Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Prioritize the Journey over the destination

In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Alyssa Smith, an international educator and certified clarity and transition coach. Alyssa brings a wealth of experience in teaching, coaching, and navigating significant life transitions. Join us as we explore her leadership journey and the impactful leader she shares with us.

Alyssa introduces us to a remarkable leader originally from Germany, a leader of educators she encountered during her teaching years. This leader's impact on Alyssa was significant, and she shares a pivotal moment that defined the essence of her leadership.

Process over Solutions

Alyssa recounts a planning meeting where the team faced challenges in defining the central idea for a unit. The leader, rather than imposing solutions, observed with a calm and open demeanor. With moments to spare, she gently intervened with a simple yet powerful question: "What if?" This sparked a transformative moment, shifting the focus from the leader's knowledge to the team's collaborative efforts.

The leader's approach highlighted the value of openness, the power of collaboration, and the importance of an ego-free leadership style. Alyssa reflects on how this experience influenced her role as an educator and now as a clarity and transition coach. The concept of guiding from the side, creating space, and modeling trust has become a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.

Coaching High Achieving Women Through Transitions

As a clarity and transition coach, Alyssa specializes in supporting high-achieving women facing significant life changes, such as grief and loss. Drawing from her personal experience of losing her mother unexpectedly, Alyssa guides her clients through the process of self-discovery, helping them navigate transitions, make intentional choices, and grow into their next selves.

In a heartfelt conclusion, Alyssa shares the transformative power of coaching in her life and expresses her commitment to helping others discover their inner strength during challenging times. Her coaching philosophy centers on unlocking potential, fostering collaboration, and navigating transitions with grace. To learn more about Alyssa and her coaching services, connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram.

Your host, Jessica Wright, is the Founder and Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders at Wright Life Coaching, LLC.