Reflecting on My Leadership Pipeline Experience | Oct 2024
Last fall, I had the privilege of participating in the Leadership Pipeline program, a transformative experience that brought together a diverse group of inspiring, like-minded women. With the generous sponsorship of Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG), I was able to immerse myself fully in the program and walk away with invaluable insights that have already begun to shape my personal and professional growth.
Each session offered powerful guidance on leadership, personal development, and how to grow within the constantly evolving workplace. We explored frameworks that helped refine our approach to leadership, focusing on essential elements like navigating change and fostering a psychologically safe work environment—two cornerstones of modern leadership.
The highlight of the program was the closing presentation by Dr. Alise Cortez, a Purpose/Ignition Catalyst. Her session encouraged profound introspection as she guided us through exercises on identifying personal purpose, clarifying core values, and finding meaning in our work. Dr. Cortez emphasized that purpose-driven leadership begins with a deep understanding of oneself. She walked us through an exercise where we reviewed a list of 100 values and distilled them down to our top 10. This activity was a game-changer, helping me clarify the guiding principles that dictate how I lead and where I choose to invest my energy. Try this activity yourself here!
Values are the compass by which leaders make decisions, especially the difficult ones, and understanding them allows us to lead with authenticity. When we clearly define and live by our values, we can articulate them to our teams and lead by example, empowering others to explore their own values and align them with their work. Dr. Cortez’s message was clear: the more aligned we are with our own values, the better we can inspire and support those we lead. This alignment fosters a culture of “mattering,” where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. She reminded us that people perform at their best when they feel needed and affirmed, and it’s our role as leaders to cultivate this sense of mattering.
Participating in the Leadership Pipeline program was a deeply transformative experience. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with the opportunity to engage with Leadership Women or apply for EWTG’s scholarships to take that step. The insights, connections, and personal growth I gained from this program will continue to shape my leadership journey for years to come.
Leaving the program, I felt a renewed sense of optimism and purpose. Our roles go beyond job descriptions—they’re opportunities to find meaning and pursue purpose through our work. The Leadership Pipeline program equipped us with technical skills to create safe work environments, navigate change, and develop long-term financial strategies. But most importantly, it provided a new lens through which to view our work: one of purpose. As Dr. Cortez so eloquently expressed, unlocking our leadership potential starts with truly knowing ourselves—our values, our purpose, and the unique contributions we offer the world. By cultivating this awareness, we not only grow as leaders but inspire others to reach their full potential.