Let’s be real for a minute.

There are days lately where being a leader feels less like driving the ship and more like trying to steer a shopping cart with a busted wheel through a hurricane.

Between geopolitical curveballs, rising tariffs, and a tech revolution that seems to move faster than your morning espresso, it’s no wonder many of us are walking a tightrope between excitement and total burnout.

And let’s not even talk about AI for a sec—because one moment it’s making your workflow more efficient, and the next it’s making you question if you’re obsolete.

Leadership in 2025 doesn’t come with a manual. If it did, page one would say: “Good luck, champ.”

But here’s the truth: uncertainty isn’t going anywhere. It’s not a phase—it’s the new normal.

So how do we lead when we don’t have all the answers?

You Don’t Have to Fake It to Lead It

There are mornings where I walk into the office with that “we’ve got this” swagger… and others where I’m internally screaming “Do we actually have this?”

It’s hard to be the eternal optimist when the world feels shaky. And being overly positive sometimes feels more like denial than leadership. But here’s the kicker—your team isn’t looking for a superhero. They’re looking for honesty and hope.

As leaders, we get to be real. That means we admit we don’t have all the answers. But we also get to set the tone: grounded, focused, positive, and forward-moving—even if we’re figuring it out as we go.

Because the minute we bring fear-based energy into the room, it multiplies. And that’s not the vibe I’m about.

Stay Informed, But Not Overloaded

You don’t need 17 news alerts and five AI think-pieces before breakfast. Staying current is important—but staying sane is essential.

I spend a lot of time talking with peers—CEOs, competitors, clients, suppliers. I ask the question: “How’s this hitting you?” Not for strategy—just for perspective. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can hear is, “Yep, this is hard. You’re not alone.”

Leadership is a lonely enough journey already. Don’t isolate—connect.

Your Energy Is the Culture

Your habits, your tone, your emotional state—it all trickles down.

What am I doing daily to be a better version of myself? I move my body. I eat clean (most days). I get sleep. I have people in my life I can vent to and get real with. I talk to my coach. And above all—I walk in that office with the energy I want my team to feel.

You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to bring the clarity and courage that helps others find theirs.

Tough Times Don’t Last, But Strong Habits Do

If you’re feeling the weight right now, know this: your people feel it too. But they’re also looking to you to see what comes next.

Let them see a leader who’s human. Who’s scared some days but shows up anyway. Who keeps learning. Keeps moving. Keeps choosing optimism—even if it’s the harder choice.

Because leadership isn’t about control—it’s about composure.

And right now, that might be the most important asset you have.