20. Embracing Vulnerability, Navigating Rock Bottom, and Leading with Purpose | Sarah Manley

Have you ever found yourself caught in an endless cycle of meetings and tasks, wondering if your leadership is truly making a difference? What if the most powerful leadership tool isn't your strategic plan or your team's expertise, but your ability to recognise and act on the second chances life gives you?This episode explores how our personal challenges can become a driving force and focusing tool for positive change and authentic leadership. Sarah Manley's journey reveals the quiet power of listening to your gut, sitting with uncertainty, and moving beyond the "hero leader" mindset. What emerges is a perspective where leadership becomes less about personal achievement and more about creating space for something greater to emerge—where vulnerability becomes strength and purpose fuels resilience.Sarah Manley is the Chief Executive of MITEY New Zealand, delivered through the Sir John Kirwan Foundation. MITEY is a purpose-led organisation that provides evidence-based mental health education to primary and intermediate schools in New Zealand. Born in Chile and adopted by New Zealand and Australian parents at just five weeks old, Sarah's origin story has shaped her deep sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference. In this conversation, she shares:How transforming your relationship with meetings can create space for what truly mattersWhy journaling for just five minutes a day can shift your focus from what you do to who you want to beHow to discern the difference between your gut instinct and your "love filter" when making decisionsWhy sitting with tension and uncertainty can lead to more authentic leadership choicesHow personal rock-bottom moments can become catalysts for purpose-driven leadershipWhy the "pinchy point" of leadership loneliness requires intentional connection with othersHow to build relationships before you need them rather than waiting for crisisWhy recognising that "you cannot not impact" transforms how you show up as a leaderTimestamps(05:51) Listening to Your Gut(10:02) Journaling for Clarity(15:14) The Impact of Personal History(24:22) Transforming Adversity into Purpose(27:09) Rising from Rock Bottom(31:46) Building Support NetworksResources referenced:The Bigger Me ToolThe Network DiagnosticEpisode 15: Hazel Maclaurin on the Value of MentorshipYou can find Sarah at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-manley-nz/Check out my services and offerings https://www.digbyscott.com/Subscribe to my newsletter https://www.digbyscott.com/subscribeFollow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/digbyscott/

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