Saluting The
2025 Mortgage Lending
Women Of Inspiration

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

I'm humbled and grateful to say that I have many proud moments in my career so far. When reflecting back on this 23-year journey with UIF Corporation I could point to so many including when we convinced the GSE giant Freddie Mac to partner with us to offer a secondary market solution for faith-based financing to our Muslim homeowners, or making it through the Housing Crisis with our customers virtually unscathed due to our ethical and sound lending principles that weren't always the popular or easy choice. But, one of the proudest moments in recent years was when we learned in 2024 that as a team, we had indisputably unseated the #1 market share holder for faith-based home finance in the U.S. that we had been competing against for years… and we moved into that coveted position after over a decade of building our brand and customer base!

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

There have been so many attempts to automate the process of home financing over the years, but our industry just hasn't been able to make the progress that I know can be a reality. Data is readily available, and it is my hope that the industry pushes to use that data to cut the cycle times by more than half while saving the consumers some of their hard-earned money! This would include actually standardizing the e-mortgage process in all states/counties so that all lenders could realize a truly electronic closing/recording process. Today, it's "mostly" electronic in "some" counties/states on "refinance" transactions. Unfortunately, financing a home purchase is a dated, paper intensive process even in this digital age… we can do better!

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

Early in my career, my capacity was limited. I had to learn to trust those around me and delegate. My focus shifted to putting the consistent mechanisms in place that allowed my leadership team to effectively and independently lead and it was a game changer. We can't know everything, or be involved in solving every problem, or think of every great idea! That can often lead to burnout as a leader and I learned that the hard way fairly early on; I came to understand the importance of identifying capable and committed people to be on my senior management team, and we have gotten way more done TOGETHER!

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

For me, success is about the lasting relationships I have built over the years with both customers and my teams. Early in my career, it was more about personal wins, career growth, advancing my skills and achieving individual milestones. Today, I measure success by the impact I have on others, the strength of the teams I help build and the innovation we deliver to help drive our industry forward. 

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My leadership style has been centered on inspiring and motivating teams. I believe we are only as good as the people around us, and my role as a leader is to create an environment where talented individuals can thrive. Great leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about cultivating a culture where people are empowered.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

Working in this industry, we’ve experienced extreme highs and lows. I've looked up to leaders in the past who appeared exceptional, until I saw how they responded during difficult times. That’s when I learned the hard but valuable lesson that true leadership isn’t defined during good times, but in how you navigate adversity and difficult situations.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

This is a tough one because I have been fortunate to have many proud moments throughout my career, from playing a key role in advancing mortgage technology to earning my Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation. Each milestone has been meaningful. However, what stands out the most is the relationships I have built along the way, maintaining connections with incredible professionals over the years, and seeing how our collective efforts have shaped our industry. Most recently, my expanded role with ICE has been especially rewarding, allowing me to drive innovation on a broader scale and contribute to the future of mortgage lending.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

ICE’s continued efforts in transforming mortgage lending through automation will be impactful to delivering greater operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing both the borrower and lender experiences from the initial consumer engagement all the way to servicing.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Success, to me, is about impact — how we drive meaningful change, foster collaboration, and inspire those around us. It's not just about meeting targets; it's about elevating processes, enhancing efficiency, and creating a culture of innovation and excellence. True success is measured in the trust we build with our clients and peers, and the solutions we bring to the table.

