Embracing Hobbies as a Leadership Strategy
By Heidi Sadecky, PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program
Embracing Hobbies as a Leadership Strategy
Great leaders balance work with creativity and personal interests. By stepping away from daily pressures, you can:
· Reduce stress and prevent burnout
· Improve problem-solving skills
· Build deeper connections with their teams
· Gain fresh perspectives and renewed purpose
As a leadership coach, I’ve discovered that some of the most valuable insights come not from boardrooms but from nature, animals, and adventure. Raising monarch butterflies, working with a blind horse, and even dog sledding in Alaska have profoundly shaped my approach to leadership. Here are some of the lessons I've learned outside of the traditional office setting:
Growth and Transformation: Lessons from Monarch Butterflies
Raising monarch butterflies has taught me about transformation and resilience. These creatures carry everything they need to become butterflies but must go through a difficult metamorphosis to reach their full potential. Leaders, too, must embrace growth and change, even when uncomfortable.
Trust and Presence: Lessons from Knobby the Blind Horse
Every week, I work with Knobby, a blind horse, learning patience and trust. With no ability to see, Knobby relies on consistency and energy to navigate his world—just as teams look to leaders for stability and confidence. Leadership isn’t just about words; it’s about presence and dependability.
Teamwork and Strength: Lessons from a Sled Dog Team
During a dog sledding adventure in Alaska, I met Emily, a young Musher who led her team with grit and insight. Her ten dogs, chosen not by physical strength but by character, worked together seamlessly. Ruby, the smallest, led with focus. Gallagher, the co-leader, brought drive. Whalen, the largest, pulled from the back, offering power and loyalty. I smiled realizing that even in nature a well-balanced team, not just the strongest individuals is what leads to success.
The Courage to Prioritize Growth
Leaving a secure corporate career to pursue leadership coaching was one of the hardest—and best—decisions I ever made. Many leaders hesitate to invest in personal passions, but engaging in meaningful activities is crucial for long-term success and resilience.
Stepping outside the traditional leadership path—whether through nature, animals, or adventure—can unlock new dimensions of strength and insight. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, embrace the unexpected. The best leadership lessons are often just beyond the office door.
Heidi Sadecky is a trusted executive coach who partners with leaders to unlock their full potential. Her mission is to help leaders understand their unique behaviors and decision-making patterns, empowering them to avoid costly mistakes and lead with confidence, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. Heidi holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and multiple high-level certifications, including Emotional Intelligence (EQi and EQ360). Learn about workplace training programs here.
