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People often do a double-take when they discover my unexpected interests. It’s been this way since I was a child. “Wait, you like to do what?” or “You? Really Julie! I didn’t expect that.” or “That’s the last thing I would have thought you’d be interested in.”
When I was a kid, I used to ask, “Why are you so surprised?” and inevitably I received the same answer, “Because you’re a girl and girls don’t do that. You don’t seem like a tomboy.” I was always confused by the notion – why people were surprised and sometimes unaccepting of the things that brought me joy, even if I was a girl. Why did I have to be called a tomboy to be interested in those things?
Growing up and into my adulthood I always hoped that one day people might not be so surprised and, instead, be more open to possibilities outside their typical perceptions and beliefs - and give others the space to follow their dreams without enduring the pressure to appeal to certain social norms.
"Life is a field of unlimited possibilities" - Deepak Chopra
This past January, I witnessed progress to my dream of unlimited possibilities. I was trackside at the Daytona International Speedway where my own dream to “Create a World of Truth” was racing past at 180mph, and I was cheering for the long shot team on the track – the Iron Dames.
(That’s right. I love racing and motorsports. Surprising? Maybe.)
Sixty-one cars lined up at the Rolex24 to race for 24-hours straight, each a testament to engineering and human ambition. Among them, one stood out – not just for its vibrant colors, but for the revolutionary story it carries (learn more here: Women Driven By Dreams).
The Iron Dames' car wasn't just a racing machine. It was a mobile billboard of possibility, bearing the dreams of so many. These women drivers were (and are) rewriting the narrative of motorsports. They weren't asking for permission to play; they were fully equipped and supported to compete in a male-dominated sport.
In 24 grueling hours, they faced immense challenges, including physical and mental fatigue, the pressure to maintain a competitive pace, and the need for flawless teamwork and strategy to overcome a punctured tire and 4 classes of traffic.
The Iron Dames went on on to finish 8th in their class, 34th overall – a performance that spoke louder than any argument about belonging. This wasn't just a race. It was a living metaphor for how we must continue to challenge systemic limitations, AND question how we might be guilty of projecting those limitations on others.
As I stood trackside, watching the Iron Dames car blur past, I realized this moment captured the essence of true perspective shifting and opportunity:
When we refuse to accept the story others have insinuated about us, we create space for an entirely new narrative and possibility for ourselves and those to come.
The Iron Dames weren't just racing. They were reDEFYning what's possible.
And isn't that the ultimate act of leadership?
So how do we as leaders ensure we are seeing to the higher good of our team. Creating space for opportunity and growth. Setting the foundation for others to achieve their purpose, their dreams – without judgement.
It starts at our core with radical self-awareness.
We must make sure we ARE:
Challenging the status quo
Advocating for diverse points of view
Inviting all possibilities to the table
Creating space for discernment, vulnerability, and kindness
And, we must make sure we ARE NOT:
Imposing our limiting beliefs
Projecting our interpretations
Stifling possibility through our assumptions
Inviting our inner critic and judge to participate
As leaders, we hold more than just our own aspirations in our hands – we carry the potential of entire teams and organizations. When we allow inner energy blocks to dictate our leadership style, we don't just limit ourselves; we inadvertently cast shadows over the growth and potential of everyone who looks to us for guidance. These internal barriers can be quite contagious, spreading through organizations unknowingly shaping team culture and collective beliefs.
The danger lies in how our limiting beliefs as leaders can become unwritten rules for our teams. When we silently subscribe to thoughts like "leaders are born, not made" or "longer hours equals higher productivity," we might unconsciously create environments that discourage initiative and growth. Our teams pick up on these subtle cues, absorbing our hesitations and self-imposed limitations. The crucial question isn't just "How true is that belief?" but also "What message am I sending to my team through this belief?"
Our interpretations and assumptions as leaders carry even more weight because they shape how we view and develop talent. If we're quick to interpret missed deadlines as "they don't care about the business" or assume "it happened before so it will happen again," we're not just making poor judgments – we're potentially minimizing our team's growth trajectory. These mental shortcuts can lead to missed opportunities for mentorship, stifled innovation, and untapped potential within our organizations. As leaders, we must challenge ourselves to ask, "How might my interpretations or assumptions about circumstances be creating invisible barriers for my team?"
Perhaps most critically, when we allow our inner critic – that voice of self-doubt and judgement – to influence our leadership, we risk creating a culture of defensiveness and fear. If we're constantly wrestling with thoughts like "I'm an imposter" or "I'm not enough,” we might unintentionally model a leadership style that values following the rules over growth, certainty over innovation. The real transformation begins when we recognize that overcoming these internal blocks isn't just about personal growth – it's about creating space for our entire team to thrive. What kind of environment could we create if we led from a place of possibility rather than limitation?
This is an invitation to remember that the most powerful changes often begin with our own self-awareness and willingness to challenge our preconceptions. As leaders, our role isn't just to clear the path for others—it's to constantly examine the invisible barriers we might be placing in their way.
The next time someone shares an unexpected interest, pause and witness your initial reaction. What might be an intentional response that honors their interest and opens a new perspective for you?
When we commit to leading with radical self-awareness, openness, and a willingness to challenge our own bias, we don't just reDEFYne our leadership style—we create an environment where everyone feels empowered to pursue their unexpected dreams. After all, true leadership isn't about conforming to expectations—it's about creating space for possibilities we haven't even imagined yet. Go Iron Dames!
Julie Breckenfelder, The Alignment Coach, is a seasoned life and leadership coach. With a passion for helping others live a purpose-filled and impactful life, Julie supports her clients in understanding their values, their dreams, their barriers to success, and helps them to create a new path forward. Julie believes that mindfulness and positive intention are foundations for living the life you truly want. If you're ready to step into this next chapter of your life, Julie is here for you. Book your free strategy session today.
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