My Leadership Journey: A Story of Growth, Reflection, and Empowerment
One might say I was one of those natural-born leaders. The eldest of four children, I naturally found myself taking a leadership role at home from a young age. Growing up in a family that encouraged leadership—regardless of gender—was a gift. With strong role models like my father and grandmother, I learned early on that leadership wasn’t just about taking charge, it was about setting an example and empowering others.
At school, I was Head Girl, I chaired committees, and I was the organiser and planner in my social circle—always the one making sure everything was running smoothly. Leadership seemed to come naturally, but it was also nurtured. I was encouraged to step up, speak out, and take responsibility, qualities that would serve me well in my career.
When I entered the workforce in my early 20s, I was eager to prove myself. Within eight weeks of starting my first serious job, I was promoted to supervisor, and within six months, I was promoted to Team Leader. In just 18 months, I found myself heading up a new office in another state, serving as Assistant State Manager. I was moving upwards, sideways, and onwards. I loved most of it and learned so much along the way.Looking back now, after more than three decades of leadership experience, I can see how I could have been better.
Early on, my leadership model was largely shaped by male leaders and societal expectations, particularly having grown up in the 70s and 80s. I led from a pedestal, managing down, being authoritative, unemotional, and sometimes bossy. But as I grew and had the privilege of working with some incredible leaders (both male and female) who were bucking the trend, I started to develop more nuance, authenticity and a collaborative approach in my leadership style. I learned that leadership doesn’t have to look like a traditional man’s version of success—it can be uniquely yours.One of my greatest struggles during this evolution was integrating who I was outside of work with the persona I portrayed in the office. Early in my career, I learned from modelling I was exposed to, to leave my life at the door when I walked into the office, but this only created a sense of duality that I struggled with. I felt like I was one person at work and a completely different person at home. It felt like a mask I had to wear, and it was exhausting. But as I leaned into what it meant to "lead like a woman," I realized how impossible it was to separate the two. For women especially, life, work, family—they are all intertwined. I don’t have the luxury of switching off my commitments outside of work for those hours in the office. Sometimes life takes priority, and that’s okay. It doesn’t make me any less successful or capable. In fact, it has allowed me to lead more holistically, integrating all aspects of who I am.
Having children profoundly impacted my leadership journey. As a woman who chose to continue working full-time while raising a family, I was forced to change the way I work and lead. I had to adapt my approach to accommodate this shifting dynamic in my life, and in doing so, I developed a more holistic and integrated leadership style. Parenthood taught me the value of empathy, patience, and the importance of self-care—a lesson I carry with me as I navigate my leadership today.
As I’ve continued to mature, I’ve come to understand that good leadership requires consideration of all directions—down to those you manage, up to those you report to, and importantly, laterally to your peers. A few years ago, I was confronted during a leadership assessment program. As part of a senior leadership team, we were evaluated on our strengths and development areas to help us work more cohesively. I was shocked when I received feedback that I scored low on managing laterally—that my peers didn’t see me as a strong team player. This was a blind spot for me, and it was eye-opening. Since then, I’ve worked hard to develop these skills and continue to do so.
But let’s be real—leadership isn’t always a smooth ride. I’ve had my share of poor leadership experiences. In the moment, they are painful and frustrating, but they taught me invaluable lessons. One in particular taught me how not to be a CEO—an experience I had before I ever took on my first CEO role. It was a hard lesson, but one that shaped the leader I am today. I truly believe that you learn something from every experience, good or bad.
And here's the truth: even though SheLeads Coaching is all about empowering women to be great leaders, and I know I have a wealth of wisdom and lived experience to share, I also know that I still have a lot to learn. Leadership is a journey, not a destination. I hope to maintain a spirit of continuous learning and growth for the rest of my life.
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination.”
Katherine Gokavi-Whaley
Building SheLeads Coaching is part of my ongoing growth as a leader. It’s not just about empowering others, but also about empowering myself, sharing my journey, and learning alongside incredible women who are on their own leadership journeys. We all have the potential to lead from within, and I’m excited to be part of that movement.
As I continue on this path, I invite you to join me. Let’s grow, lead, and learn together—because the journey never stops. And as we lead, let’s remember to do so authentically, courageously, and with the power of our collective wisdom.