, organizing my volunteer responsibilities, and ensuring I’m mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for my time away.
- Intentional Daily Practices: In addition to the everyday demands of my consulting practice, I’m intentionally carving out time each day to prepare for my trip. This includes reviewing the lessons I will be teaching, learning key Krio words through flashcards to improve engagement, and being mindful of my overall health and well-being. This practice requires daily mindfulness to avoid becoming overwhelmed, and it’s essential to create a healthy balance between work, self-care, and preparation.
- Managing Client Relationships and Volunteer Work: Managing my client’s needs and volunteer engagements are key priorities at this time. I’m restructuring my commitments and ensuring my clients are well-equipped to continue moving forward in my absence, while also preparing for a smooth transition for when I return.
Purpose-Driven Leadership: Overcoming Challenges with Faith
As women in leadership, we often face challenging moments, both personally and professionally. For me, there have been difficult times when I’ve lost relationships or businesses in ways that took my breath away. However, my commitment to keeping my faith front and center—both in the good times and the tough moments—has kept me grounded and very much aware of one of my favorite quotes: “Panic is never a good strategy.”
My faith has been my rock, helping me navigate challenges and setbacks with grace, while keeping my focus on the long-term goals. It has given me hope to continue pressing forward no matter the obstacles. As I approach this new season, I remind myself that while the road may not always be smooth, embracing a purpose-driven leadership style and aligning it with service allows me to remain calm, steady, and focused.
Slow Philanthropy: Intentional Giving for Long-Term Impact
In this phase of my journey, I’ve also embraced the concept of slow philanthropy—being thoughtful and intentional in my giving. As I prepare for Sierra Leone, I’m not only planning to serve but also to create lasting connections. Service is a long-term commitment that extends beyond immediate needs, and I’m committed to making an impact that transcends my time in Sierra Leone.
- Building Meaningful Relationships: I’m ensuring that I’m prepared to facilitate, serve, and love those I will be working alongside. By investing time in learning the language, understanding the culture, and getting to know the international team I will be collaborating with, I’m fostering the strong, authentic relationships that are essential for success. These relationships will be the bedrock of our collective service, enabling us to work together toward sustainable impact.
Conclusion:
How are you integrating service into your own leadership journey? Service doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—it can be part of your daily practice. Whether you’re preparing for a mission or simply finding ways to serve in your community, every small act of service creates a ripple effect. I encourage you to reflect on how you can start integrating service into your daily leadership practices and career goals.
Are you ready to enhance your leadership impact through service?
If you’re ready to explore how purpose-driven leadership and slow philanthropy can enhance your life and business, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with me here: Schedule a Call.
