Leadership Begins From Within (Excerpts From The Book

My understanding of leadership did not begin in a boardroom, a classroom, or a leadership seminar. It began at the bedside.

As a physician assistant student at County USC Medical Center, I trained in an environment where the mantra was simple: “See one. Do one. Teach one.” Every day, I witnessed leadership in action. I watched physicians, residents, nurses, and healthcare professionals navigate life-and-death situations under immense pressure. During medical codes and emergencies, leadership became impossible to hide. Some leaders inspired calm, confidence, and collaboration. Others created confusion, fear, and hesitation.

What struck me most was that the difference rarely came down to intelligence or technical expertise. The leaders who had the greatest impact were often those who possessed self-awareness, humility, and the ability to connect with others. They listened. They empowered. They created trust. The less effective leaders often relied on authority, control, or ego.

Over the next twenty-five years in healthcare, I continued to observe these patterns. I saw that leadership was not about position or title. It was not about having all the answers. Leadership was influence. More importantly, leadership was a reflection of who we are.

That realization ultimately led me to write The Paradox of Surrender.

Ironically, the book emerged from an experience where I completely failed the assignment.

Less than a year ago, I attended a leadership camp designed to help leaders gain clarity about their future and how to lead. One of the most anticipated exercises was a Vision Quest. We were sent into the wilderness alone for forty-eight hours without electronic devices, books, or human contact. We were given trail mix, water, toilet paper, and whatever personal items we deemed essential.

I arrived expecting…