Over the years, my definition of success has evolved from personal achievement to collective impact. Early in my career, I measured success by individual milestones — hitting goals, earning recognition, and advancing professionally. But as I grew professionally, I realized that true success isn’t just about what I accomplish alone; it’s about the teams I uplift, efficiencies I can drive, and the lasting improvements I contribute. Today, I see success as the ability to inspire, lead change, and create an environment where others can thrive alongside me.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

Over the years, my leadership style has shifted from being purely results-driven to a more strategic and people-centric approach. Early on, I focused on execution — delivering outcomes and meeting expectations. But with experience, I’ve learned that real progress comes from empowering others, fostering collaboration, and driving long-term innovation. My guiding principles are integrity, adaptability, and accountability. I believe in leading with transparency, staying open to new perspectives, and holding myself to the highest standards. Success isn’t just about what we achieve — it’s about how we achieve it and the impact we leave behind.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

That not every challenge can be solved through sheer effort alone.  Early in my career, I thought taking on everything myself was a sign of strong leadership, but I quickly realized that trying to do it all led to burnout and inefficiencies. I had to learn to empower others, trust their expertise, and give them the space to take ownership. True leadership isn’t about controlling every detail — it’s about building a team that can thrive independently while working toward a shared vision.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

There have been many big deals throughout my career — some that brought significant financial success to the companies I’ve worked for. But my proudest moment wasn’t about numbers; it was about impact. I once had an employee who struggled to voice her concerns and opinions in a way that resonated. She was incredibly bright and ambitious, but I sensed she never truly felt heard, and her approach sometimes held her back. Through coaching and guidance, she grew more confident, refined her communication style, and, in turn, gained the respect of her peers and leaders. Watching her step into her own, knowing I had played a part in her growth, and the gratitude she expressed to me, was one of the most fulfilling moments of my career.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

For me, success is taking meaningful actions toward achieving your goals while staying true to yourself and positively impacting other people’s lives. Over the past several years, I believe the definition of success has changed significantly. People used to define success by how much money they made or what their job title was, but since the pandemic, we have seen a shift in this mindset, and more people are looking for balance in their lives now, which has altered how people view success. People want to achieve their professional goals while also being able to set personal goals and make time to accomplish them. Success is looked at more holistically now and not just something you achieve professionally. 

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

Over time, my leadership style has evolved from a more directive approach to a more authoritative and coaching leadership style. When you first step into a leadership role, you are focused on trying to prove yourself and tend to take on more of a “do what I say” type of attitude. I found that the more experienced I got and the more leaders I was exposed to, I started to find more effective ways to lead teams. It's necessary to adjust your style to different situations or groups of people you manage. Not every style works in every situation. Key principles guiding my leadership style include listening, empowering others, providing vision and building trust. 

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

Very early on in my career, I learned how important it was to lead by example and remember that your employees are always observing you and how you respond to different situations. I go into every day remembering that I need to be the leader I would want to work for, and that means communicating effectively, setting clear goals and creating a collaborative environment that helps our entire team meet those goals.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

It’s not about me. My team is what makes me the most proud. I am always the proudest when I see one of my employees who aspires to advance in their career attain that goal.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

I’m excited to see how AI is going to continue to transform the mortgage industry in addition to how technology will continue to improve the borrower experience — particularly, tech-enabled title, digital appraisal and closing scheduling and digital signings. ServiceLink’s annual State of Homebuying Report continues to indicate that borrowers want more transparency, a speedier mortgage process and less paperwork. I hope to see lenders continue to adopt technology that will improve the borrower experience.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Success means freedom. Freedom to plan my entire life and each day. Success means having a system in place that keeps my professional and personal life running efficiently. Success means waking up every morning blessed to chase the sun another day.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My style has evolved so much over the course of my journey. And it continues to change. The rhythm that has brought me the most peace and continues to drive my passion is to meet people where they are, help work through mental blocks, provide creative paths to the next step — and, most importantly, continue to be an example while working in the trenches.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

The hardest lesson for me is to want something more for someone than they want it for themselves. I pour myself into people and projects. I will continue to do so forever. I'm much more at peace now that I understand that accountability is a two way street. This has allowed me to continue to be passionate about coaching fellow loan officers.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

I'm proud of many things that I've experienced over my 20 year career. I will share that my most recent proud moment is watching my team work and flow with each other within the system that we've designed and being complimented by my referral partners and clients on how amazing it is to work with me and my team. Getting to this part of my journey has really solidified that I'm on the right path with the right team.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

