Leadership is Not a Title. It’s a Daily Choice.

By Lisa M. Ong — on June 9th, 2026

Leadership is Not a Title.
It’s a Daily Choice.

In the past few weeks, I spoke on two panels about intentional leadership and impactful volunteering. No matter the audience, my message stayed the same:
Your influence grows when you show up with clarity, courage, and connection.

What I learned the hard way
When I first started volunteering, I said yes to everything. I wanted to help everyone. But I burned myself out. My husband finally told me to “sit on my helium hand,” so I would stop raising it so fast. Now, before I say yes, I ask myself three simple questions:

• Where do my strengths fit best?
• Am I the only one who can help, or could someone else enjoy this chance?
• How much time can I give at this time with joy, not stress?
These questions changed how I lead and how I help others grow.

Why volunteers say yes
People make time to volunteer when they know their strengths matter. When they feel valued, their energy shifts. They serve with excitement, not pressure.
The time magically appears because they make time to do what they love when it’s their natural strength, and they can joyfully serve.

Everyone carries a story
A new volunteer once told me she felt invisible in her first meeting. Everyone else seemed more experienced. They spoke a bunch of unfamiliar terms and unrecognizable names. She wondered if she belonged.
Her story reminded me:
Belonging is built in small moments. A quick welcome, a “meeting before the meeting,” orientation on what to expect, who to text for quick questions, or learning how to pronounce someone’s name can make all the difference.

Influence grows through generosity
Influence isn’t about being the loudest voice. It’s about being the most helpful one.
• Share resources
• Make introductions
• Celebrate others
These small actions build trust and visibility over time. How do you do this daily? I use technology like LinkedIn direct messages, texts, and social media in addition to old-fashioned phone calls and ecards.

Why “wishing out loud” works
People cannot read your mind. When you share your wishes – your Resources, Opportunities, Connections, Knowledge, and Support (R.O.C.K.S.)™ – you help others know how to support you.
Wishing out loud is not demanding. It creates clarity and connection.

A moment that changed me
A colleague once said she felt she belonged and at ease at events whenever she saw me in the room. That simple comment taught me the power of:
• Smiling and nodding to acknowledge presence
• Saying hello
• Learning names
• Asking what brought someone there to gather their wishes
Your presence can be someone’s permission to feel included.

What courageous volunteer leadership looks like
One small insight can spark a big change. Instead of repeating the same events every year, I ask questions based on who I notice may be missing or left out, since spotting the “lost, lonely, stuck, only, or few” is one of my superpowers because I’ve walked in those boots.

What can we start or stop doing to better serve people who are new, early in their careers, or looking for mentors?

Your lived experience is your leadership superpower. You don’t need more time – you need intention.

One question to guide your day
What is one action I can take today that moves me, my team, or my community forward?

My summer challenge to you
Lead with intention. Create one moment of belonging each day. Your service is your legacy – choose it with purpose.
If you’re a rising leader, student, early career professional, or preparing for your next chapter, I’d love to help you:

✨ Clarify your strengths and your story
✨ Build confidence through networking and storytelling
✨ Grow your leadership impact and visibility
✨ Strengthen your team’s culture of belonging

Let’s keep lifting others as we lead.