Finding My Way: What Every New Leader Needs to Hear

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare—from the fast pace of emergency medical services to the layered complexities of ambulatory and inpatient care—I’ve seen leadership from every angle. I’ve built teams, made tough calls, and mentored future leaders. But no matter how much time passes, I never forget how hard those first steps into leadership felt. If you’re stepping into that space now, I want you to know: you’re not alone.

When I took on my first leadership role, I thought my clinical experience and drive would be enough. I quickly realized leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you’re becoming. It tests your confidence, your communication, and your ability to stay grounded when expectations are high. The learning curve is steep, and every decision feels like it carries the weight of your reputation. I remember the self-doubt, the sleepless nights, and the pressure to never get it wrong.

Emerging as a leader, especially in healthcare, is filled with moments of doubt and decisions that weigh heavier than any textbook could prepare you for. You’re suddenly navigating personalities, policies, patient outcomes, and team dynamics—all at once. Novice leaders often feel like they’re walking a tightrope between proving themselves and trying not to make the wrong move. And when mistakes happen (and they will happen), they don’t just feel like missteps—they feel like failures. I know that feeling. I’ve lived it. But I’ve learned that those early mistakes aren’t signs you’re not ready—they’re necessary milestones in your development. You’re not failing. You’re learning how to lead.

One of the most difficult challenges I faced early on was managing people who had once been my peers. The transition from colleague to supervisor can be awkward and isolating. I also struggled with delegation—carrying too much out of fear that if I let go, something would fall through. What I’ve learned is that these experiences aren’t unique. They’re part of the growth curve every leader faces. And yet, we don’t always talk about them enough.

Over time, I began to understand that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning how to navigate the unknown. It requires an unwavering commitment to self-awareness. You must understand your tendencies, your communication style, your triggers, and your blind spots. Without this internal clarity, no leadership technique or policy manual will be enough. More importantly, you need to give yourself permission to learn. That includes giving yourself permission to make mistakes—and to rise from them.

That’s why I created my Leadership Essentials course. It’s not about memorizing buzzwords or following a rigid model. It’s about building a real foundation—one that includes emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, communication strategies, and situational leadership. I designed it for emerging leaders like you—those who are eager, committed, and maybe just a little unsure of where to begin. The course breaks things down into manageable lessons, each one grounded in real-life scenarios I’ve seen in ambulatory care, inpatient services, and emergency medical settings.

One of the most powerful elements of the course is the reflection work. Leadership is not something you do—it’s something you become. The more you reflect on your choices, your challenges, and your victories (even the small ones), the more confident and resilient you become. That’s why I included journal prompts and guided exercises. And for those of you who learn by reading, I’ve also written several e-books that dive deeper into topics like emotional intelligence, leading through change, and balancing empathy with accountability. These books are short but rich with insights drawn from my 25+ years in healthcare leadership.

What I wish someone had told me early on is this: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Learning from other people’s experiences—mentors, colleagues, and even the mistakes of those who’ve gone before you—is a shortcut to growth. You don’t have to suffer through every lesson firsthand. You can borrow wisdom, adapt it, and make it your own. That’s the spirit behind everything I create—whether it’s a course, a guided meditation, or a short story for reflection.

So if you’re a new or emerging leader in healthcare, I want you to hear this: You are not alone. You are not failing. You are becoming. And there’s nothing more powerful than that. Keep learning, keep asking questions, and most importantly, give yourself grace. Leadership isn’t a destination—it’s a journey, and I’d be honored to walk beside you.

-Harper