Self-leadership is the foundation of all effective leadership. In a world where burnout is rising and uncertainty is constant, the ability to lead yourself—your thoughts, habits, emotions, and decisions—is more than a personal asset; it’s a professional imperative. We often focus on how leaders influence others, but forget to ask: Are they influencing themselves first? A professor at Samford University's Brock School of Business, specializing in leadership and organizational management. With a B.S. in Finance, an M.S. in International Business, and a Ph.D. in Business Management, I combine academic rigor with real-world insight. My background in corporate settings, higher education, and leadership development gives me a unique perspective on bridging personal growth and organizational success. I’m passionate about helping leaders and teams unlock their potential through practical, results-driven strategies tailored to their goals. My work fosters accountability, synergy, and effectiveness in today’s evolving workplace. I’ve published in leading journals such as Leadership, Personality and Individual Differences, Leadership & Organizational Development, and the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My mission is to empower individuals and organizations to grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx