During my time in the Women Emerging Expedition for Women in Higher Education, we explored four key pillars of leadership: Elements, Essence, Expression, and Energy. Each of these concepts plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s leadership style, but it was the concept of Energy—the final pillar—that truly resonated with me. While it was last to be discussed, I now realize why it was placed last. Energy, I believe, is the most important element that binds the other three together and gives them true coherence.
Energy, in the context of leading, is the intangible force that shapes how others experience your presence. It is not just a feeling or a vague “vibe,” but a combination of your intent, emotional state, and the way you show up in a space. It influences whether people feel trust, confidence, and connection in your presence. Unlike skills or qualifications, energy is not what you say or do, but how those around you feel because of you.
Before my meeting with Cheryl Kiser(a Guide introduced to me during my WE expedition), I thought of Energy as something abstract. But that conversation shifted my perspective. I realized that Energy is not just something you sense—it is something you create. As the saying goes, “Energy doesn’t lie,” and after meeting Cheryl, I truly understood why. Her insights and leadership were not just about her achievements; they were about how she carried herself and how her Energy filled the room. In that moment, I understood that Energy is the glue that binds your Essence, your Expression, and your Elements, creating a leadership style that feels cohesive and natural.
If you’re lacking Energy, no matter how profound your Essence is or how well you express it, your leadership may feel disconnected or ineffective. Energy is what brings all the pieces together, making them resonate with those around you. Without it, your ideas may fall flat, no matter how brilliant they are. This realization has been profound for me, especially as I reflect on my experiences and how Energy has shaped my path.
One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned during the expedition was the idea that Energy doesn’t always show up consistently across all settings. There may be some rooms where your Energy is magnetic and others where you feel like an energy drainer—and that’s completely okay. We all have spaces where we naturally thrive, and spaces where we don’t. I’ve come to understand that not every room is meant for me, and that’s where my Essence plays a crucial role in determining where I belong. In the past, I used to feel pressured to bring positive Energy into every room, even when it didn’t align with my true self. But now I realize that when my Essence doesn’t align with the Energy of the space, I can’t fully express my Elements in their most authentic form. That’s when I end up draining Energy instead of contributing it.
One story shared by Cheryl Kiser that really stuck with me was about her time leading a social entrepreneurship initiative at Babson College. She was chosen for this role despite not having a lot of experience in the field, and there were undoubtedly other candidates who were more qualified. But she exuded a certain Energy that made others believe in her, even when she didn’t have all the answers. She made people feel that, even if she didn’t know something, she would figure it out. And I think that’s Energy—it’s about instilling confidence and trust in others, making them believe that, together, you can find solutions, even if the path isn’t clear.
As I approach graduation and begin considering career opportunities, I often find myself reflecting on my own experiences and how Energy has played a role in them. One experience that stands out is my summer internship in HR. Despite being a finance major and having no background in human resources, I was offered an HR role. Initially, I felt uncertain about my fit for the position, given my lack of experience in the field. However, reflecting on it now, I realize that my line manager saw something in me beyond my technical qualifications—she saw my Energy. Her willingness to invest in me, to teach me about HR, wasn’t just based on my credentials; it was because of the Energy I brought into the room. She believed in me, and that belief allowed me to thrive in a role that I initially thought was beyond my capabilities. Interestingly, my line manager was also an alumnus of the Women Emerging Expedition, which makes me think that maybe Energy is what truly connects us to the right opportunities and people.
This experience, combined with the lessons I’ve learned throughout the expedition, has made me realize that Energy is not just an abstract concept but a tangible force that shapes our leadership and interactions. It’s what drives us to take on challenges, connect with others, and inspire change. It’s not just about being in the right room or knowing the right people—it’s about how you bring your Energy to those spaces and how that Energy influences those around you.
Energy, when harnessed correctly, is a force that connects your Essence, your Expression, and your Elements. It makes your leadership feel authentic, engaging, and impactful. And as I move forward in my journey, I now understand that the Energy I bring will play an essential role in the change I hope to create in the world.
About the author:
Madiha Yasin is an Explorer on the Women Emerging Expedition for Higher Education. She is a finance major at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Pakistan. Currently in her Final semester of undergrad, Madiha holds a passion for public speaking and is a staunch advocate of the immense potential of Women leading in professional spaces.
