Learning Moments

What self-leadership looks like at 60+ — and why it matters more than ever

She’s 80-something, funny, sharp, and wonderfully self-critical. I normally meet Louisa while we walk our dogs — and now we run into each other at the gym too. When I asked her why, she didn’t hesitate: “I’m responsible for my dog, so I need to keep fit. But more than that, I want to stay engaged with life. Sitting on the sofa reading books is not enough for me. I want more.”

That, to me, is personal leadership.

Not a title. Not a team. Not a salary. A way of being.

My friend Piero asked me recently: “Now that you’ve chosen to work differently at 60+, what happens to leadership?” I didn’t hesitate. It doesn’t stop. If anything, it becomes more essential.

Because leadership, the way I understand it, has always started with leading myself. Noticing what’s happening around me and within me. Reflecting before reacting. Staying curious. Exploring — trying new things, embracing creative challenges, seeing what’s possible. Being intentional about where I want to go and taking responsibility for moving toward it. Learning — and unlearning. That’s not a phase of life. That’s a practice for all of life.

At 60+, this becomes more real, not less. And that’s actually a gift. What remains is what always mattered: leading yourself. Choosing. Showing up for your own life.

Louisa gets this. She decided what she wants and what she doesn’t. She keeps moving. She stays engaged. At 80+, she leads her own life with full intention.

That’s who I want to be.

Leadership doesn’t retire. 

It just stops hiding behind a job description.

What does leading yourself mean to you today? 
I’d love to hear — drop it in the comments.

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

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Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.