Lead Without the Title

The world doesn’t need more titles.
It needs more people who choose to lead.

Last weekend, I was honored to receive HOBY Maryland’s volunteer of the year Spirit Award, named after the outstanding Carol Applegate, whose legacy of service continues to shape our program today. 

To be honest, I hesitated to post about it, but was encouraged to. Not because I’m not proud. But because leadership isn’t about the spotlight. It’s not about titles, or being in charge, or standing out.

It’s about showing up.
Consistently. Quietly. On purpose.

The people who make the biggest impact aren’t always the ones with the loudest voices — they’re the ones who ask how they can help… and keep showing up to do it.

Leadership isn’t about titles or visibility.
It’s about service. Presence. Consistency.
It’s about the people who lean in, even when no one’s watching.

Some of the most meaningful impact doesn’t happen on a stage or in front of an audience.
It happens in conversations. In simple gestures of support. Behind the scenes. Where there is work to be done. And it only happens because someone keeps showing up with heart and humility.

That’s the kind of leadership I believe in.

So if you’ve been quietly doing the work — keep going.
If you’ve been wondering whether it matters — it does.
And if you’ve been waiting for the title, the role, the spotlight… Maybe this is your reminder:

You don’t need a title to make a difference.
Just a willingness to show up, serve, and stay consistent.