A Leap of Faith
When you think of penguins, does risk and leadership come to mind?
Well, if you’ve ever watched a nature documentary about penguins, you’ve witnessed leadership: A cluster of penguins huddle on the icy edge of an Antarctic cliff, peering into the frigid, churning water. They rock back and forth on their tiny feet, looking at one another as if to say, “You first.”
For penguins, the stakes are real. They know the water below is full of danger. Nevertheless, one penguin leans forward, takes the risk, and jumps. Instantly the rest follow, their fear broken by one brave penguin’s decisive leap.
That penguin is the leader. The risk-taker. The one with the courage to go first.
In nature, the first penguin makes it safe for the rest of the group. In life, it’s no different.
The “firsts” among us crack open possibilities that didn’t seem reachable before. Some are well-known, like Sarah Thomas. I recently had the opportunity to meet Sarah. In our conversation, I asked her what it was like to become the first female official in the NFL back in 2015. She shared that she broke through the walls of a male-only career because of her love of football and her desire to lead. Sarah talked about challenges, stereotypes, discrimination— all the things she’s had to tackle (pun intended) to do her job well, and to ultimately gain the respect of players and fans. She’s impressive, she’s witty, and dare I say, she’s a badass.
After Billy Jean King heard about Sarah Thomas becoming the first female NFL ref, King posted on social media about how proud she was of Sarah.
Imagine that? From one trailblazer to another! King’s post was followed by thousands of other posts from moms and dads of young daughters, all of whom shared that Sarah’s willingness to go first makes it easier for everyone who follows— particularly their daughters.
This summer, Jen Pawol became the first female umpire in Major League Baseball in over 40 years, changing the face of America’s pastime. To see women refs in multiple professional sports, with ponytails tucked into their hats, changes the game for so many. It demonstrates new possibilities for young female athletes.
“Firsts” happen quietly every day. Maybe you were:
The first person in your family to graduate from college.
The first in your group of friends to launch a business.
The first to speak up in that work meeting when you knew something wasn’t right.
The first to leave an unhealthy relationship and model what self-respect looks like.
These moments may not make headlines, but they still change lives—sometimes in ways we don’t realize until much later.
Being first is rarely comfortable. Sometimes, it’s downright lonely. People may question your decision— not because you’re wrong, but because your courage shines a light on their fear. You might face skepticism, judgment, or even failure before you ultimately find confidence in your decision. That icy water you’re staring into can feel like danger—because in many ways, it is. But it’s also where opportunity exists. The first proverbial penguin doesn’t wait for a promise, a guarantee, or a safety net. They trust their instincts, leap anyway, and create the path for the rest of us.
Leadership isn’t about titles or positions—it’s about going first so others can see what’s possible. It’s about showing that the unknown is survivable, and that the rewards of trying often outweigh the risks of waiting.
So, the next time you find yourself on the edge of something new—starting a podcast, making a career change, having that honest conversation you’ve been avoiding—picture that penguin. Someone must leap first. Why not you? When you do, you’ll discover something remarkable: courage is contagious. And your jump might just be the reason someone else finds the bravery to follow.
Take a few minutes to reflect on where you are hesitating these days. The world doesn’t need more people waiting for permission. It needs more first penguins. Let that be you.
This Week’s Cool Ideas & Resources
In case of emergency
After the recent Texas floods, there was controversy about whether or not residents had ample warning to get to safety. Turns out, there are local, regional and national emergency alerts that show up on your cell phone— but only if you have the notifications enabled. Check your cell phone’s Notifications to be sure yours are all enabled. I share this because I was surprised to learn mine were not. For instructions, click here if you have a iPhone or here if you have an Android. Make sure your family members do the same. ❤️
Patching it all together
When you think about maximum security prisons, a certain picture comes to mind: the deplorable conditions, the safety concerns, and what people did to find themselves sentenced to life there. What you may not think about is the positive impacts that creative programs can have— such as quilting. For a real lesson in humanity and kindness, watch The Quilters on Netflix and see the beautiful quilts these Missouri maximum security inmates are creating for children in foster care.
Cruising Through the Rest of Retirement
Several months ago, I posted about Margaritaville and some other creative retirement options. Since then, I learned about Sharon Lanes choice to join the new trend of people retiring permanently on cruise ships. Sharon, at 77, bought a 15 year lease on a villa on a ship, and plans to live out the rest of her days cruising through life. The price is right and the amenities are unmatched! https://nypost.com/2025/07/05/lifestyle/california-retiree-sharon-lane-moves-onto-villa-vie-odyssey-for-15-year-cruise-around-the-world/
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