Author: Mentor Ben Drake

Leadership Through the Fog: Leading When Life Isn’t Linear

What does leadership look like when your "office" is sometimes a bed, and your energy levels have a strict "data cap" due to chronic conditions?

For a long time, I thought leadership was about being the loudest, the fastest, and the most visible. But being a disabled entrepreneur and a dadpreneur has taught me a different truth. Leadership isn't just about the mountain-top moments; it’s about how you navigate the valleys.
To me, leadership looks like:

* Radical Authenticity: Showing up exactly as you are—flares, mobility aids, and all. It’s proving that "success" doesn’t have a specific look or a set pace. ♿✨
* The Power of "Pace": Leading by example doesn't mean sprinting. It means being consistent within your capacity. When we honor our bodies, we give our teams permission to do the same. 🐌💪
* Adaptive Strategy: Finding the "work-around." Whether it’s using voice-to-text on high-pain days or automating your direct sales systems, a leader finds a way to stay in the game without burning out. 📱🛠️
* Quiet Resilience: It’s the strength found in the "invisible" wins. For parents and families watching us, our greatest lesson isn't how much we sell—it’s how we get back up after a setback. 🛡️❤️

Rising Above the "Negative Puke" 🤮

When you’re building a business while managing a disability, you’ll inevitably face "negative puke" from others. Whether it’s "Are you sure you can handle this?" or "Shouldn't you just focus on resting?", people often project their own limitations onto you.

A true leader knows how to carry an umbrella for that rain. I’ve learned that:

* Their "puke" is a reflection of their fears, not your reality. 🪞
* Protecting your peace is a business strategy. You don't owe an explanation for how you manage your health and your hustle.
* Success is the best mute button. When you stay consistent and lead with integrity, the noise eventually fades into the background. 🔇

How does a leader lead? They lead by being a lighthouse, not a drill sergeant. They shine a light on what’s possible, even when the path is bumpy and the critics are loud. 🔦

I am just curious: What does leadership look like to you? How do you lead in your own life? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about the real side of leading! 👇

A Note From Ben:l

​My goal is to help you build a life of health and freedom. This blog is supported by two resources I personally use and trust to achieve that mission:

• ​My ASEA Business: Supporting my family's wellness from the inside out.
• ​"Success in 10 Steps": The framework I use for building a successful business from home.

​You can learn more about ASEA here and "Success in 10 Steps" ebook here.