There’s a haunting kind of ache I see in the eyes of too many leaders, something is off. They show up to meetings, lead teams, and make decisions—but inside, they’re living in a state of quiet desperation. It’s the slow erosion that happens when you spend your life doing something that doesn’t align with your passions or beliefs. Ultimately it deforms who you are. It distorts your leadership. And it leaks out in ways that sabotage your influence and diminish your team’s potential.
A Misplaced Leader
Meet Sarah. Sarah is an introverted leader in a large corporate setting. She’s intelligent, thoughtful, and deeply values authenticity and creativity. Yet, she’s been leading a team in a rigid, metrics-obsessed culture where performance is everything, and people are treated like numbers.
Sarah took the role because it looked good on paper—a promotion, a bigger team, and a bigger salary. But every day, Sarah feels the tension growing. Her values of empathy and meaningful connection clash with the “results-at-all-costs” culture she leads. She feels like an imposter. She starts second-guessing herself, holding back ideas, and hesitating to challenge the status quo. Her voice becomes quieter. Meetings feel heavier. Her team begins to mirror her disillusionment. Innovation drops. Engagement slides. People start to disengage, not because she lacks skills, but because somehow, she is no longer leading from the core of who she is.
Maybe you can relate to this. As a leader no matter what positivity you are trying to achieve the reality is misalignment leaks out, it could be in
- passive-aggressive email tones.
- over-apologising for tough decisions.
- avoiding conflict, even when necessary.
- overcompensating with busyness.
- And detachment, showing up to work but not being fully present.
This is the deforming effect of living out of alignment with your core, your identity. You might call it a life of quiet desperation. If this is true then the good news is there is hope.
5 Outcomes of Leading from Passion and Belief
But there is another way. When leaders step into roles aligned with their passions and beliefs, everything shifts. Here’s what I see happen:
- Authentic Influence – You inspire trust because your words and actions align with who you are.
- Resilient Energy – Work fuels you rather than drains you. Challenges become opportunities, not burdens.
- Creative Flow – Ideas spark. Solutions emerge. You see possibilities where others see problems.
- Stronger Relationships – You lead from connection, not control. People feel seen and valued.
- Lasting Impact – You build something bigger than yourself. A culture where others can also thrive.
3 Steps to Reconnect with Your Passion and Purpose
So how do you start leading from your core?
- Get Honest – Ask yourself: Am I where I’m supposed to be? If the answer is no, name it.
- Reconnect with Your ‘Why’ – What lights you up? What values are non-negotiable for you? Reflect. Write. Talk it out with a trusted mentor.
- Take the Next Step – It might mean a small shift in your current role or a bigger leap into something new. But movement is key. Don’t stay stuck in quiet desperation.
Let’s Make a Change – Together
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling the weight of misalignment, I’d love to help you break free.
I’m offering a 4-session coaching package designed to help you discover and lead from your passion and purpose. Together, we’ll clarify your core values, explore where you’re out of alignment, and create a practical plan for moving forward.
Ready to step out of quiet desperation and into leading out of your purpose and passion? Let’s talk.
👉 Learn more about the 4-session coaching package here.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
