Leadership is often framed as a set of skills to acquire, strategies to master, or behaviors to perform. But this narrow framing misses a fundamental truth—leadership does not begin with what you do; it begins with who you are.

Identity—our race, gender, culture, class, language, values, and lived experiences—doesn’t sit outside leadership. It actively shapes how leadership is expressed, received, and sustained. When leaders understand and embrace who they are, their impact deepens—not just for themselves, but for the communities they serve.

Uncertainty has become a defining feature of our time. Economic instability, policy shifts, public health challenges, and social change continue to reshape the landscape in which individuals and organizations operate. For nonprofits and community-centered leaders, uncertainty is not a temporary disruption—it is an ongoing condition.

Starting the year with intention offers a different approach. It prioritizes alignment over activity and clarity over speed. By intentionally aligning purpose, values, and action, individuals and organizations can build momentum that is both sustainable and equitable.