What if the fear never fully goes away? An HBR Article Reflection

Not long ago, I came across an article in Harvard Business Review about persistent layoff anxiety and even though I’ve coached hundreds of leaders through transition and uncertainty, the message landed squarely in my own chest.

Because if I’m being honest, I still wake up some mornings with that same tightness in my chest.
The fear that it could all disappear.
That one misstep could unravel what took years to build.

This isn’t just about layoffs. It’s about the emotional toll of leading in times of relentless change. Even the most successful leaders, perhaps especially those, are carrying invisible weight. The responsibility to stay calm. The pressure to protect others. The quiet question: Is it safe to be honest about what I’m feeling?

As a leadership coach and facilitator, I’ve sat across from high performers at every level—from senior executives to emerging manager, who are outwardly composed but inwardly exhausted.

And I’ve lived it, too.

There were times in my own career when I felt like the ground was shifting beneath me, even as I was being praised for how well I navigated change. Times when I poured myself into building programs, teams, and systems that made a real impact, only to wonder whether I was still secure in my own seat.

That tension never fully disappears. But we can learn to lead differently in its presence.

This is why I created Lead Like You, not just as a course, but as a commitment to redefine leadership from the inside out.

In this work, we don’t ignore fear.
We get curious about it.
We explore how it shows up in our decision-making, our communication, our confidence.
And then we build tools, practices, and mindsets to move through it with intention.

Here’s what I know:

• Leadership is not about appearing invulnerable. It’s about cultivating inner alignment so your actions reflect your values, even under pressure.
• The most resilient leaders aren’t fearless, they’re deeply grounded.
• And the future of leadership depends on our ability to be human, especially when the stakes are high.

That’s what Lead Like You is all about.

It’s for leaders navigating complex transitions, uncertain futures, and rising expectations, who want more than just strategies. They want clarity. Courage. A space to grow without posturing.

If that sounds like you, you’re exactly who I built this for…

- Whether you’re curious about the course
- Want to start with my free reflection journal
- Or simply need a place where it’s safe to breathe again….

You're invited.

Let’s build something deeper than success. Let’s build leadership that lasts.

With respect,
Amber Lea

You can find the full HBR article here.