The Leadership Secret: Giving Back to Move Forward

Recently, I was asked why I invest time in volunteering during a panel on career growth. This made me reflect. Truth is, most of my defining moments haven’t come from boardrooms or corporate success but from the communities I’ve been a part of. As an immigrant, student, and professional, my journey has been shaped by the power of giving back, which has influenced my leadership style, sense of purpose, and commitment to paying it forward.

The Power of Giving Back: A Personal Journey

For context, I was born in Ukraine, and immigrated to the United States as a little girl before Ukraine gained its independence from the former Soviet Union. (Side note, although the aggressor is trying to undermine Ukrainian’s independence again, I have no doubt Ukraine will prevail).

My family’s journey as refugees let me witness firsthand what it meant to rely on the kindness of strangers and how it can change lives. I still remember waiting in line at the food banks and receiving my first Lego set through a charitable donation. This lived experience leaves me feeling forever grateful for the generosity of people we’ve never met, a feeling I’m able to honor by paying it forward.

Additionally, while my parents navigated challenges of being in a new country; working hard to gain financial stability while also studying at the local college and raising a growing family; they still managed to carve out time to help their community. They did this by being active in their church where my dad served as a preacher and translator. He still serves there today, well into his retirement.

Growing up in this environment has taught me that true leadership isn’t about power or accolades; it’s about connection, empathy, and creating a community where everyone can thrive together.

Shaping Culture: The Immigrant Perspective

Arriving in the U.S. during a wave of immigration, I had the unique opportunity to also witness how culture evolves in real time. My family and other immigrants organically converged to form a subculture within our new country, balancing our past heritage norms with the demands of our new surroundings. Initially, we were “FOBs” (fresh off the boat), struggling to adapt to the language and social expectations of our new environment. Inevitably, our subculture evolved as we assimilated to the lifestyles of the area. The sharp contrast in cultural experiences between my upbringing and that of my youngest sibling, who is 12 years younger, illustrates this well. That’s because ultimately culture is our repeated patterns of behavior, which can be fluid depending on where we focus and how we grow. Watching my parents navigate their journey of blending the old and new taught me the importance of intentionality in shaping the change we want to see.

In a similar fashion, being involved in community and giving back helps me feel empowered to shape my environment instead of passively accepting what may be considered status quo. By showing up, taking responsibility for our decisions, and considering how our actions impact others, we demonstrate leadership that goes beyond personal ambition and focuses on the collective good.

Growth Mindset: Building Confidence, Resilience and Joy

One of the most surprising benefits of volunteering is how it builds confidence and resilience through an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides a safe space for us to propose ideas, take decisive actions and even take on roles we may not be familiar with, without the drama of corporate posturing and performance reviews. Personally, I’ve met people across a wide range of professions and seniority while volunteering, all equalized by our intrinsic motivations to contribute toward some common goal. There is something magical about such a situation and the simplicity of just figuring it out as you go. It’s taught me the power of brainstorming and collaborating without being confined by specific roles. This “we’re all in it together” mentality is refreshing and has stayed with me.

These low-risk experiences create opportunities for us to practice courage, embrace ownership, and create habits of taking initiative which seeps into the workplace and personal life. Over time, these behaviors lay the foundation for bigger successes in both personal and professional life.

As Martha Stewart so wisely shared in her Masterclass, working on a variety of things helps you become more collaborative. When you step outside your traditional role and contribute to a cause in different ways, you start to see new solutions to problems and gain a broader perspective. It teaches you to be resourceful and creative; qualities that are invaluable as a leader.

Additionally, studies show that giving back boosts happiness. I’ve experienced firsthand the fulfillment that comes from getting involved, especially when supporting causes important to me. Volunteering, whether it’s helping refugees, supporting Ukrainian initiatives, or contributing to local causes, not only helps alleviate my survivor guilt for being so privileged, but it feeds my curiosity, energizes me and aligns me with my values.

Conclusion: Leading with Purpose

Community involvement has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. It has shaped me as a leader, enriched my personal and professional journey, and helped me remain grounded in my values. Whether you’re looking to become a better leader or simply find more fulfillment in your life, I encourage you to find ways to give back. Because, in the end, giving back is not just about helping others; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.