Core Magnificence

A Moment I Saw Myself Clearly

"Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about trust. And sometimes, it takes someone else’s words to remind you of your own strength."

During my career in HR, there have been a few moments when employees or managers have said something that caught me off guard and reminded me that I make a difference each day.

One such comment came from a supervisor during a period of organizational change. I was working through the process with the team and told them it was going to be tough for a little while, but we’d make it through—because that’s what we do.

Afterwards, the supervisor came up to me and said, "If you were running into a burning building, I’d follow you." I was shocked and didn’t know how to respond. I think I said thank you or something like that.

Later, I sat with that moment and realized I was respected as a leader. I was just being myself and doing what I believed was right. That’s what I try to do each day.

There have been other instances where people’s words made me pause. Sometimes I get so caught up in the task at hand that I forget the impact I have on people’s lives.

That moment reminded me of the quiet power of showing up with authenticity. When you lead with honesty, empathy, and conviction—not ego or performance—people feel it. They trust it. And sometimes, they follow it.

Soundtrack of My Teenage Years

New Kids on the Block helped me find my tribe in grade nine. I put up posters of them in my locker, which broke the ice with others in my homeroom. We bonded over the band and the music during breaks. One of my closest friends, Marie, and I even made a video to give to the guys at one of the concerts. We went to many! The music became the soundtrack for my high-school years. I can’t listen to those songs without being transported back to those years and those friends.

I'll be lovin' You Forever!

No one Limits my Potential

In grade 8, I changed schools to be in the right neighborhood for high school. Leaving my friends from kindergarten was tough, and I had to make new ones while adjusting to a new school—knowing I’d be switching again the next year. Thank goodness I’m an extrovert!

One day, my teacher pulled me aside and suggested I take math at the general level instead of advanced. I was shocked. I’d always had high grades, and while math wasn’t my strongest subject, I was university-bound.

I thanked her for the suggestion—and then made my own decision. I chose advanced math. I refused to let someone who barely knew me dictate my future.

I worked harder, got a tutor for physics, and not only made it through high school—I graduated on the honor roll. I got into the University of Western Ontario, and the rest is history.

So when someone tells me I can’t do something, I remember that moment—and remind myself: I can do anything I set my mind to.

When has someone tried to limit your potential? How did you handle it? Share below...