Fear has been a constant theme in my leadership story.
The truth is, in my work, an element of fear is always there. And right now, some of it weighs heavy with the upcoming launch of Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong.

About a year ago, I was invited to contribute to a book. The book highlights the why stories of women in leadership roles. The publisher I spoke with shared her passion for uncovering what exactly motivates someone—specifically women—to use their voice to help make a positive impact in the world.

Now here we are, in January 2026. I am two short weeks away from Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong being published, and I am more scared than ever.

I was scared six months ago when writing my “why story.”
I was scared nine and a half years ago when I first embarked on this journey.
And now, with my chapter on the cusp of potentially being in your hands, I feel more vulnerable than ever.

How’s that for leadership?

The truth is, talking publicly about being a mom of trans child was never planned. Nor was leading a business—and a chapter of a national 2SLGBTQIA+ non-profit—that advocates for transgender inclusion. As a cisgender woman, it has always felt a little like treading across thin ice.

I hear the voices from along this journey rattling around in my head all the time:

It’s not your place to talk about it.
Not your problem.
Not your crusade.
Enough is enough. Time for a real job.

It’s challenging enough living in the call-out culture that surrounds us—standing ready to point a loud finger the moment you’ve “got it wrong.” In a world where anything trans-positive online can become a calling beacon for harassment, or be twisted into accusations of poor parenting or “phase mania,” it’s enough to make you question your voice.

Add in the self-questioning—wondering whether you’re the person who should “take up space” amid misinformation, transphobia, and polarization—and suddenly the journey feels very heavy.

But here is what I know to be true.

The heavy journey is worth it—one hundred times over—if it made my son’s journey even a little lighter, and inspired his sisters to be strong allies. If it lessened even an ounce of self-hatred born from silence for anyone questioning their gender identity, or supporting someone who is, then my feet stand firmly planted, even when I feel the ground shake beneath me.

The day I learned I was the mom of a transgender child, I met my crossroads.

And while fear was not my motivator (you’ll have to read my chapter for that), choosing not to let fear own me—or my decisions—is the reason I can keep going.

My chapter, Say Yes to Leading the Moment, is one voice among many remarkable women from around the world who are truly unstoppable. Their stories are rooted in courage, compassion, and the willingness to show up—even when certainty is absent.

If this reflection resonates, I hope you’ll find inspiration in their stories as well.

You can learn more about the book and pre-order your copy here:
https://simplygoodform.com/books/

Voices of the 21st Century: Unstoppable Women Standing Strong will be available in February.
Thank you for reading—and for walking alongside conversations like these.