Lead From Where You Are: Embracing Everyday Influence

Too often, we equate leadership with big stages, titles, or organizational power. But what if true leadership is something quieter and more present? In this reflection, I revisit a blog post Brian Schubring wrote in 2012 and draw a powerful connection to the themes in Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, the new book by Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership happens in the small, relational moments—not just at the front of the room.
• Meaningful influence begins by paying attention to what and who is around us.
• You don’t need to wait to lead—your next step might be where you already stand.

“When we look only for opportunities to lead, we often miss the more frequent and more common opportunities for meaningful influence.” — Brian Schubring

Questions to Reflect On:

• Where are you right now?
• What is your next step?
• Who is with you?
• What is your tempo for living?

“Transformation doesn’t always begin with flight—it begins with paying attention.” — Nathan Freeburg

Action Items:

• Pause today and notice one small moment where you can show up more fully.
• Ask someone in your life: What’s one small way I can support you right now?
• Journal for 5 minutes about a recent ordinary moment that carried unexpected meaning.

Final Thoughts:

Just like OC, the Origami Crane in Unfolded, we are shaped by the creases of daily life. We may dream of soaring, but first, we must learn from the fold—moment by moment, step by step. When we show up fully in the now, transformation begins to unfold.