My Poised Power Perspective on Leadership.

Welcome to the first edition of Poised Power Perspective, a newsletter dedicated to empowering leaders like you to navigate the complexities of leadership with poise, purpose, and strategic insight.

Leadership, in any form, begins with self-leadership. Before effectively guiding others, we must learn to lead ourselves with clarity, discipline, and intention. Self-leadership is the foundation upon which all outstanding leadership is built—it’s about understanding who we are, mastering our emotions, and aligning our actions with our values. Only by leading ourselves can we inspire and empower those around us to achieve their fullest potential.

I’ve always believed that leadership is not a destination but a journey—a deeply personal, ever-evolving path shaped by our unique traits, experiences, and the challenges we overcome.

As a SIGMA-INFJ leader, my journey has been anything but conventional.

Born curious, I like to think I came into this world asking questions, wanting to understand everything—people, environments, cultures, and facts. I was the “but why?” little girl, always digging deeper and never settling for surface-level answers. Walking and talking before 10 months old, I was sent to preschool at 18/19 months (thanks to my mother’s connections 😆). My world quickly became a playground for exploration and adventure.

With inspiring teachers like Tata Monique and Mr. Assangni, I thrived academically, skipping several grades and entering college just months after turning 17. But being “different” came with its own set of challenges. For instance, being left-handed and forced to use my right hand due to superstitious traditions meant I had to rewire my brain at a very young age. Add to that an introverted childhood shaped by OCD—a trauma passed down from my germophobic grandmother to her children, including my mother, and eventually to me—and I often felt like I didn’t quite belong.

Fast forward to 15 years ago, when I took my first personality test while applying for a job. That moment marked the beginning of my self-discovery journey. As an African-raised girl with strong family traditions, an educated business owner, and a creative visionary navigating a structured corporate world, I began to piece together the intricate puzzle of who I am.

From OCD to ADHD, DISC’s “Achiever” personality, SIGMA, and INFJ labels—my life became a maze of intertwined traits and diagnoses. And yet, what could have been seen as a handicap became my greatest strength. Becoming aware of the results has enabled me to develop a neural strategy to get the most out of all these facets of my personality.

OCD, for example, has made me highly detail-oriented and meticulous—qualities that set me apart in my work with clients. I approach every project with precision, ensuring nothing is overlooked. ADHD, on the other hand, taught me to master time and energy management, transforming it into a superpower.

By being intentional about what has been my focus, I’ve learned to channel my energy into high-impact actions that drive results.

This newsletter reflects that transformation—a space to share lessons learned as I journey through leadership with a singular and peculiar perspective on life and the corporate world.

What Does It Mean to Be a SIGMA-INFJ?

• The SIGMA Personality: SIGMAs are independent thinkers who operate outside traditional hierarchies. They value autonomy, thrive in unconventional roles, and bring a bold, analytical approach to problem-solving. SIGMAs are often described as “lone wolves” who lead through influence rather than authority.
• The INFJ Advocate: INFJs are intuitive, empathetic, and deeply principled. Known as “The Advocate” in the Myers-Briggs framework, they are visionaries who combine emotional intelligence with a strong sense of purpose. INFJs excel at connecting with others on a profound level, inspiring transformation through authenticity and care.
• The SIGMA-INFJ Synergy: When these two archetypes intersect, they create a fiercely independent and deeply connected leader. A SIGMA-INFJ leader balances strategic foresight with emotional depth, thriving in complexity while inspiring others through their composed strength and visionary thinking.

Turning Challenges into Strengths

SIGMA-INFJs often face challenges that can feel like obstacles in traditional leadership settings. However, these very traits, when understood and managed, can become powerful assets.

1. Independence:

• The Challenge: SIGMAs often prefer to work alone, which can make collaboration difficult.
• The Strength: Independence allows SIGMA-INFJs to think creatively, solve problems unconventionally, and remain unshaken by external pressures. When paired with intentional communication, their autonomy inspires trust and respect.

2. Emotional Depth:

• The Challenge: INFJs absorb the emotions of others, which can lead to burnout or emotional overwhelm.
• The Strength: This emotional depth enables INFJs to connect deeply with their teams, fostering loyalty and trust. SIGMA-INFJs can channel their empathy into transformative leadership by setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness.

3. Detail-Oriented Nature (OCD):

• The Challenge: OCD can lead to over-perfectionism and overanalysis.
• The Strength: This trait makes SIGMA-INFJs highly meticulous and thorough, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. As a consultant, I leverage this strength to create tailored, precise solutions that exceed client expectations.

4. Energy Management (ADHD):

• The Challenge: ADHD can make it difficult to focus on one task or manage time effectively.
• The Strength: By mastering intentional focus, I’ve turned ADHD into a superpower. Using techniques like time-blocking and prioritization, I’ve learned to channel my energy into high-impact actions, achieving more in less time.

5. Idealism:

• The Challenge: INFJs often hold themselves and others to impossibly high standards, leading to frustration or disappointment.
• The Strength: Idealism fuels their vision and purpose, driving them to create meaningful change. By balancing their ideals with practical action, SIGMA-INFJs can turn their vision into reality without losing momentum.

Fields Where SIGMA-INFJs Thrive

SIGMA-INFJs are uniquely suited for roles that require both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence. Here are some fields where they excel:

• Leadership and Strategy: CEOs, founders, and transformation consultants who bring vision and structure to complex challenges.
• Creative Industries: Writers, filmmakers, and content creators who infuse their work with depth, authenticity, and a unique perspective.
• Nonprofit and Advocacy Work: Counselors, educators, and social entrepreneurs who are driven by purpose and a desire to create meaningful change.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Diplomats and international development experts who navigate diverse environments with grace, insight, and adaptability.

It seems I’m perfectly aligned with all four fields—proof that SIGMA-INFJs really do thrive when they lean into their strengths. I guess you could say I’m a walking case study for this archetype!

Renowned SIGMA-INFJ Leaders

History is filled with leaders who embodied the SIGMA-INFJ archetype, turning their perceived challenges into extraordinary strengths:

• Nelson Mandela: A visionary leader who combined resilience with compassion to unite a nation.
• Mother Teresa: An advocate for the underserved, driven by unwavering purpose and empathy.
• Martin Luther King Jr.: A transformational leader who inspired change through vision, courage, and emotional intelligence.
• Mahatma Gandhi: A strategist of nonviolent resistance who balanced idealism with practical action.

These leaders remind us that what might seem like a limitation can become a source of profound strength when approached with intentionality and grace.

Leadership is not about perfection—it’s about progress. As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to reflect on your own leadership traits. How have the qualities you once saw as challenges become your greatest strengths?

Let’s continue this conversation in the comment section! Share your reflections below:

• What challenges have shaped your leadership style?
• How have you transformed your perceived weaknesses into strengths?

By sharing, you inspire others and contribute to a community of leaders committed to growth and transformation.

Until next week, cultivate your leadership style. Leverage your unique insights to make impactful decisions, leading with grace and strategic foresight.

✨ Lead with Poise. Think with Depth. Impact with Purpose.

Xo! Xo!

EK.✌🏽🙏🏽