I’ve come to realise that everything we do – every word we speak, every decision we make – is guided by intention. Whether we are aware of it or not, intention drives our behaviour. It colours the energy we bring into a room, the way we lead, and the impact we leave behind. And I’ve learned – sometimes the hard way – that checking in with our intention isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.
In all the roles I’ve held intention has been my compass. I’ve sat at boardroom tables and grassroots events, and no matter the setting, you can feel when someone’s showing up for the right reasons… and when they’re not.
I’m not here to say that ambition or personal gain is wrong. Wanting more for yourself, whether that’s growth, recognition, or security – is human. But the how matters. It matters deeply.
When I was younger, I believed that the louder someone talked about their values, the more they probably lived by them. I don’t believe that anymore. These days, I watch more than I listen. I pay attention to how people act when no one’s clapping, when it’s hard, when there’s nothing in it for them. That’s when intention shows itself.
I’ve learned to recognise the subtle difference between those who seek to amplify others and those who seek to elevate themselves at the expense of others. You can feel it in the way they collaborate – or don’t. In whether they share credit or hoard it. In whether they offer support quietly or show up only when a camera is rolling.
When someone’s driven by ego alone, it leaks out. You don’t need to be psychic. You just need to pause long enough to notice. Their energy feels transactional, not relational. Their focus is upward, not outward.
On the flip side, people who lead with intention grounded in kindness, collaboration, and community – they are the ones who leave lasting impact. You might not see them on every billboard, but you feel their presence in the way they uplift others.
For me, checking my own intentions is a daily practice. It keeps me grounded. Before I say yes to a new project or opportunity, I ask myself:
- Is this about impact or ego?
- Am I seeking to serve or to be seen?
- Will this decision create connection, or just applause?
I don’t always get it right. None of us do. But I do believe that leadership – real, heart-led leadership, starts with the humility to ask ourselves why we are doing something.
In a world where visibility can be mistaken for value, I believe that we must remind ourselves that character still matters. Quiet actions. Kindness without expectation. Lifting someone else up without needing the credit.
So today, and every day, I invite you to check in with yourself. Ask the hard question: What’s my true intention here? And if the answer doesn’t sit right, adjust.
Because when our intentions are clear and aligned with who we really are, our impact becomes unstoppable.
Kindness always!
