Tool for "changemakers": Go from whistleblower to inspirational leader!
I’m writing a series of articles about tools I’ve tested and found to be effective in my roles as a leader, change agent, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they’re quick, simple, effective, and can lead to wonderful transformations—if you stick with them over time.
💡THE PROBLEM: “a LACK of commitment”
Many of my clients—agents of change—share their frustration with me: “I don’t understand. Despite all my arguments, I can’t seem to convince them. They don’t get it. In any case, they don’t want to change.”
Having a coherent and well-structured argument is crucial, but it is not enough.
Often, the real obstacle to a lack of engagement goes beyond our choice of words. The influence we exert depends above all on the reality we present to others.
Let me give you an example:
If your manager seems exhausted, overwhelmed, and neglecting his or her personal life, it’s unlikely you’d want to be in his or her shoes (even if the challenge and the status might be appealing).
If he seems happy and able to strike a balance between his work and his personal life, you might be tempted to consider this option.
The real problem with a lack of commitment lies in the example we set.
Inspiring others to get involved means, above all, making them want to join us on our journey—and that comes from the energy we radiate simply by being ourselves.
🔍 The Tool: The Model of the Inspiring Leader
"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
How many people have tried to raise awareness by talking about the dramatic consequences of climate change? This is a crucial point that needs to be shared.
But few people commit to the long term after reaching this realization. Fear, which is too overwhelming, often leads to inaction or denial.
To create a movement, it is essential to craft an inspiring narrative. But that narrative will only be truly inspiring if the speaker embodies—in their own way and in their perfect imperfection—the change they seek to bring about.
The key to building engagement is to become a leader people look up to.
Let me explain. A leader people admire is someone who:
reconnects with the life within him, with his EN-VIES.
a journey toward daring to be oneself, with all one’s talents and vulnerabilities.
contributes in his own way to the world around him, driven by an ambitious and meaningful mission.
makes you want to join him on his adventure.
inspires a desire to reconnect with oneself in order to find one's rightful place within this movement.
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE: BECOME A LEADER OTHERS LOOK UP TO
If you're still with me (thanks, by the way), you're probably wondering, "OK, but in practical terms, what do I do?"
I suggest you take 2–3 minutes in a quiet place and ask yourself these questions with unwavering kindness:
How has my energy level been over the past 2–3 months?
How much do I feel like I belong here?
When do I feel like doing something?
Do my assignments still have meaning?
What am I striving for?
To what extent do the model I advocate align with my actions and the way I live my daily life?
If the gap is too wide or if you don't know how to answer these questions, what's the first step to getting back on track?
Let the answers come naturally. They’ll guide you. It’s a “hot” or “cold” signal along your path—the one that’s right for you.
My Feedback
When I started my role as director of sustainable development, I was wearing myself out trying to help everyone while also pushing initiatives to be more ambitious.
I thought that my role—as a voice of warning, a source of support, and a driving force for change—would be enough to engage my colleagues. In reality, I was tired and stressed. Honestly, I didn’t exactly inspire people to “make the shift toward the ecological transition.”
When I started listening to myself and understanding my needs and desires, my life changed, and the people around me became more involved. I began to set an example that inspired others. It wasn’t perfect, but it showed that you can take care of yourself while making a positive impact.
Someone once told me, “It’s because you’re like that that I allow myself to do it.” That was a turning point.
My invitation?
Dare to be yourself and embrace your purpose so that others can do the same. A movement will emerge before you even realize it.
"So... Are you up for it or not?"
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Hello to you, agents of change!
I’m Nina, an impact coach and committed board member, and an expert in leadership and sustainable transformation. I led transformation and sustainable development initiatives at Veolia for nearly 15 years, both in France and internationally. Today, what I love to do is help organizations and professionals rethink their business models and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, humane world that respects all life. If you want to be an inspiring leader and engage your team to maximize your impact, contact me!
