Most leaders aren’t born ready—they’re built through risk, reflection, and the right guidance. In Risk, Mentorship, and Proving Your Value, eMMissary Cohort 11 Fellow Tony Jenkins shares how hard work alone isn’t enough. Real growth comes from taking calculated risks and finding mentors who turn potential into progress. This piece challenges readers to rethink success, embrace discomfort, and seek mentorship that transforms risk into opportunity.

Servant-leadership and delegation are not opposites—they’re a balance. True leaders serve their teams by removing barriers, but also empower growth by entrusting responsibility. Micromanagement kills empowerment; perfectionism kills growth. The sweet spot lies in knowing when to step in and when to step back—because leadership’s greatest impact may not be what you do, but what you empower others to achieve.

Leadership isn't always loud. In this reflection, Allie Lycan Ronske shares how small, quiet acts—like sending flowers or checking in—can shape culture, build trust, and leave a mark long after the mission ends. As a Blackhawk pilot and instructor, she shows how influence often begins not with a title, but with how we treat people every day.

Military officer Joey B. Tientcheu explores how vulnerability—far from being a weakness—is a leadership asset. By acknowledging limitations and creating psychological safety, leaders can drive innovation, build trust, and strengthen teams.