In a world where leadership is often confused with popularity and entrepreneurship seems like a sprint, it is vital to remember that true leaders are not born out of perfection, but out of transformation. Effective leadership is built on two fundamental pillars: lived experience and acquired knowledge.
This article is more than a reflection; it is a testimony of my own journey. Returning to my country of origin, facing fears, and building leadership step by step.
In 2010, after eleven years abroad, I returned to Colombia with a clear vision: to become an entrepreneur. I had lived international experiences, learnt from diverse cultures, and developed an open mindset. I felt ready to start my own business. I had ideas, energy, and the conviction that if others could do it, so could I.
I launched social media channels, designed platforms, and built a brand… but I soon discovered that entrepreneurship was not just about having a product or service. It was about connecting with people, being visible, and above all, believing in myself. Reality showed me that entrepreneurship is as much an inner process as it is an external one.
Although I had a good product, I lacked the confidence to present it. Speaking with people I knew was easy, but approaching strangers paralysed me. Nerves took over, my speech faded, and my voice trembled. The first time I spoke in public, my body froze, my mind collapsed, and my presentation slipped away.
It was a painful but revealing moment. I realised that true entrepreneurship begins within. Having a good idea is not enough; you need the inner strength to defend it, communicate it, and sustain it in front of any audience.
So I decided to work on my confidence. I began training my inner voice with affirmations:
“I am capable.”
“I have the skills.”
“I am good at what I do.”
I looked at myself in the mirror, studied my posture, and discovered the power of leadership poses. I learnt that the body influences the mind, and that by changing my posture, I changed my energy. I created a clear, simple pitch, and every time I approached a client, I repeated to myself: “I know what I’m talking about.”
This process was transformative. Gradually, fear turned into curiosity, and curiosity into passion for connecting. I discovered that I loved speaking to strangers, and that every conversation was an opportunity to grow.
After my collapse during that first presentation, I took action. I enrolled in several courses, including two in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). One focused on public speaking, the other on personal fears. I learnt breathing techniques, visualisation, and emotional regulation.
But learning was not enough; I had to practise. At first, I carried an object in my hand to give me confidence, and over time I learnt to open my arms, relax, and enjoy the moment. Today, public speaking is one of my most powerful tools. It is the space where I connect, inspire, and lead. That doesn’t mean I don’t still get nervous, I do, but now those nerves remind me that I want to give my very best.
Every step, every mistake, every fear faced became experience. And that experience is today my greatest asset as a mentor. When I accompany other entrepreneurs, I don’t speak from theory, but from lived experience. I show them that leadership is not about perfection, but about constant evolution.
Experience has taught me that failures are lessons, fears are signals, and authenticity is the key to connection. Being a leader is not knowing everything, but being willing to learn, listen, and transform.
Alongside experience, knowledge has been my compass. I have invested in courses, books, conferences, and building a continuous learning network. From digital strategies to empowerment tools, every piece of knowledge has enriched my personal brand.
Knowledge has enabled me to make informed decisions, design effective strategies, and offer mentorships with depth. Beyond the technical, it has given me clarity, confidence, and direction.
My personal brand is not just an image; it is a living narrative. I build it through social media, blogs, events, collaborations, and publications. I focus on my presence, my posture, and my energy. I recognise my value, celebrate my achievements, practise gratitude, and build legacy.
Effective leadership is not imposed; it is modelled. It rests on coherence between what you say and what you do. In my case, every mentorship, every talk, every piece of content I share is infused with my story. I don’t sell magic formulas; I share possible paths.
I teach others to believe in themselves, to face their fears, to build their voice, and to lead from the heart. Because effective leadership is not control; it is influence. It is not power; it is service.
Empowerment is not just motivation; it is transformation. It is giving tools, opening spaces, and accompanying processes. In my work as a coach and strategist, I integrate technical knowledge with symbolic power. I use metaphors and personal experiences to connect with the emotions of my community.
Because effective leadership is also spiritual, symbolic, and human. It is about recognising the light in every person and helping them ignite it, not extinguish it.
Today, I look back and see that every step was worth it. Experience has given me depth, knowledge has given me direction, and leadership has given me purpose.
My mission is to continue empowering, learning, and inspiring others to lead their own lives. Because when one person is empowered, they transform their environment. And when many do, they transform the world.
I am the sum of all my experiences and learnings. The path has not been easy, but it has been the most rewarding. Behind every achievement lies sacrifice and hard work, even if only the results are visible. The only thing that drives me is my purpose:
To empower people and communities through conscious leadership, personal transformation, and authentic entrepreneurship, integrating digital marketing tools as a strategy to be visible, connect, and grow.
Thanks for reading me,
Jhamile Abuabara
www.jhamileabuabara.com