The next five? Let's talk about how fast the last five years have passed. Looking back, we won awards for being one of the fastest closers in Arizona with CTC in less than 15 days. And now we're experiencing CTC's in less than 5 days. Wow! Over the next five years, I'd like to see an overhaul of many state grants for housing. These grants are federally and state funded but then they are excluded from the mortgage broker channel because of the end user retail bank. Therefore, the consumers are still being overcharged for interest or closing costs without the ability to work with mortgage brokers. I'd very much like to see an open market for those grants to be used across the board, for both retail and wholesale.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

I define success as making a meaningful impact on others and achieving personal growth. Success means helping my clients achieve their homeownership dreams, mentoring other women in the industry, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s about making a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others, and ensuring that I’m constantly growing, both personally and professionally.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

Over the years, my leadership style has evolved from being more task-oriented to being focused on empowerment and collaboration. Early in my career, I was very hands-on, feeling the need to guide every decision and step. As I've grown, I’ve realized that leadership is about trusting others, fostering an environment where people feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Having empathy, being transparent and walking in integrity are characteristics I strive for.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

Delegation. It isn't just about offloading tasks; it's about giving others the chance to shine and grow in their roles. Learning to trust my team, communicate effectively, and let go of control has been one of the most rewarding lessons in my leadership journey.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

The creation of my "Women in Mortgage Mastery" mentorship program. It’s something that combines my passion for empowering others with my expertise in the mortgage industry. Seeing the women in the program not only grow professionally but also build confidence and achieve new milestones has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do — to inspire others and make a lasting impact on their careers.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

I hope to see significant strides in empowering women, women of color, and minorities in the mortgage industry. Here are a few key areas I’d love to see: increased representation in leadership, equitable access to opportunities, and breaking cultural and societal barriers. I hope to see initiatives that actively challenge these barriers and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

One of the hardest leadership lessons I’ve learned is that no matter how much effort you put into guiding and supporting a team member, mentee, or employee, there’s no guarantee they will listen — or that things will turn out as you hope. Sometimes, despite your best intentions, people will disappoint you.

Early in my career, I had an employee who I believed was happy in their role. I did my best to support their growth and provide opportunities for career advancement. However, they ultimately left the company in a volatile way, bad-mouthing me and some colleagues both internally and externally through review sites and social media. It was difficult not to take it personally — I spent a lot of time reflecting on what went wrong and how I could improve as a leader.

Over time, I came to realize that this individual had similar experiences and fallings-out with other employers as well. The reality of leadership is that you won’t always see eye to eye with everyone, and that’s okay. The best you can do is offer guidance, provide support, and remain professional. Most importantly, don’t take negativity personally — focus on leading with integrity and continuing to uplift those who are willing to grow.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

It’s difficult to choose just one moment, but one of my proudest recent achievements has been participating in the Mortgage Women Leadership Council marketing webinar series. Having the opportunity to share my knowledge and provide insight that others in the industry find valuable is truly rewarding. Being selected to present month after month is incredibly gratifying and has given me a moment to reflect on how far I’ve come.

I started as an entry-level marketing specialist with no industry knowledge, and now, I’m in a position where others look to me for advice. It’s an honor to contribute in such a meaningful way, and it reinforces my passion for helping others grow in this field.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My leadership style is inspired by the best leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my career. I’ve learned that effective leadership requires striking the right balance between providing guidance and granting team members autonomy to showcase their talents, share their ideas, and grow over time.

