Investing in Your Own Growth: The Best Decision You'll Ever Make as a Leader

Remember How Fearless We Were as Kids?                                                         When we were young, we would dive headfirst into new experiences—whether it was trying out a messy art project, learning an instrument, or inventing games with our friends. We were always exploring, learning, and growing, without fear of making mistakes. If someone had told us we couldn’t try something new, it would’ve left us frustrated, even disappointed.

Recently, I had an experience that brought these thoughts to mind. My wife and I took a short trip to Dubai to celebrate her birthday. With the kids at home, it gave me rare time to reflect. Dubai has a special place in our hearts; it’s where we went on one of our first vacations as a couple, navigating a new city, trying new things, and getting out of our comfort zones. Those days were filled with discovery, growth, and adventure. Being back in Dubai brought a surge of nostalgia and a renewed sense of energy. But it also made me pause and think:

Why do we stop investing in ourselves and our growth as we get older, especially when we step into leadership roles?                                                                                                                                                   It’s a recurring theme in conversations I have with my clients. Many leaders, absorbed by their day-to-day responsibilities, realize only after a moment of reflection—or a simple yet profound question—that they've neglected their own personal development.

The Urgency of Investing in Yourself                                                                                                                                                 As the seasons change, I’ve been contemplating where my time and energy are spent. According to a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum, nearly half of the skills people need to do their jobs will evolve by 2025. For leaders managing teams, businesses, or entire organizations, this is a wake-up call. The world is changing rapidly, and so are the capabilities required to succeed. Beyond professional necessity, there's a personal satisfaction that comes from growth—operating in that sweet spot where you're constantly learning and developing.

My WOMAG Days: Pouring Into Others, But Neglecting Myself                                                                                              

During my time at WOMAG, I have dedicated a lot of effort to helping others grow. I have created programs to support up-and-coming leaders, provided mentorship to team members, and facilitated workshops to drive growth in others. I have taken immense pride in building up the next generation of leaders. But looking back, I realize I haven’t poured enough into my own development. While I have focused on everyone else's growth, my personal development has taken a back seat. And here’s the truth: no matter how well we guide others, if we aren’t also growing ourselves, we stagnate.

Reevaluating Priorities: Where’s Your Energy Going?                                                                                                     

What are you de-prioritizing as you focus on your current priorities? Reflect for a moment. Are you consistently setting aside time to learn new things, or are you coasting on what you already know? Growth requires intention and effort.

A key coaching question I often ask is:                                                                                                                                      

"When you say 'Yes' to one thing, what are you saying 'No' to?"

Many leaders end up saying "No" to investing in themselves by always focusing on immediate tasks. They put off personal growth, waiting for the perfect moment or for their company to provide development opportunities. But if you wait too long, you may find yourself feeling stagnant or burnt out. Investing in your growth has tangible returns. Studies show that those who focus on their personal development tend to see better career satisfaction, higher earnings, and greater confidence in navigating change.

Four Ways to Reignite Personal Growth                                                                                                                                           As I continue working with my clients, I’ve recommitted to my own development as well. This year, I’ve enrolled in an AI Analytics program to deepen my knowledge of emerging technologies, signed up for a business leadership course, and taken up some personal interests like photography to stimulate creativity. Here are four strategies I recommend to kickstart your own growth:

1. Start Something New: Sign up for a course or activity that excites you. Whether it’s a new language, a leadership course, or even a hobby like cooking, commit to trying something fresh.

2. Immerse Yourself in Learning: Set aside time to dive deeply into subjects that matter to you. Expand your reading list, listen to insightful podcasts, and attend relevant workshops.

3. Create Space for Reflection: Block out regular time for self-reflection. Take a walk, meditate, or simply sit quietly to process your thoughts. This reflection can help unlock new insights about where you need to grow.

4. Take Risks: Apply new strategies, test innovative ideas, and step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when we push ourselves to experiment and learn from both successes and setbacks.

Final Thought: Prioritize Your Growth

As leaders, we often invest so much in others that we forget to nurture our own development. Like our fearless selves from childhood, it’s time to reclaim that drive to learn and grow. Step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and make time for the growth you need. Both you and those you lead will benefit from it.