CHANGEMAKER'S TOOL: From Whistleblower to Life Leader
I'm writing a series of articles about tools that I've tested myself as a leader, change-maker, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they're quick, simple, and effective—and can even inspire beautiful transformations—if you commit to practicing them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE PROBLEM: LACK OF engagement
Many of my clients, who are change agents, tell me how frustrated they are with their colleagues: “I don’t understand. Despite all my arguments, I can’t convince them. They don’t understand. In any case, they don’t want to change.”
Having a coherent, well-structured message is crucial, but it's not enough.
Often, the real barrier to engagement goes beyond the words we choose. The influence we exert depends, above all, on the reality we offer people a glimpse of.
Let me give you an example:
If your manager seems burned out, overwhelmed, and neglecting his personal life, you probably wouldn't want to be in his shoes (even if the challenge and status might be appealing).
If they seem fulfilled and able to strike a balance between their work and personal life, you might be tempted to consider this option.
The real problem with a lack of commitment lies in the model we embody.
Engaging others is, above all, about inspiring them to join us on our journey, and that comes from the energy we radiate by simply being ourselves.
🔍 THE TOOL: THE LIFE LEADER MODEL
“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 indeed a crucial point to share.
But few people make a long-term commitment once they have become aware of the problem. Fear is too strong and often leads people to inaction or denial.
To create a movement, it is essential to craft an inspiring story. But this story will only be truly inspiring if the speaker embodies—in his or her own way and with all his or her imperfections—the desired change.
The key to engaging others is to become a leader who inspires desire.
Let me explain. A desire leader is someone who:
Reconnects with the life within them, with their deepest inner desires.
They dare to be themselves, with all their talents and vulnerabilities.
They contribute to the world in their own unique way, guided by a meaningful and ambitious mission.
It makes you want to join them on their adventure.
Inspires individuals to reconnect with themselves and find their place in the movement.
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE: BECOME A LIFE LEADER
If you're still with me (thank you, by the way), you're probably wondering, "OK, but specifically, what do I do?"
I suggest you take 2–3 minutes in a quiet place and ask yourself these questions:
How has my energy level been over the past 2–3 months?
How much do I feel like I belong?
When do I feel ALIVE?
Do my missions still make sense?
Where am I going?
To what extent do the model I advocate align with my actions and the way I live my day-to-day life?
If the gap is too wide or if you don't know how to answer these questions, what's the first step in refocusing yourself?
Let the answers come naturally. They will serve as signals—indicating whether you're on the right path for you
MY EXPERIENCE REPORT
When I took on the role of Sustainability Director, I was exhausted from trying to help everyone while pushing for more ambitious initiatives.
I thought that my role—raising awareness, providing support, and making proposals—would be enough to get my colleagues on board. In reality, I was tired and stressed. To be honest, I didn't really feel like “making 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 was inspiring. It wasn't perfect, but it showed that you can take care of yourself and still have a positive impact.
Someone said to me one day, “It’s because you’re like that that I let myself do it.” That was a “haha moment.”
My wish?
So that you may dare to be yourself and strive toward your higher purpose, so that others may do the same. In doing so, a movement will emerge without you even realizing it.
"So... ready to start?"
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Hi, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach specializing in leadership and sustainable transformation. For over 12 years, I have led sustainable change within a Fortune 500 organization in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business practices and help them take pride in contributing, in their own way, to a more sustainable, people-centered, and nature-friendly world. If you want to become an inspiring and impactful leader who engages your team and organization to create a better world, contact me!
