A Loving Leader’s Best Investment
I've just arrived in New Mexico to celebrate two milestones: the 50th anniversary of my alma mater, Pepperdine University’s Master of Science in Organization Development program, and my own 20-year reunion.
Being here with classmates and other alums brings back memories of how much courage it took to invest in myself all those years ago, and how profoundly that investment shaped my life.
When I entered MSOD in 2003, I was 38, a single mom of four, trying to find my way after years of struggle. Three years earlier, I had ended a harmful marriage to my high school sweetheart, who had suffered a traumatic brain injury. After nearly eight years of caregiving, I stepped away from that marriage, not with a grand illuminated vision, but with a tiny flashlight plan: just enough light to take one small step at a time.
That first step was finishing college, which I was so fortunate to do with the support of my parents, who still believed in me and my education. I worked days in my dad's dental office, drove 30 miles to Seattle two nights a week, and finished my degree in Organizational Behavior at Seattle Pacific University. Exhausting? Absolutely. Worth it? Without question. I rediscovered my passion for helping leaders and teams flourish, and I found my people.
Still, I longed to go deeper. I vividly remember sitting in an OD simulation class, across from a “client,” offering clear and compassionate feedback. At the end, exhilarated, I turned to my professor and said, “How do I get to sit in that chair? That’s where I belong!” She smiled and pointed me to Pepperdine’s MSOD program.
The program was rigorous: Eight-day residencies each quarter, with class sessions morning, noon, and night, sometimes abroad. Then back home studying, doing projects, reading, writing papers, thesis research and writing, personal development, and group work via phone meetings (this was before the days of Zoom!) It was daunting, but doable.
At our very first session at Pajaro Dunes on Monterey Bay, I looked around at my new classmates, all seasoned professionals, and felt the old voices whisper: “Are you sure you belong here? If only you hadn't dropped out of college…What if??” I was carrying a lot of grief.
But in that learning community, with the support and challenge of my cohort, I found my voice again. I gained the confidence and skill to be a full community member and share my insights and ideas.
The journey wasn’t easy. I lived by the motto, “I can do anything for two years.” Two years to finish college. Two years for my master’s degree. Two more years to land meaningful work where someone took a chance on a late bloomer. Hard things, yes, but each step was an investment in myself and, ultimately, in my children, who saw their mom persevere.
Looking back, I decided to invest in myself. I decided that I was a good investment! That choice made it possible for me to do the work I do today, helping leaders and organizations shift from fear to love, and reminding us all that work can be deeply human.
So I want you to be sure to catch this, Loving Leader…
One important aspect of “Loving Yourself,” a key part of my Love-Centered Leadership Model, is investing in yourself. That investment might look like education, rest, coaching, therapy, creative pursuits, or simply setting boundaries that protect your well-being.
Whatever form it takes, don’t shortchange it. When you invest in yourself, you strengthen the roots that allow you to show up with courage, clarity, and compassion.
You are a good investment!
My MSOD Zeta Prime Cohort circa 2005 - what an amazing community.
For fun, can you spot me? Hint: I wasn't silver back then!! ❤
