The Courage to Be Seen: A Reflection on Authentic Leadership
By Urusla Mobolia, Netherlands
Inspired by Session 4 of the NextGen Women’s Leadership Fellowship with Nick Jonsson
When Nick Jonsson shared his story during Session 4 of the NextGen Women’s Leadership Fellowship, I was deeply moved. Listening to how he went from feeling hopeless and depressed to becoming a purpose-driven leader left a lasting impact on me.
At first, I found myself wondering: How could someone so successful feel so empty inside?
But the truth is, depression doesn’t always have a visible reason. Sometimes it stems from unresolved trauma — or from living out of alignment with one’s purpose. Reflecting on my own journey, I realized I’ve experienced a version of this too: a quiet restlessness that crept in during a season of my life where, on paper, everything was “fine.”
Nick spoke about finding his purpose in helping others navigate suicidal thoughts, especially in high-pressure corporate environments. That resonated with me on a profound level. It reminded me that true leadership isn’t about image — it’s about impact.
One of the reflective questions from the session struck a chord:
“What did you love to do as a child?”
Curious, I called my mom. She laughed and said, “Even as a child, you always loved to read and write. Don’t you remember winning that writing contest in elementary school?”
Honestly, I had forgotten. But that conversation brought back memories — especially of the day I read The Kite Runner in high school and whispered to myself: “One day, I’ll write as beautifully as Khaled Hosseini.”
I did write a book during the pandemic: Grieving Daughters: The Effects of Fatherlessness in the Lives of Women. It received meaningful feedback, but I haven’t written since. Part of that was due to time. But a bigger part? Fear.
What if I don’t have enough to say? What if I get stuck?
But maybe writing is part of my purpose. Maybe it’s time to return to the page — not to prove something, but to live in alignment.
Nick introduced us to the 5 Steps of Holistic Leadership. Step 2 is Purpose. But Step 1 is even more foundational: Surrender.
He asked:
“What is one habit, mindset, or limiting belief you need to surrender?”
That question hit home. By the end of the session, Nick challenged one of my own limiting beliefs directly when he said:
“You’re never too old. It’s never too late to change your life.”
Since turning 25 (I’m now 31), I’ve quietly avoided sharing my age on birthdays. In the context of my African upbringing, where milestones like marriage and children are often tied to self-worth, I’ve often felt “behind.”
But I’m done letting that belief lead me.
I’m learning to surrender the idea that age determines value or timing. I’m choosing to believe that now is exactly the right time to step into the leader I’m becoming — a leader who is not afraid to be seen, not afraid to start again, and not afraid to lead from the heart.