As female leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs, when we don't bring our full selves to the front, we only see ourselves as facets, not as the complete phenomenal kick butt woman we are. Stepping into your full power and potential, your inner Queen, is game-changing. Here’s why.

When you blaze a new trail, you have the authority and influence to turn around and light the way for the other women behind you, who found their purpose on your trail. If you believe that every woman is meant to shine in her brilliance by bringing her unique gifts to the fore, also believe that you may be that “First,” to help her see what is possible for her.

I have a vision that women are called to rise for such a time as the one we are experiencing right now. In this vision, with women collectively leading in their brilliance, their influence and impact is unstoppable. Yet so many of us play small. This is a testimony to motivate you to rise.

The secret to career success is building one that capitalizes on your signature strengths and allows you to bring the best of your brilliance to work. Gaining clarity about your strengths gives you the foundation for designing a strategic career plan and helps build your confidence about what key attributes you bring to the table. Tired of being overlooked, undervalued, and underestimated? The secret to career success is all about playing to your strengths.

We are each blessed with strengths, interests, and passions that make us exceptional at what we do, in our career, business, ministry or life. Aligning our purpose with our strengths is key to excellence in our work and serving our sphere exceptionally. In Part 2 of his post, I continue using the “Parable of the Talents” as context, to explore the implications of playing small with our talents and comparing our expression of our talents with others.

Authenticity is at the heart of every powerful, impactful, and influential leader. As an aspiring leader, the fastest path to crafting a brand reputation that is aligned with the best of what you have to offer is simply being authentic. Only when your actions and words are congruent with your beliefs and values and you are showing up fully as yourself, are you leading authentically. It is your differentiator, your secret sauce.

Human beings have an innate call to create. It is that calling that keeps us motivated to excel and be the best we can be in our lives. But we must feed and nurture that calling within us. We must surround ourselves with people, places and things that are conducive to our thriving. We must be inspired.