Gratitude, Fear, and Leadership: Lessons for Thanksgiving and Beyond

Good day, Wonderful Leaders! Whether you lead a team or yourself—you need to lead! The world needs you!

This is the first time you've heard from me post the US-election...

It is timely to remember: the season of Thanksgiving invites us to pause and reflect on the gifts in our lives—family, community, opportunities, and even challenges. While gratitude often takes center stage during this time, fear is an equally constant distant or near force shaping who we are. Together, gratitude and fear can act as guides, helping us navigate life’s complexities and emerge stronger, wiser, and more intentional in our leadership.

Fear is not an enemy; it’s a teacher. It asks us to slow down, reflect, and face truths we may otherwise ignore. When embraced with courage, fear can help us understand who we are and how we lead. It highlights areas where we might lack preparation or confidence, encouraging us to grow.

November is Native American Heritage Month, and in acknowledging this heritage, we can reflect on the practice of understanding balance—the belief that even discomfort has purpose. Fear, like gratitude, can bring clarity, showing us what matters most and where we need to focus our energy.

For instance at this time, I’ve decided not to adapt to the notion that there is uncertainty around the country. Instead, I believe I can and I do focus on intentions. With intentionality, we can move forward with confidence because we’ve chosen to lead decisively, guided by our values and a clear vision.

Gratitude grounds us. It reminds us of our “why”—the reasons we push forward, even when the road is difficult. It can be easy to lose sight of what we already have, focusing instead on what we lack. But the practice of gratitude shifts our mindset from scarcity to abundance, giving us the strength and perspective to overcome obstacles.

This Thanksgiving, consider how these two forces—fear and gratitude—interact in your life. Reflect on the following questions:

1. What fears have shaped you this year?
Have they revealed areas where you can grow or prepare differently? Use these insights to guide your goals moving forward.

2. What are you most grateful for?
Celebrate not just the big wins but the small, everyday blessings that sustain you.

3. How can gratitude and fear work together to strengthen your leadership?
When you recognize both what grounds you and what challenges you, you can create a balanced approach to sustaining your impact.

The season of gratefulness is not just about giving thanks but about embracing life in all its fullness—the joy, the challenges, and the lessons in between. By leaning into gratitude and affirming our intentions, we find peace and purpose. By understanding our fears, we create a roadmap for growth and resilience. Together, these practices help us lead with authenticity and strength—not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Even life.

Lastly, November is also an important time to acknowledge that it is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This month reminds us to honor the experiences of individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s. Their resilience serves as a profound testament to the importance of gratitude, strength, and connection in the face of difficulty.

As you celebrate this season, take a moment to honor not only your own journey but also the resilience of others—especially those navigating the impact of Alzheimer’s. Let this Thanksgiving be a time of intentional reflection and deliberate action. Honor the gifts you’ve received, learn from the challenges you’ve faced, and step forward with a heart full of gratitude and a plan shaped by courage.