The Power of Healing in Leadership: Lessons from My Journey
Leadership is often viewed through the lens of skills, strategies, and charisma. But what if the true foundation of great leadership is healing? As the founder of A Princess's Closet and the author of The Healing Journey, I’ve come to believe that healing is not just a personal necessity but a leadership imperative.
My journey of healing began not in a boardroom, but in the quiet moments of reflection during some of life’s most painful seasons. These experiences taught me that the most effective leaders are those who have done the work of healing themselves. A wounded leader may be productive, but a healed leader is transformative.
Healing deepens empathy. It softens edges hardened by life’s difficulties. It gives you the emotional intelligence to listen, not just to respond but to understand. It creates space for vulnerability, which invites trust. When we model wholeness, we create safe environments for others to grow and lead.
Healing in leadership is about more than just emotional stability; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and vision. When we go through the healing process, we gain a clearer understanding of ourselves and others. This clarity allows us to lead with greater authenticity and integrity. People don’t follow titles—they follow trust. And trust is built when leaders show up whole, honest, and human.
Through The Healing Journey, I offer a 60-day guide that helps women embrace self-discovery, overcome trauma, and step into purpose. This same framework shapes the leadership development programming at A Princess’s Closet, where we empower middle and high school girls. Our curriculum is grounded in healing because confidence and clarity can’t grow in broken ground.
I’ve witnessed firsthand how healing can unlock the leadership potential within young women. When they confront their pain and begin to understand their worth, they become bold, compassionate, and visionary. They learn to advocate for themselves and for others. They stop asking for permission and start claiming their space.
Healing work may involve therapy, journaling, spiritual practice, or simply allowing yourself to be still. But whatever form it takes, it allows you to lead with intention, purpose, and heart. When you lead from a place of healing, you don’t just manage people—you empower them.
As a leader, your energy sets the tone. If you’re constantly overwhelmed, reactive, or avoidant, your team will reflect that energy. But if you’re grounded, emotionally aware, and intentional, you create a culture of safety and growth. That’s the power of healed leadership.
We need leaders who can sit with discomfort, who can navigate conflict with grace, who can hold space for others without losing themselves. These skills aren’t taught in most MBA programs—they’re forged in the fires of healing.
At A Princess’s Closet, we believe that every young woman deserves the chance to lead—but first, she must be equipped to heal. Our programs integrate emotional intelligence, reflection, and community support. We teach that healing isn’t a destination; it’s a lifestyle. And it’s one worth investing in.
To any leader reading this: your healing matters. It matters to your family, your team, your community, and most importantly, to you. Make space for your growth. Seek support. Be honest about what still hurts. And know that your healing doesn’t disqualify you from leadership—it qualifies you.
The world needs healed leaders now more than ever. Let your journey be the foundation of your influence. Lead with empathy. Lead with vision. Lead with love.
