I have been walking around with such a heavy heart lately.
The world, and specifically the United States, the country I chose to move to over 20 years ago, is entrenched in divisive turmoil. The political climate, social unrest, and human disconnection are making many of us question not only where we stand but whether we’re still allowed to speak from the heart without facing repercussions.
This country was founded by people looking to build a better life, to create a future for their families, just like so many people are trying to do today. Yet, we’ve lost sight of those roots. We’ve become so wrapped up in fear, blame, and division that we forget what unites us, the desire to belong, to be safe, to be heard, and to thrive.
The Weight of Silence
As a business owner, a mother, and a leader, I feel the internal tug-of-war every day, the fear of speaking up, and the guilt of staying silent. The fear is real. I’ve built my business from the ground up. It’s the primary source of income for my family. It supports employees and their families. I would be lying if I said I haven’t paused before speaking my truth because of what clients might think or how it might be perceived. That fear of speaking up can be paralyzing.
But the guilt of staying silent weighs even more. I owe it to my daughters, to my team, and to myself to speak up, not to divide, but to lead with love and generosity. I’ve been shaped by so many experiences, by my heritage, by my parents’ story. My father came to the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship in the 60s, barely speaking English, driven by the vision of the American dream. He left Peru to provide a future, and that legacy matters. It guides my leadership, rooted in integrity, empathy, and action.
Leading from the Heart
This is where servant leadership becomes not just a philosophy, but a necessity. We need leaders who serve, not rule. Who listens, not dominates. Who clears the path, not blocks it. Servant leadership is not about being passive or soft; it’s about being grounded in purpose and courage. It’s about asking: How can I help others shine? How can I create space for everyone to feel safe and seen?
When we lead from the heart, we choose compassion over ego. We stop clinging to power and start lifting others. We stop staying silent and start standing for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Choosing Courage Over Comfort
I think about the platform I have, the voice I’ve built over years of entrepreneurship, sweat, tears, failures, and wins. And I think: what good is this platform if I don’t use it when it matters most?
This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. It’s about decency. It’s about asking ourselves how we are showing up for those who don’t have the same opportunities we do. Because staying silent, especially when you know better, is a privilege. And fear of speaking up, while valid, cannot become a permanent excuse for not acting in integrity.
I ask myself daily: How can I support those who feel unsafe in their own homes? How can I remain neutral when cruelty and injustice are treated as policies or platforms? How can I be okay knowing I stayed comfortable while others suffered?
The Legacy I Want to Leave
At the end of the day, leadership is legacy. And the legacy I want to leave isn’t one of silence. It’s one of action. Of purpose. Of using my fear and turning it into fuel for doing what’s right. Of embracing servant leadership even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
I want my girls to see me standing up, not hiding behind fear. I want them to know that speaking up doesn’t make you less professional, less likable, or less successful; it makes you human. It makes you strong. It makes you real.
So here’s my ask: let’s stop pretending we can stay neutral when our communities are hurting. Let’s acknowledge the fear of speaking up but move through it anyway. Let’s embrace servant leadership not just in theory, but in action.
Because we are in this together. And when we lead with love and speak with truth, we rise together, too.
