The Overlap Between Leadership and Parenting: An Unexpected Aha Moment
Last year, while developing a new workshop for the Advanced Leadership Training Program I direct, I had an aha moment that completely changed how I think about leadership—and parenting. The workshop was meant to focus on self-awareness as a key component of effective leadership. But as I worked through the content, something surprising happened: I realized I had already taught this material before, just in a different context.
Slide after slide, the concepts were nearly identical to what I teach in my parenting classes about the nervous system. The only difference? Instead of saying "kids," I was saying "colleagues" or "team members."
I found myself explaining how, when we feel activated, we react from a place of stress rather than clarity. How regulation allows us to respond rather than react. How we can create environments that foster emotional safety, allowing others—whether our children or our teams—to thrive.
The parallels were uncanny. And what really blew me away was how the workshop was received.
This session became one of the most talked-about and utilized workshops of the entire year-long leadership program. People described it as "cutting edge" and "the thing that’s been missing from leadership training all along." It resonated deeply because it addressed something that so many leaders struggle with—how to stay present, grounded, and responsive rather than reactive, especially in high-stakes moments.
That experience got me thinking: If this content was so transformative for leaders, why do we not talk more about parenting as an advanced form of leadership?
The Deep Connection Between Leadership and Parenting
As parents, we navigate high-pressure situations daily. We mediate conflicts, communicate expectations, offer guidance, and hold space for the emotions of others. We model behavior, set the tone for our family culture, and constantly adapt to shifting circumstances. Sound familiar? That’s because these are also the core skills of great leaders.
Yet, many parents don’t consider themselves leaders. Maybe because leadership is often associated with titles, authority, or managing a team in a workplace. But if leadership is ultimately about influence, about guiding others toward growth and success, then parenting is leadership in its most profound form.
Why This Matters
Recognizing the overlap between leadership and parenting matters because it validates the immense skill set parents develop every day. It also challenges the idea that leadership development only happens in professional settings.
If we reframe parenting as a leadership practice, it opens up new possibilities for growth—not just in our roles as parents, but in how we show up in our work, communities, and relationships.
It also means that leadership training shouldn’t be limited to the workplace. Just as organizations invest in leadership development for their employees, parents deserve access to tools and knowledge that support their leadership at home. Because when parents lead with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and clarity, they don’t just raise children—they shape future leaders.
An Invitation
If you’ve never thought of yourself as a leader before, I invite you to reconsider. Notice the skills you use daily—the negotiation, the emotional regulation, the guidance you provide. These are the same skills that make great leaders in every context.
And if you’re already in a leadership role, I encourage you to reflect on how your experiences as a parent (or as someone who supports young people) shape your leadership style. What lessons from parenting could inform how you lead your team?
For me, this realization has shifted the way I teach, coach, and support both parents and leaders. It’s made me even more committed to bridging the gap between these two worlds. Because in the end, the best leaders—whether at home or in the workplace—are the ones who lead with presence, compassion, and a deep understanding of human connection.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: Have you ever noticed the overlap between parenting and leadership in your own life? Get in touch or leave a comment below—I’d love to start a conversation about this!