I’ve also come to understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Every team member has unique strengths and weaknesses, and it’s essential to give each person the time and attention they need to thrive. Whether that means offering more frequent check-ins or giving them the space to navigate challenges independently, the key is to listen and adapt to what your team truly needs from you.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My leadership style has evolved significantly over the years. When I was new to this business, I wanted to do it all because that way, I could ensure that everything was done "correctly". This is a terrible way to be, and it is not leadership, as what happens is even if you are one of the "smartest people in the room," you can become the "bottleneck" to your own destiny! Building a team with both overlapping and complementary skillsets and trusting that team is how you achieve success. If you achieve this, you are in my opinion, a great leader. No one who has achieved amazing outcomes got there alone, people in leadership positions should give proper credit to others, where credit is due.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

You have to be approachable. The people that you work with, be it on your team or external parties have to feel comfortable working with and speaking with you.  When I was younger, I didn't take the time to ask people, for example, how their day was going or get to know them more personally, sharing things about myself etc. This resulted in people being nervous when speaking with me etc, and that was silly, but it was my fault. Over the years, I have learned the value of letting your team see, that those who lead the organization, the departments, the teams are "human" like everyone else. For example, we have families, hobbies, hidden talents etc and giving your team the opportunity to get to know you, as a person, is significant "value add" to not only your corporate culture but to you as a person. You have to have a little fun at work!

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

I have a few "proudest moments" of my career. Some examples include, being the leader of the team that achieved the first hedge fund residential mortgage-backed securitization with a AAA rating for newly originated mortgage loans. Before this, only long duration capital was able to issue 30-year bonds.  It has been "cloned" since, but we were the first. A couple others, bringing to market the first secondary market tradable 1st lien HELOC product. Taking part in pioneering what is today known as the single-family rental assert class and being the first woman owner of a mortgage loan aggregator and due diligence business are a couple other examples, although there are others. I am also very proud that although I work and travel a lot, I am still my son's "favorite person", and I consider this to be a proud component of my career as well.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Success is a dynamic concept that has evolved with experience and perspective. Initially, success was defined by tangible achievements such as promotions or recognition. However, over time, it has shifted towards personal growth, and a positive impact on others. The journey of success becomes more about continuous learning, resilience, and the ability to inspire and uplift those around me.  Success is not only measured by the number of loans closed each month.  Financial performance is critical, but true success is building trust, fostering relationships and empowering the teams to provide exceptional service.  

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My Leadership style is shaped by experiences, challenges, and the people I have encountered. Over the years, it evolved from a direct approach to a more collaborative and empathetic one. Key principles that guide my leadership include integrity, transparency, and the ability to listen and adapt. I empower my team, foster a culture of trust, and lead by example, always striving to bring out the best in others.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

One of the toughest leadership lessons is understanding that not every decision will be popular, and that's okay. It's crucial to make decisions based on what is right and beneficial for the organization and the team. Learning to handle difficult situations and maintaining confidence in my choices, while remaining open to feedback, is a vital part of effective leadership.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

Leading Operations teams through a tough market while improving operational efficiencies.  These improvements allowed the teams to maintain the same outstanding service levels with the ability to focus on the critical points.  By aligning all teams with a shared vision and empowering them to take ownership of their roles, the company was able to achieve exceptional results.  It has been incredibly rewarding to see my Department Leaders grow as the company's overall success grows.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

To me, success means approaching every challenge with unwavering integrity, honesty, and conviction. It’s not defined by a flawless record but by the courage to face setbacks head-on and extract valuable lessons from every experience — even those that don’t go as planned. Early in my career, setbacks felt like roadblocks, and I struggled to see the growth opportunities in failure. Thanks to the guidance and support of remarkable mentors, I learned to view every stumbling block as a steppingstone. 

Embracing the philosophy of “failing fast” has allowed me to adapt quickly, evolve, and keep moving forward with renewed purpose. Today, success is measured by our ability to learn, innovate, and empower others through those lessons. Each challenge becomes an opportunity for both personal and professional growth, fueling not just my own journey but also inspiring my team to strive for continuous improvement.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

My leadership style has matured into one defined by calm assertiveness and genuine empathy. While my passion for our work remains strong, I’ve learned to balance it with emotional intelligence — ensuring that every team member feels heard, valued, and safe to express their ideas. I now focus on active listening and creating an environment that nurtures innovation and accountability. By consistently closing the gap between commitment and action, I empower my teams to take ownership and drive creative solutions. 

