The Leadership Shift That Starts with You (And Your Energy)
- Liza Engel
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Recently, more than one person has stopped me mid-conversation and said: “You’re glowing.”
I laughed—unsure whether to take it as a compliment, a curiosity, or a clue.
Then it happened again. People noticed something I hadn’t fully named yet: my energy had shifted.
And the funny thing is—I’ve been working on the same long-term projects for months. But now, suddenly, things are clicking. And results are flowing.
So what comes first? The energy that attracts success—or the success that lifts your energy?
The Leadership Energy Loop
Here’s what I’ve come to believe, through experience and observation:
Success and energy are in a constant dance. But someone has to lead.
And in leadership, that someone is you.
Yes, wins give you energy. But if you wait for external wins before showing up with energy, you’re handing the steering wheel to circumstance.
Authentic leadership starts from the inside. It begins with intention, attention, and presence—even when dragging your feet uphill.
You don’t lead because things are going well.
Things go well because you lead with positive energy.
The Difference Energy Makes
When you walk into a room as a leader, your energy speaks before you do.
High energy doesn’t mean bouncing off the walls or being the loudest in the room.
It means being fully present. Curious. Open to possibility.
When my energy is up, I see it everywhere:
People lean in instead of zoning out.
Ideas build instead of stalling.
Tensions soften. Trust expands.
I’ve also led with low energy—exhausted, flat, inwardly focused. And I’ve felt the whole room mirror it back to me. We see and attract what we’re tuned into.
It’s not always about being upbeat. But it’s always about being intentional.
Your energy is the most honest part of your leadership. You can’t fake it. But you can fuel it.
Fueling Joy: The Quiet Power Behind Leadership Energy
People often see joy as the result of a good day, a win, or a celebration.
But joy isn’t static. It’s not circumstantial. It’s a state of flow.
For me, joy gives energy to the things that matter.
It’s the spark that makes even hard work feel meaningful.
Even when everything feels like it’s going wrong, I’ve learned I need to find something - anything - joyful:
A warm exchange with a colleague—or even a passing stranger.
A small win no one else noticed.
The deep breath before a big moment.
These aren’t just mood-lifters. They’re energy rechargers—for your presence, resilience, and leadership.
The 10-Smile Challenge
Want a simple, human way to shift your energy today? Try this:
Smile unconditionally at 10 people.
Not because they’ve earned it. Not because you want anything back.
Just because you can.
Some will smile back. Most will feel it. (Ok, one person might look at you like you’re a bit crazy, but even that will make you smile more.)
But here’s the fundamental shift: you’ll feel different.
This tiny act signals to your nervous system and those around you that you lead from possibility, not pressure.
It’s not about pretending everything’s great.
It’s about practicing leadership through presence, even in the smallest interactions.
Energy First. Everything Else Follows.
Leadership isn’t just about decisions, direction, or outcomes.
It’s about how people experience you—in a room, on a screen, in a single sentence.
And energy? It’s the carrier of everything else you’re trying to say.
So if your team, audience, or customers seem disengaged, don’t start with better slides or sharper words.
Start with your energy, and keep it authentic. It’s not about putting on a glow—it’s about what helps you and others feel joy. When you lead with positive energy, even a little, others rise with you. And together, you grow.
Ready to Shift Your Leadership Energy? Try These 3 Steps:
Do the 10-Smile Challenge. Watch how it changes your day—and others’.
Name one thing that brought you joy today. Not what went well—what lit you up?
Check your energy before your next meeting. Ask: What energy am I bringing into the room?
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