Dear Younger Brooke,

I know you feel out of place stepping into a leadership role. You don’t sound like the other leaders in the room, and sometimes you’re told to be “firmer” or “set harder boundaries.” While you’ve often held back in contributing your ideas, a part of you knows you have answers worth contributing and insights that others need to hear.

Here’s what I want you to know:

1. Trust yourself.

You’re not imagining it — you do see things differently. That perspective isn’t a weakness; it’s your edge. Over time, you’ll learn that the gut-feeling moments when you wanted to speak up were often the times you had the answer the room needed. Start trusting that signal earlier.

2. Bravery builds slowly.

Courage isn’t about being loud; it’s about leaning into your voice even when your heart races. Each time you speak up, you build your confidence and self-assurance. Start small but keep at it. Bravery compounds.

3. Your relational approach matters.

Others may chase authority, but you’ve always sensed leadership is about connection. That instinct is right. You’ll later see the research proving it, but you don’t need research to know that people follow leaders who care and listen. Hold on to that truth; it will set you apart.

4. You’ll find leaders who give you confidence.

Along the way, you’ll notice leaders who don’t just ‘manage.’ They listen, they encourage, and they back you when you lean into your way of leading. Pay attention to them. They’ll give you permission to trust yourself more, and their support will shape the kind of leader you become.

4. Your learning and thinking differences are not a barrier.

At times, the way you think and approach problems may feel like it makes things harder, as if you’re carrying invisible roadblocks. But those same differences will shape your creativity, focus, and resilience. Without even realising it, you’ll build tools to overcome the challenges. And one day, you’ll be grateful for the perspective it gives you.

5. Your Leadership 101 (the lessons you will live into):

• Listen first, then decide. People will trust you when they feel heard.

• Clarity trumps complexity. Don’t overcook things; make it simple and actionable.

• You don’t need to have all the answers. Yes, you will realise that giving others the baton to make decisions will be a turning point in your leadership.

• Reflection creates growth. Pausing to ask ‘What? So what? Now what?’ turns mistakes into wisdom.

• Trust is the foundation of leadership. Build it slowly, hold its importance.

One day, you’ll look back and realise you weren’t ‘too different’ after all; you were leading in a way the world needed but hadn’t yet caught up to.

Keep going. The leader you’re becoming will one day stand alongside others, teaching and coaching others what you wish you’d known: that leadership is relational, reflective, and inspiring.

With belief in you,

Your Future Brooke x