How Self-Leadership, Spirituality, and Empathy Shape Effective Leadership
By Angel L. Santiago
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” This challenges us to look beyond personal ambitions and embrace service as the foundation of meaningful leadership. The Green Door Thrift Shop embodies this principle, serving its community for over 72 years.
Founded on April 13, 1953, by the Women’s Auxiliary of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, The Green Door started with just 10 volunteers and has since grown into a thriving nonprofit. If you’re interested in supporting their efforts by volunteering or donating, you can email them at greendoorslsa@gmail.com.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Roberta Ortega, Chairman, and Bonnie Giddens, Past Chairman, who believe leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about service. “The only type of leadership—and the one that has made me successful in the military, my corporate job, and as a board member at The Green Door—is servant leadership,” said Roberta. “I live by a motto: people, service, value. If you take care of your people—in this case, the manager, assistant manager, and volunteers—they will take care of your customers.”
Leading Starts Within
When we think of leadership, we often focus on strategies and tactics, but true leadership starts from within. Before we can effectively lead others, we must master leading ourselves. Self-leadership is the daily practice of aligning our thoughts, emotions, and actions with our values and vision. It means taking responsibility for our growth, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.
As leaders, if we neglect our well-being—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—how can we expect to guide others with clarity? Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. A depleted leader can’t pour into their team, community, or mission. Both Roberta and Bonnie understand this well. “For me, staying grounded in the spiritual side of things is essential,” Bonnie shared. “I try to get out of the way and not let my ego lead.” Roberta agreed: “My faith is the foundation of everything I do. I strive to ensure my actions glorify God, and if not, I step back and listen.”
Being spiritually grounded serves as an anchor, allowing leaders to navigate challenges with wisdom and unwavering values. Some of the most impactful leaders operate from a place of service, guided by a foundation stronger than personal ambition. Spirituality—whether rooted in faith, mindfulness, or a commitment to a higher cause—grounds us in humility and resilience. It enables leaders to prioritize values over short-term gains and people over profits.
Both Bonnie and Roberta also prioritize overall well-being. “I’m obsessed with my Peloton,” Roberta shared. “I read up to five books a week, listen to audiobooks, and give back to my community.” Bonnie echoed this: “I read a lot of self-improvement books and spend time in spiritual contemplation morning and night. I also love practices like yoga that connect me to my body and remind me we’re part of something greater.”
Leadership is a demanding journey—like climbing a mountain toward your ultimate goal. To reach the peak, you must be physically strong, mentally sharp, emotionally resilient, and spiritually grounded. Without a strong foundation of well-being, it’s easy to burn out, make poor decisions, or lose the ability to inspire and support others effectively.
Empathy: The Key to Inspired Leadership
Great leaders don’t demand loyalty; they earn it through trust and empathy. They see their teams as individuals with unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Instead of managing through control, they uplift, empower, and create space for growth. A strong leader doesn’t just assign tasks; they cultivate the unique strengths of their team.
This is a point of pride for Roberta. “What I find unique in my leadership style is identifying someone’s gift—the gift that God gave them—and maximizing it for the good of the organization.” She takes time to recognize strengths in others, even when they may not see them in themselves. When people feel valued for their strengths rather than defined by their job descriptions, they become more engaged, productive, and fulfilled. This isn’t just good for the individual—it’s essential for the success of the entire organization.
Empathy in leadership means:
• Actively listen and seek to understand before responding.
• Recognize that leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room—it’s about elevating the intelligence of the room.
• Create a culture where people feel valued, heard, and supported.
When leaders prioritize people over power and maximize strengths rather than just filling roles, organizations thrive.
The Tension Between Vision and Execution
True leadership exists in the space between where we are and where we want to be. It’s about holding the tension between vision and execution—dreaming big while staying grounded in the present work. This is Bonnie’s greatest strength. “I’m constantly evaluating what’s working, what’s not, and how we can do things better,” she shared.
Leaders must balance long-term impact with the daily realities of resources, setbacks, and team challenges. It requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to keep the mission at the forefront, even when the path forward isn’t always clear. “It’s important to set clear expectations and follow-up—never assume someone will automatically do something,” Roberta added. “Each week, I meet with my employees to go over their top three issues and discuss how I can support them.”
Final Thought: Lead with Intention
Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey of self-discovery, service, and growth. The most impactful leaders don’t just focus on what they do—they focus on who they are becoming.
Ask yourself:
• Am I leading from a place of wholeness or exhaustion?
• Am I prioritizing self-care so I can show up fully for others?
• Am I making decisions rooted in purpose, or am I chasing validation?
The world doesn’t need more leaders chasing power. It needs more leaders committed to service, resilience, and integrity. Be that leader. By investing in holistic health, leaders not only enhance their effectiveness but also set a powerful example for those they lead. A well-balanced leader creates a well-balanced team, fostering a culture of growth, resilience, and sustainable success.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership? True leadership starts from within. If you’re ready to cultivate resilience, lead with clarity, and create lasting impact—let’s work together. As a coach, I help leaders like you strengthen their mindset, align with their purpose, and build sustainable success. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward becoming the leader you’re meant to be.
Blessings,
#LifeCoachAngel
210.239.3435
solo.to/lifecoachangel