Central to my approach is authenticity: I bring my true self to work every day, guided by steadfast principles of honesty, integrity, and ethics. These non-negotiables form the foundation of every decision I make, inspiring trust and fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking culture.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

One of the most transformative lessons in my leadership journey was learning to let go and delegate. Early on, I believed that doing everything myself was the only way to maintain high standards. I often took on every task, convinced that no one else could deliver as well. However, this approach not only stifled my team’s growth but also took a personal toll — I missed important moments with my family and drained my own energy. 

Honest feedback from mentors and my trusted confidant circle forced me to confront this mindset. Gradually, I embraced delegation, allowing my team to take on challenges and learn from them. 

This shift has been life-changing, enabling me to cultivate emerging leaders, achieve a healthier work-life balance, and find greater peace. Learning to trust others with responsibility has been one of the most valuable lessons in my career, transforming both my leadership style and my personal well-being.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

Originally, success was being the largest independently owned mortgage bank in the St. Louis region. Then it was being the largest mortgage banker in Missouri, and now it is to continue to grow our footprint nationwide. Success is not about personal achievements, but relationships — mentoring and contributing to something bigger than myself. The company is now an ESOP, 100% owned by the employees. There is no greater gift to the employees than becoming an ESOP and ensuring their path to success.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

Over the years, my leadership style has evolved from a directive, results-driven approach (due to the leadership being myself and the owner, leading to a “two in the box” management style) to a more collaborative one. The mortgage arena is heavy with regulation and ever-changing political and international influences affecting interest rates and home inventory. I lead with adaptability and servant leadership. There is artwork in my office that sums up the principle that guides me today: "If service to others is beneath you, leadership is beyond you."

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

Typically, I have a very high bar. I am a decision maker and work very quickly. Not all employees have this same drive and passion for the industry. I have adapted over the years to different motivations, work styles and personal challenges; yet, I still have high expectations. Leadership is about empowering people to reach their full potential. A mistake in the mortgage business can result in high dollar fines or losses. Teaching accountability is one of the hardest tasks of a leader.

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

Mentoring my son to take over the leadership of the company. It has been a privilege and an honor to watch him grow into a much better leader than myself. We have several generations of families that work for the company. My niece is our Director of Charitable Endeavors. It is truly a family-oriented workplace.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

More aggressive adoption of AI. Better access to credit for all Americans. We’ve made a number of additions that we hope to see grow over the next five years: We have a Minority Lending initiative that we started in 2024. The company has created a reverse mortgage department. USA has adopted non-traditional financing. We are attempting to be faster and more consumer friendly for our consumers.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved over time?

I define success as achieving personal goals and positively impacting others; for example, right now, being part of a fast-growing company and team like eRESI reminds me of the impact that my knowledge and expertise bring.  Over time, I've also come to understand that true success is reflected in how those closest to me perceive me, like my daughters, and whether they feel pride in my actions and achievements. As I’ve gained experience, my definition has evolved to include the number of individuals who seek my guidance, view me as a resource, and come back for advice. It’s about building relationships and being a source of support and knowledge for others. Achievements are still significant, but now they are intertwined with the value I can provide for those around me.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

I’ve had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by some of the finest professionals in our industry. My approach to learning has always been hands-on; I ask countless questions and strive to uncover the “Why” behind every process. Integrity, trust, and common-sense matter most, guiding my actions in all that I do. I firmly believe in leading by example, never asking my team to do something I wouldn't undertake myself.

My team knows they can count on me for support. They can approach me with any issue, and I am always ready to listen, brainstorm, and problem-solve collaboratively. Empowering others through sharing knowledge is one of my passions, and I pride myself on being someone who applies practical judgment.

I recognize that my success is deeply intertwined with the strengths of those around me. During interviews, I seek out candidates who bring unique abilities, skills, or insights that can enhance our team. Ultimately, we are united by a shared objective: to be a trusted and reliable partner for our lenders.

