In the intricate journey of our professional and personal lives, there's a profound dance many of us navigate – the challenge of belonging while staying true to ourselves.
It's a delicate balance between connection and authenticity, between fitting in and standing out.
Here's Global Warriors equine guided development facilitator Emma on her experience. Can you relate?
This is the central paradox of authentic leadership: the tension between belonging and being yourself.
True belonging isn't about conforming. It's about finding environments that align with your core values and modelling a different way of being that creates shifts in wider systems.
But what does that look like in practice?
How can we find the courage to take a fierce stand for our values, and show up authentically – especially in a professional context?
Today we’re sharing some stories from within our Global Warriors Equine Guided Development Team.
Our Equine Guided Development programmes provide accelerated learning with the ability for participants to test, experiment and play with leadership model theory. For our facilitators, they’re also an opportunity to model a very different way of showing up in the equestrian world.
Dave Harris, who founded our Equine Guided Development team, is passionate about the importance of overcoming our fear of being “different” when we show up as our true selves.
Here's Dave talking about his very different approach to managing our horses.
For Dave, authenticity is about letting go of convention to create a life and environment that aligns with his deepest values. His approach to horse care, which he describes as “normal” for him, stands in stark contrast to traditional practices. Instead of stables, shoes, and routines that prioritise control, Dave’s philosophy emphasizes freedom, individuality, and respect for his horses.
Dave’s approach hasn’t always been met with understanding. “Whenever you do something that’s marginal, you’re going to get some criticism for it,” he says. Yet, he stands firm in his belief that horses—and people—should be allowed to be themselves.
Dave’s philosophy extends to the participants in Global Warriors’ equine leadership workshops, where the horses mirror human behaviours and energy, guiding individuals to greater self-awareness. “When you remove fear and doubt from your being, you unlock doors beyond your dreams,” Dave says. His work reminds us that when we lead with authenticity, we create space for others to do the same.
Emma's journey with her stallion Sparky illustrates this beautifully.
In the competitive world of dressage, where tradition reigns supreme, they chose a different path. She selected the professional body they chose to compete in based on values, uses equipment that brings respect to her relationship with Sparky, and dresses distinctively, even in the strict world of competitive dressage.
The result? At 19 – geriatric in equine terms – Sparky became a national dressage champion.
When questioned about her choices by others from a more conventional equestrian world, Emma sees an opportunity for connection.
“What I've learned is a critical response is usually a projection of how they're feeling and their uncertainty. I've learned to be kind and gentle with that rather than feel criticised. I've also learned to talk and explain a lot. Invite people in for communication and for a conversation. The day that I don't get a question is going to be the day I know I've made a good impact. There are enough people now in the equestrian system to be thinking that's not so unusual. And it becomes the norm for people with different types of horses, riding in different types of attire.”
What can we learn from these very specific examples of choosing to do things differently to the established norm? Well, in Dave’s words,
“When we have the courage to be ourselves and not feel we have to conform, it opens up massive opportunities.”
Don't accept things at face value. Ask: Why do we do things this way? Is there a more meaningful approach? For Dave and Emma, this includes examining our fundamental assumptions: do we need to groom the horses every day, or do their coats naturally protect them from the elements? If I choose to enter a competition, is the organisation judging aligned with the values I want to adhere to?
Your differences are your greatest strength. When Emma and Sparky enter a competition, they stand out – and that's powerful. Our equine team’s approach to caring for the horses extends to how they facilitate interactions with participants in our equine guided coaching sessions – and this is where they create a far-reaching impact on participants and their organisations.
Build environments of trust and individual agency. Transform traditional power dynamics by creating space for choice. Emma always felt that the traditional equine world wasn’t for her, based as it was on principles of command and control. Instead, she’s chosen to build a relationship with Sparky based on listening, trust and respect.
Be willing to be seen, questioned, to stand apart. Authentic leadership shifts norms rather than defending them. When you feel criticised or judged, ask – is this an opportunity for me to open up to connection?
There's profound liberation in being yourself. As Emma observes, "When you are truly your authentic self, it takes way less energy."
When you choose authenticity, you don't just transform yourself. You create permission for others to do the same. You become a beacon of possibility, showing that there's another way to lead, to work, to live.
The world doesn't need more performances of belonging. It needs leaders brave enough to redefine what belonging means.
Your unique path is your greatest gift. Walk it with courage, with compassion, with an open heart.