How to Lead and Grow a Community While Growing Yourself
Let me tell you something I’ve learned the long, messy, beautiful way: you do not need to have it all figured out before you start building something that matters.
We tend to think that in order to lead, we need to be 10 steps ahead. That to create a business, a network, a movement, or even a support group, we need to have the credentials, the perfect plan, and all the confidence in the world.
But here's the truth: growth and leadership happen at the same time—and they often look a lot messier than the highlight reels we see on social media.
In this season of my life and business, I'm showing up as I am—imperfect, evolving, and still learning. And I’ve realized that this is where real connection lives. When you're honest about where you are, people don't back away... they lean in.
The 5 Things Helping Me Lead and Grow (Even When I’m Still Figuring It Out)
1. Embrace the Work-in-Progress Season
There is no “ready.” If you wait until you’ve got it all together, you’ll be waiting forever. I used to believe I had to earn the right to lead or launch something. Now? I know the magic is in starting before you're ready.
People connect with honesty, not perfection. So if you're just starting, say so. If you're pivoting or starting over, say that too. That’s where the connection begins.
2. Lead From Where You Are
You don’t need to be 10 steps ahead—you just need to be willing to stand next to someone and say, “I don’t know everything, but I’m here with you.”
One of the most powerful things you can do is create space—for conversations, support, reflection, and mutual growth. Host something small. A 30-minute coffee chat, a silent co-working hour, or even a casual DM exchange. The size doesn’t matter. The intention does.
3. Be Transparent (Even When It’s Not Pretty)
Some days I wake up feeling unstoppable. Other days? It’s like running through molasses with a backpack full of undone tasks. But I show up anyway.
Why? Because people are craving real. And when I share the hard stuff—the doubts, the detours, the imposter syndrome—I always get DMs, emails, and messages saying, “Same.” You don’t have to be bulletproof. You just have to be you.
4. Grow With Your People
You’re not building for your community. You’re building with them. Ask what they need. Invite them into the process. Let them help shape what comes next.
When people feel like they’re co-creating something, they’re more likely to stick around because it’s not just your space anymore. It’s ours.
5. Celebrate the Tiny Stuff
I’m terrible at celebrating my own wins. (There, I said it.) But I’m working on it—because those tiny triumphs? They matter. They add up.
Finished a hard email? Posted something vulnerable? Recorded a podcast episode even when you wanted to hide under a blanket? That is worthy of celebration. Don’t skip over it.
Your Invitation to Start Now
If you’ve been waiting for a sign that you’re allowed to begin before you’re “ready,” this is it. You are not too late. You’re not behind. You’re a real human in motion with something to say—and that is more than enough.
Whether you're leading five people or five hundred, whether you're just starting or starting over, you're building something that matters.
Let it be messy. Let it be real. And let it grow from exactly where you are.
I’m right there with you. 💛
🎧 Listen now to The Seed: Building Your Business – Growing Your Business with Isabel DesousaAnd if you love it, share it with a friend. That’s how we grow—together.
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