What advancements do you hope to see in mortgage lending over the next five years?

We need more women in leadership roles to guide the next generation by sharing the lessons learned from our past. This is an excellent opportunity for newcomers with fresh perspectives to advance the industry while remaining mindful of previous mistakes. Building on successful technologies and processes is essential while keeping core principles at the forefront. Our advancements should focus on returning to fundamentals such as the ability to repay loans, mortgage management, and the concept of 'home' itself. Ultimately, our primary goal is to facilitate homeownership, which should be the foundation of all our efforts.

Leesa Sesta is a dynamic leader who has significantly impacted both her organization and the mortgage industry. She has successfully spearheaded technology enhancements, process improvements, and regulatory adaptations, ensuring efficiency and compliance. As a sponsor of the MortgageTech Accelerator program, she fosters innovation by collaborating with fintech companies to integrate cutting-edge solutions into lending. Leesa also works closely with division leaders to oversee Credit Product activities and manages both the mortgage origination support team and the Specialized Mortgage Banking Solutions team. Her leadership drives operational excellence, customer service enhancements, and industry-wide innovation.

Career Journey and Milestones

With a 26-year career in mortgage lending, Leesa has built a legacy of expertise and innovation. Beginning in HELOC lending at Standard Federal, she transitioned to Flagstar, where she has dedicated 22 years to transforming mortgage operations. She started in Internal Audit, conducting Fair Lending reviews, before moving into underwriting, where she developed a technology training program to onboard new underwriters. Leesa later established a project and testing team within the origination department. Now, as Director of Mortgage Projects, Customer Experience, and Origination Support, she leads critical initiatives that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Her ability to drive innovation and optimize processes has solidified her reputation as a leader in mortgage lending.

Innovative Contributions to Mortgage Lending

Leesa has introduced groundbreaking initiatives that have improved accessibility and efficiency in mortgage lending. She led the integration of key Spanish mortgage documents in loan packages, ensuring Spanish-speaking borrowers have a clearer understanding of their loan terms. She also played a key role in implementing a new borrower portal, simplifying the application process and reducing documentation requirements. Additionally, she developed a business approval process for technology changes, ensuring thorough testing and training before implementation. These contributions highlight Leesa’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement in mortgage lending.

How do you define success, and how has that definition evolved?

I define success by the performance and growth of my team. My focus is to ensure we execute at a high level and consistently make progress toward our goals. Additionally, as a leader I am committed to helping each team member develop into their best selves and reach their full potential. Over time, I’ve realized success is measured not only by significant milestones but also by the smaller achievements we attain daily. Getting better bit by bit adds up to greater accomplishments in the long run.

How has your leadership style developed over the years, and what principles guide you?

One of the most common obstacles I see new leaders face that has influenced my leadership style is the tendency to focus on one method of doing things rather than the method that will help achieve results for the team. By collaborating with others, you’re able to discover more effective ways to approach a problem or reach a solution, while also setting the stage for others to shine and guide them toward growth. This is the most rewarding aspect of leadership — serving others and being a catalyst for their success.

Another aspect that has helped guide me is leading from the weeds of the business. To be an effective leader, it’s essential to understand your team’s operations at the most granular level. By working alongside them, you demonstrate hard work, resilience and consistent execution, which builds trust and leadership capital. I've also learned to listen more, and I'm continually amazed by the insights I gain from others.

What’s a leadership lesson you learned the hard way?

One leadership lesson I learned the hard way was the importance of effective communication. Everyone absorbs information differently, so it's crucial to understand how each team member learns and responds best. The responsibility for communication lies with the communicator, so it’s essential to share information in a way that resonates with the team and individual team members. I’ve also learned the proper delegation of tasks and assignments can be one of our most powerful strategies for driving results and fostering growth in others. When we delegate, we empower others to step into new roles and enhance their skills.