Quietly Leading by Design

Rethinking Leadership: What if Quiet is the New Powerful?

When we think of leadership, the image that often comes to mind is someone at the front, inspiring action with bold speeches and a commanding presence. But what if leadership didn’t need to look or sound like that? What if the most powerful leaders are the ones who quietly guide with intention and quiet confidence?

My Leadership Secret: Listen, It’s Not What You Think

I didn’t always see myself as leadership material (there, that's the secret - now you know)—never been one for grand speeches or big, flashy gestures. Sure, I’ve held leadership roles (Heck, I was a school principal!), but sometimes it felt like I was forcing myself into what I thought leadership should look like, working against my natural energy.

So, recently, when life threw me a professional curveball, I used this opportunity to reevaluate what it means for me to lead.

Here's what happened. Changes were happening in the office, and I decided to apply for a promotion that I wasn’t actively seeking, but I also knew I'm not one to sing “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve,” so I went for it—and now here I am, stepping into a new leadership role.

Around the same time, I was asked to pilot a mastermind program for women entrepreneurs. Talk about being called out by the universe's timing (This girl truly was just minding her own business when the opportunity approached). Now, if you’ve ever been part of a mastermind group, you know these aren’t about one person leading the charge. They’re about creating a space where the focus is on collective wisdom. 

These new opportunities got me thinking—can leadership really be gentle, flexible, and still make an impact? Is there such a thing as a “Quiet Leader”? What does that look like for me as I move into these new roles? 

Listen, I thought I was on to something, a new label of some sort (she ‘bout to go viral with this 😆), only to find out it’s already a thing. Who knew?

Quiet Leadership: The Art of Guiding Without a Roar

Quiet leadership is about creating space for others to step into their greatness. It’s about listening with intent, guiding with subtlety, and making room for voices that might otherwise be drowned out. Quiet leaders aren’t the ones monopolizing the conversation; they’re the ones making sure the conversation is meaningful.

Think Maya Angelou, someone who didn’t lead by shouting from the rooftops, but by using her calm, thoughtful presence to change the world. Her words had a way of drawing people in, not by force, but by grace. She was a quiet leader, but no one would argue the impact she left behind.

And then there’s Yara Shahidi—an actress and advocate who uses her platform to spark dialogue on social justice issues. She’s not loud about it. She leads through thoughtful conversations with quiet confidence, challenging people to think more deeply. She’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest leaders are the ones whose influence feels gentle, yet powerful.

So it begs the question: Is quiet leadership something we’ve overlooked for too long?

Silent but Strong: How Leadership is Shifting

The truth is quiet leadership has always been around (it's nothing new). But here’s the thing: it’s been underestimated and underappreciated for far too long. Society has long celebrated the loud, front-and-center leaders—the ones who make the bold moves and command the stage. But is that really the only way to lead?

The times are changing, and so is our idea of leadership. More and more, quiet leaders are being recognized for their unique strengths. They may not seek the spotlight, but their impact is undeniable. Slowly, they’re being seen, valued, and appreciated—often in ways that are more subtle, yet just as rewarding.

Patrick Brown puts it perfectly in his article, The Rise of the Quiet Leader, when he says, “The 21st century has witnessed a paradigm shift… towards the quiet leader, an individual whose strengths are often underplayed in traditional leadership models but are increasingly recognized as essential for navigating the complexities of today’s world.”

As leadership evolves, so does our understanding of the many ways it can manifest. Quiet leaders guide with purpose, creating lasting change without fanfare. But there’s something deeper at play here—a key to understanding why some leaders naturally thrive in their quiet strength.

Egos, We All Have Them? The Human Design Behind Leadership

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. You know I can’t resist bringing a little Human Design into the mix! Let’s talk about the Ego Center—where willpower, motivation, and self-worth live. It plays a huge role in how we show up as leaders, and understanding it can quietly transform how we lead.

In Human Design, leadership is all about how we channel our energy. Those with a defined ego center naturally exude presence—people are drawn to them, and tasks often seem to get done just by their being there. It’s a strong, motivating force. But there’s a catch: push too hard, and it can backfire. For quiet leaders with a defined ego, sometimes all you need is to be—your presence alone can do the heavy lifting.

And then, there are those of us with an open or undefined ego center (yep, that’s me!). We don’t feel the need to constantly prove ourselves. Our leadership is rooted in trust—trusting ourselves, trusting others, even when doubt creeps in. We create space for others to shine, lead with flexibility, and don’t rush for quick wins or external validation. Because leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most recognized—it’s about showing up authentically, being intentional, and letting things unfold in their own time.

So, here’s my question for you: How does your energy shape the way you lead? Want to learn more about your Ego Center? Click here to join me for a Human Design Insight Session. 

Leading from Within: Quiet Reflection, Big Impact

If you’re a quiet leader, or maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a leader, here’s a question: what fulfills you? Is it the external recognition that comes with praise and awards, or is it the internal satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference, even if no one’s watching?

There’s no wrong answer. But knowing what drives you is key to finding the environments where your leadership style can flourish. Quiet leadership is powerful, and it’s time we started acknowledging it.

So, what do you need to feel fulfilled in your leadership journey?

Quiet Luxury: The Hidden Power of Understated Leadership

Reflecting on my leadership style, I think of it as a quiet luxury. The quality of my work is present, but it’s not loud with logos or “look at me, I’m a boss” shoutouts. Actually, it’s quite hidden, and that’s intentional. Not only do I naturally lead like that, but I pretty much live like that. The Quiet Life!?!

To my fellow quiet leaders—the ones who don’t need the spotlight to make an impact, who lead with grace and intention, and who create lasting change without shouting for attention. Your leadership matters, even if it’s felt quietly. Trust the influence you have.

Quiet leadership doesn’t always make the headlines, but it leaves its mark in ways that are deeply felt. Whether you lead boldly or quietly, remember—your leadership, in whatever form it takes, has the power to shape people, places, and ideas. And that’s where true impact lies.

So, where does your leadership style fall? And how might quiet leadership be working its magic in the spaces around you?