Bringing Grace to the Grind: Leadership That Lasts

This summer, our family turned a big page.

After many years in Los Angeles, we moved back to my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. It was a big step. The move had been in motion for over a year, and because of our kids’ school schedules, my husband spent nearly ten months flying back and forth while I stayed in LA with the kids. In that season, I also closed out a chapter of my own, leaving a role and a team that meant so much to me.

That job was my first true executive position, and I grew in ways I never expected. The people I worked with became like family and leaving wasn’t easy. At my going-away party, they surprised me with a t-shirt that read: “bringing grace to the grind.” It was so humbling. I could remember the many times when I felt anything but graceful. Leadership is rarely easy. The days are long. The conversations can be hard. You’re constantly navigating challenges and questioning whether you were too tough or not tough enough. I remember countless times when I didn't get it right.

That phrase: “bringing grace to the grind”, has stayed with me as I step into this new chapter with an exciting new challenge and an incredible team. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about goals and outcomes. It’s about people. It’s about showing up, listening, fighting for those who aren’t at the table, and creating space for others to grow.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention. It takes empathy. It takes the courage to keep showing up even when it’s uncomfortable. As I settle into an exciting new role and am learning an incredible new team of people, I carry that message with me and not just on a t-shirt. At the end of the day good leaders listen well, advocate for their people, and lead with grace, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.