Have you ever wondered if what you do really matters?
If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying weight quietly, showing up with consistency, and setting the tone for a space you don’t “run,” then friend, this one’s for you.
Because leadership isn’t just for CEOs, owners, or people with corner offices and fancy titles. It’s not just about calling the shots—it’s about the energy you bring, the way you show up, and the influence you have on the people around you.
And whether you’ve been told or not—you are leading.
Why I Needed to Talk About This
Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the people I’ve worked alongside over the years who shaped the culture of a room without ever being “in charge.” The ones who quietly jump in to help, who protect the vibe, who keep things steady in the storm.
They’re the heartbeat of a business—the kind of people leaders trust and teammates love working with. And yet, their impact is so often overlooked because it doesn’t come with a title.
I wanted to put language to that kind of leadership, to give it the recognition it deserves, and to remind you that you don’t need permission to lead well.
Key Takeaways From This Episode
Leadership is a posture, not a position. It’s how you carry yourself when no one’s watching.
You can lead up. Support your leaders, lighten their load, and be someone they can trust.
You can lead across. Build trust with your peers, protect the culture, and put completing ahead of competing.
You can lead down. Even without a title, someone is watching and learning from you—set the tone with integrity.
Your influence matters more than you think. You’re not invisible. You’re shaping the culture every day.
Favorite Lines From the Conversation
“You don’t need a fancy title. You don’t need a promotion. You just need to choose to show up like it matters—because it does.”
“Put completing ahead of competing. Let the idea win, not your ego.”
“The moment someone starts to look up to you, even quietly, you’ve stepped into leadership.”
“We don’t need more people chasing power. We need more people choosing to lead with heart—wherever they are.”
“Protect the culture, even in private.”
Chapter Markers
0:00 – The kind of leadership no one talks about
2:06 – Leadership as posture, not position
4:45 – How to lead up and why it matters
8:20 – Leading across: protecting culture and lifting others
13:14 – Leading down: the influence you don’t realize you have
17:52 – You are not invisible—why the middle matters
19:07 – Final encouragement for everyday leaders
This Week’s Reflection
Take a moment to ask yourself:
“What kind of culture am I creating with the way I show up?”
Whether you’re leading up, across, or down, your presence shapes the space around you. How will you use that influence this week?
💛 Let’s Stay Connected
I really do mean it when I say: my DMs are always open.
✨ Got a story to share? A moment that hit home? Slide in anytime.
Here’s where to find me and go deeper:
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessica_hustleandheartsalon/
Podcast blog → https://hustleandheartsalon.com/blog/
Salon home → https://hustleandheartsalon.com/
