Leadership is About Presence

May 18, 2025

Leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about how we show up for others—in the small, everyday choices we make, and in the way we treat people, especially when no one’s watching.

Over the years, I’ve learned that leading by example can be both powerful and humbling. It’s not always easy—especially when those we feel called to lead don’t want to follow. That tension can make us question our purpose, or even our worth, as if our value is tied to others' responses.

I remember my days as a teacher. None of my students chose me. They were placed in my class, and we had to figure out how to make our time together meaningful. Some students naturally connected with me—our personalities clicked, and my teaching style fit their learning style. Others were more reserved, just there for the ride. But I showed up every day with kindness and patience, even when I wasn’t sure it was making a difference. Over time, that consistency earned their respect. Teachers know that while not every student will master grade-level academics, the relationship—the way we made them feel—will stick with them. Those quiet moments of persistence and care often leave the deepest impact.

For me, leading with empathy has been just as essential. Truly connecting with someone—listening without judgment, understanding without needing to fix—can change everything. I’ve always been a good listener and I’ve found that sometimes people don’t need advice. They just want to be heard. Whether I agree with them or not, holding space for someone to process their thoughts and emotions is an act of compassion.

It’s also a reminder: we aren’t responsible for the choices others make. We can guide, encourage, and speak truth—but in the end, their life is theirs to live. We can choose to love them through it, or, when necessary, let go. But either way, we’re still called to show empathy, to share our own stories when it helps, and to remind others—and ourselves—that grace is always available. That kind of compassion builds trust. And trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship.

Leadership also means helping others see the greatness in themselves—sometimes before they believe it. My husband and I try to speak life into the young people around us—nieces, nephews, and others who may not yet be thinking about the future. Even when they can’t see past the weekend, we plant seeds, hoping they’ll one day grow into strong, thoughtful adults.

I think of one client in particular—older, weathered by life, still facing hardship. Our professional relationship slowly transformed into a friendship. All it took was consistency, positivity, and genuine encouragement. People respond to warmth, not to criticism or negativity. I used to be hard on myself, and that energy came through in my voice and presence. My husband and I have had to work through that in our marriage—learning that support isn’t always soft or easy, but it’s always rooted in love. He’s helped me embrace my strengths and face my weaknesses with grace. Together, we challenge each other to grow. That’s the power of empowering one another—we don’t just help each other succeed; we multiply the impact of our presence.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that leadership is never a solo act. The most fulfilling moments in my life have come through collaboration. Whether in marriage, parenting or work, I’ve seen the beauty of working together—not in perfect harmony, but in mutual respect. Everyone brings a different perspective, and none of us holds the one “right” solution. In parenting, my husband and I have learned to give each other room to make mistakes and course-correct without blame. Our children’s well-being depends on the health of our partnership—on our willingness to communicate and lead together, even as imperfect people.

When we come together with humility and a shared goal, the possibilities are powerful. My greatest hope is that our children grow up to be strong, compassionate, dependable leaders—not because of what we told them, but because of what they saw in us.

So when I think about leadership, I don’t think about authority or influence. I think about presence. About showing up with heart, humility, and a willingness to lift others. Leadership lives in the way we love, listen, and live with intention. And that means each of us has the power to lead—right where we are.

May you be encouraged in knowing that your past does not define who you are. Who you are is shaped by the choices you make today—the way you show up, the love you offer, and the courage you carry forward. You don’t need a title to lead. You simply need the willingness to be present, to grow, and to make space for others to do the same. Keep showing up. You’re making a difference, whether you see it yet or not.

Love Always,

Yer Yang