You don’t need permission to lead.

One of the most persistent myths in leadership is that influence begins with a title. That you need authority, recognition, or a formal role to make a difference. But real leadership starts long before any of that. It begins with ownership.

Ownership of your choices. Ownership of your growth. Ownership of how you show up in the world.

Leadership without a title means choosing integrity over convenience. It means mentoring someone even when it’s not your job. It means setting boundaries, speaking truth, and modeling clarity—especially when it’s hard.

In Dear Leader, I wrote:

“Leadership begins before anyone gives you permission.”

That’s not just a quote—it’s a challenge. A challenge to stop waiting for validation and start leading from within. Because the truth is, titles don’t guarantee courage. They don’t guarantee clarity. And they certainly don’t guarantee impact. 

 You don’t need a title to lead—you need the courage to show up with intention. What’s one way you can lead today, right where you are? Don’t wait. Lead now.