Life has a way of delivering unexpected challenges, and for me, facing COVID-19 for the second time became both a physical and emotional hurdle.
The first round humbled me; the second round reminded me of who I want to be—not only for myself but for others. Beyond the fever and fatigue, I realized that this experience mirrored so much of what leadership is all about. It tested my resilience, adaptability, and forced me to reflect on the importance of empathy and self-care.
Here are the leadership lessons I took away while navigating COVID for the second time—and how we can all grow in the face of setbacks.
1. Resilience Is a Muscle, Not a Trait
When I tested positive for COVID again, I’ll admit—I felt defeated. It came as such a shock. I had done all the right things, followed precautions, and still found myself bedridden, unable to avoid it. The frustration was real. As the illness played out, I realized how much resilience is less about the hardship itself and more about how we choose to respond to it.
Resilience is like a muscle; it strengthens with use. Leaders experience this all the time—when plans go sideways, when a project underperforms, or when morale dips on the team. Challenges may knock you down, and the sooner you concentrate on what you can control, the quicker you rebound.
Leadership takeaway: When things go wrong, allow yourself to process the frustration and don’t stay there too long. Shift your focus to what you can influence. Whether you’re leading a team or your own life, resilience grows when you keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
2. Adaptability Is Non-Negotiable
COVID is unpredictable; symptoms linger or change, schedules shift, and suddenly, “normal” looks very different. For me, the second round of COVID disrupted my carefully organized routines. I had to recalibrate what productivity looked like while managing reduced energy levels and canceled plans.
Leadership is similar. Plans rarely go exactly as expected—markets fluctuate, goals evolve, and people face personal crises. The leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who stick rigidly to the script; they’re the ones who adapt in real time without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Leadership takeaway: Flexibility is a strength, not a compromise. Whether you’re managing an unexpected challenge or leading through uncertainty, stay focused on what truly matters and be ready to pivot when needed.
3. Empathy Matters More Than Ever
The second time I had COVID, I thought a lot about how the people around me showed up—or didn’t. The calls from friends checking in and the peers who kindly covered a deadline I couldn’t meet—they all reminded me how much empathy matters. Conversely, the silence from some others was equally telling.
Empathy isn’t just about being nice; it’s about recognizing others’ struggles and stepping up to support them. Leaders who lack empathy risk alienating their teams or missing out on valuable moments to connect.
Leadership takeaway: Always lead with heart. Whether it’s a coworker battling burnout or a team member who made a mistake, the way you respond sets the tone. Check in, listen, and show up—small acts of care leave lasting impressions.
4. Self-Care Is Leadership, Too
Leaders have one of the hardest jobs—leading others without losing themselves. When I first got sick, I was tempted to push through. Emails needed answering, tasks were piling up, and I didn’t want to appear like I was letting others down. It wasn’t until my body forced me to stop that I realized how backward that thinking was. How can you lead effectively when you’re running on empty?
Self-care isn’t selfish. For leaders, it’s essential. Taking time to recharge isn’t a luxury; it’s how you stay present and fully committed to your role.
Leadership takeaway: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Schedule downtime like you would any critical task, and prioritize your health—mental, physical, and emotional. When you show up for yourself, you build the capacity to show up for others.
5. Setbacks Can Be Powerful Teachers
COVID didn’t just disrupt my health; it disrupted my perspective. It forced me to pause, reflect, and reprioritize. That downtime brought clarity. Challenges—whether personal or professional—have a way of shaking us out of autopilot. They remind us of what truly matters and where we need to grow.
We all face setbacks. The key is not to waste the lessons they offer. Whether it’s a misstep at work, a personal failure, or a difficult season, there’s always an opportunity to learn, improve, and become more compassionate.
Leadership takeaway: Don’t ignore the teaching moments hidden in setbacks. Use them to refine your vision, deepen your purpose, and strengthen your ability to lead.
Facing COVID a second time wasn’t fun, yet it was enlightening. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how we handle them. Resilience, adaptability, empathy, and self-care aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of truly effective leadership.
Work with me
For those of you navigating your own challenges—whether personal or professional—know this: these moments don’t define you; however, how you respond to them will. If you could use some help moving forward and leading with compassion, click here and find a time for us to talk as I would love to help you.