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Finding Light in Shadows of Doubt: A Guide for Leaders in Times of Transition
CEO of BridgeTrust Partners LLC, Michael Leach shares insights on overcoming doubt and driving meaningful change, drawing from his experiences as the first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the White House and a former NFL HQ Labor Relations leader. His reflections inspire leaders at all levels on how to navigate uncertainty, build unity, and turn challenges into opportunities.
Doubt is a strange thing. It doesn’t knock on your door and introduce itself like fear does. It creeps in, quiet and unassuming, settling into the corners of your mind without you even realizing it. And before long, it starts to spread. Doubt makes you question your abilities, your purpose, and your worth. And worst of all, it makes you question the very thing you were once so sure of: yourself.
Right now, leaders at all levels — whether in organizations, communities, or even families — are grappling with uncertainty. Our post-election climate has amplified divisions and left many questioning what lies ahead. On one side, there are doubts about leadership, unity, and whether we can move forward together. On the other, doubts about whether voices were heard, whether ideals still hold, and whether hope can endure.
This doubt isn’t just political or professional. It’s deeply personal. It infiltrates workplaces and boardrooms. It lingers in the back of every leader’s mind, whispering: What if you’re not enough?
But here’s the truth: doubt isn’t your enemy. It’s not a truth-teller, as it would have you believe. Doubt is merely a shadow — a reflection of the unknown. And like all shadows, it only exists because there is light nearby. The problem is, when we focus on the shadow, we forget to turn toward the light.
History Reminds Us: Doubt Precedes Transformation
History teaches us that moments of doubt often precede transformative change. In 1865, as the Civil War came to an end, the United States was fractured. Many doubted whether the nation could ever heal. Could justice become more than an ideal? Could those bound by oppression ever truly be free? Similarly, during the Civil Rights Movement, progress felt painfully slow, and the forces of division seemed insurmountable. Yet, in both instances, doubt gave way to courage and purpose, sparking some of the most profound changes in our history.
These examples remind us: doubt is not the end of the story—it’s often the beginning of something greater. The question is, how do we, as leaders, harness the energy of doubt to move forward?
The Leadership Call to Action
For leaders, doubt is a signal, not a stop sign. It’s a call to lean into resilience, courage, and purpose. Below are practical, actionable steps leaders can take to navigate uncertainty and inspire their teams:
- Reflect Before Reacting
Leaders are often expected to have immediate answers, but it’s okay to pause. Take time to assess the situation and align your actions with your values. Reflection strengthens purpose. - Communicate With Authenticity
Doubt thrives in silence and secrecy. Share your vision openly, acknowledge uncertainties, and build trust by being transparent about what you know — and what you don’t. - Build Bridges, Not Silos
Resist the urge to retreat into echo chambers. Instead, seek out perspectives different from your own. Collaboration isn’t just a strategy; it’s the foundation for meaningful change. - Focus on Small Wins
Big gestures may inspire, but small, consistent steps build momentum. Encourage your team to take one actionable step at a time, celebrating progress along the way. - Lead With Purpose
The doubt you feel doesn’t diminish your calling; it confirms it. Purpose is what turns doubt into determination, division into dialogue, and uncertainty into action.
A Light for the Path Ahead
To those feeling the weight of doubt, remember this: history proves that doubt can be a catalyst for transformation. You are still the person who dreamed that dream. You are still the person capable of bringing it to life. Doubt may challenge you, but it cannot define you — unless you let it.
Let us not allow doubt to divide us. Instead, let it remind us where the light is. Let it push us to reflect, to grow, and to build bridges where walls once stood. Let it be the reason we choose courage over hesitation and unity over division. Because we are not just individuals navigating our own paths — we are a collective, bound together by the shared light of our humanity.
This is a time to act, not shrink. To step forward, not retreat. To believe in ourselves, our teams, and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow — even when it feels far away.
The next time doubt whispers, “What if we’re not enough?” respond with this truth: “What if we are?” Then, take the step. Extend the hand. Build the bridge. Because the best of what we’re capable of isn’t somewhere far off — it’s already within us, waiting to be realized. Let’s choose to meet this moment with purpose, courage, and faith in the transformative power of unity.
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