Be the Unicorn: Leading with Confidence, Even If You're the Mountain Holding Yourself Back
I recently wrapped up listening to two books that hit me right where I needed them. The first, Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen, was like motivational pep talk wrapped in a rainbow-colored package. The second, The Mountain is you by Brianna Wiest was a bit more of a gut check—so much so that I listened to it twice because the words were just too spot-on to ignore. Now, let’s dive into how these books aren't just self-help fluff, but serious leadership lessons that—let's be real—some of us desperately need.
Be the Unicorn: Lead Like You’re the Only One in the Room
If you've ever struggled with stepping into your own leadership power, Be the Unicorn is your ticket to the confidence train. This book is all about leading with authenticity, embracing your uniqueness, and showing up unapologetically in your role. In the context of leadership, it’s a call to stop blending in with the herd and to let your quirks, skills, and strengths shine. The whole "be the unicorn" mantra is about fostering an environment where you stand out for the right reasons—not because you’re trying too hard, but because you’re genuinely leading with your personal brand of magic.
What makes this so powerful for leadership is that it’s not just about being different for the sake of it—it’s about understanding that your individual strengths are exactly what a team needs. When you lead with that kind of self-assurance, you're not just a leader, you’re the one who helps others step into their own unique potential. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a leader that inspires them to feel like they’re all magic?
The Mountain Is You: Realizing You’re the Obstacle (But You Can Move It)
Now, on to The Mountain is you. After the unicorn glitter-fest, this book was a bit of a reality check. The premise is simple, yet profound: You, the leader, are the mountain. You're the immovable force that shapes your own path, but you’re also the one who sometimes stands in your own way. And let me tell you, hearing that was like someone shining a flashlight on the giant boulder I've been pretending wasn’t there.
As a leader, sometimes it’s easy to think that external challenges are your biggest hurdle. You know, the things that are clearly out of your control: market shifts, staffing issues, or that one colleague who still thinks emails should be written in all caps. But The Mountain is you is a reminder that often, the toughest barrier is the one you’ve built inside your own mind.
You’re the one overthinking that decision, rehashing past mistakes, and—let’s be real—creating mountains out of molehills. I’ve definitely found myself in a leadership meeting where my brain has decided to erect a mountain out of a simple question, only to later realize it was just a speed bump. So, yeah, that mountain you’re staring at? You might have built it, and only you can knock it down with a little introspection and maybe a few good laughs along the way.
The Leadership Takeaway:
So, here’s the kicker. As a leader, you can be the unicorn—leading with confidence, authenticity, and an undeniable sense of purpose. You inspire your team to embrace their uniqueness and shine. But at the same time, don’t forget that sometimes, the biggest barrier to growth isn’t the external factors—it’s the mountain you’ve built within yourself. It’s easy to get comfortable behind that mountain, thinking you need to have all the answers. But the real magic happens when you push past that mountain, tear down the barriers, and embrace the unknown with the confidence of a unicorn leading the way.
In the end, true leadership isn’t about pretending to have it all together. It's about leading with your flaws, your strengths, and your ability to break down the walls that you, yourself, might have built. And if you can do that while staying true to yourself, you’re not just leading a team—you’re helping everyone discover their own magical potential.
