A few years ago, if someone told me I’d be leading teams, managing responsibilities, and running leadership workshops, I would’ve laughed. Back then, leadership felt like something distant, a title for people with decades of experience, super polished skills, and all the answers.
Fast forward to today, and I find myself doing all those things. But let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy.
Being a leader is hard.
Being a 24-year-old leader, with real responsibilities and getting questioned by senior managers, isn’t always comfortable. It can be intimidating, humbling, and, at times, overwhelming. Yet, this journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Going from spending hours playing video games to becoming a key part of a fast-growing company has been nothing short of eye opening.
Learning Leadership by Living It
Luckily, my journey unfolded at Korelate Learning, a company that specializes in experiential team building and leadership workshops. What makes Korelate special is that it doesn’t just talk about leadership; it lets people experience it. Through games, simulations, and challenges, we help teams discover what collaboration, trust, and accountability really mean.
Being part of this environment has been like living in a leadership classroom. I didn’t just read about concepts like communication or teamwork, I saw them in action. I watched people go from frustration to a breakthrough in a single activity. And along the way, I learned to apply those same principles to my own work.
Through this journey, I’ve picked up a few key ideas that shape how I lead.
1.The Importance of “Buying In”
No matter how skilled a team is, success doesn’t come from talent alone, it comes from alignment. I’ve learned that internal disagreements are natural, even healthy. But at the end of the day, once a decision is made, the team has to get behind it.
When a plan is chosen, it’s easy to keep debating it, especially if it wasn’t your idea. But that just divides energy and slows things down. True teamwork begins when everyone commits to one direction and gives it their best shot.
I’ve seen this play out so many times. In one activity, two groups couldn’t agree on an approach. The moment they stopped debating and decided to “just go with one plan,” their energy shifted. They communicated faster, supported each other, and did way more than they expected. It reminded me that sometimes, unity is more important than perfection.
2.Communication: The Simplest, Strongest Tool
If there’s one thing that can make or break a team, it’s communication. It sounds simple, but it’s the hardest thing to get right. I used to think that as long as I gave clear instructions, I was communicating well. I learned (the hard way) that true communication is two-way. It’s about listening, not just to respond, but to actually understand.
I once ran a workshop where two people kept clashing. Both were smart, but they were hearing the same instruction differently. When I stepped in, I realized the problem wasn’t strategy, it was clarity. They just weren’t hearing each other. Once we sat down, clarified their roles, and let both of them be heard, the team dynamic completely changed.
That moment taught me something big: when people feel heard, they want to be more accountable.
3.Lead by Example
I’ve realized leadership isn’t about giving orders, it’s about setting an example. People don’t follow titles; they follow actions.
In my early days, I made the mistake of trying to “manage” everything from the sidelines. I wanted things to be perfect. But I soon realized that being part of the process, jumping into challenges, helping with boring tasks, or just encouraging the team, made a much bigger difference.
When your team sees you involved, it builds respect. It also makes it okay for other people to step up and lead when they need to. The best teams are the ones where leadership is shared, not forced.
4.Growth Happens in the Discomfort Zone
One thing no one tells you about leadership is that it’s uncomfortable. There are moments of self-doubt, criticism, and tough calls. But it’s in those uncomfortable spots that real growth happens.
There were days I felt totally unsure of myself, especially when managing older or more experienced colleagues. But I learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to learn, to take feedback, and to keep showing up even when it’s tough. The workshops at Korelate are just like real life: limited time, limited resources, and pressure. Those moments push you to think, adapt, and grow.
5.What I’m Still Learning
Even after all this, I don’t have it figured out. Not even close. Every day brings new lessons… handling team dynamics, managing expectations, or just staying calm under pressure.
I still struggle. I still miscommunicate or make the wrong call sometimes. But I’ve realized that mistakes aren’t failures; they’re just opportunities to get better. The best leaders I’ve met aren’t the ones with all the answers, they’re the ones who stay curious and humble.
Leadership, to me, isn’t a destination. It’s a process.
Looking Ahead
I know there’s still a long way to go. But I’m excited. Excited to take on new challenges, learn from the people around me, and keep evolving.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far, it’s this: leadership doesn’t begin when someone gives you a title. It begins the moment you decide to take responsibility.
Meet Styren Dsouza, fondly called Sty, is a lively Co-Facilitator at Korelate Learning, who started his journey at Korelate during its initial months. At only 22, Sty is like a fully changed bunny, hoping from one thing to the other with an endless enthusiasm.With consecutive “Kore Star” under his kitty and being referred to as “Enthu Cutlet” by his team members, Sty is also a team player and thrives in a collaborative environment. Always ready to help his team members.
Looking to develop the leadership talent in your organization? Let Korelate Learning help with one of several customized leadership development workshops. Whether it is helping improve business communication or inculcating a growth mindset, these leadership workshops are designed to unlock and unleash the leadership potential of your people. Contact us now!
