10 Leadership lessons from 10 years: Lesson 5 - Letting Go of the Dream – and Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be

Lesson 5: Letting Go of the Dream — and Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be After a big week attending the ECE Connect event, Leeza reflects on the emotions running through the early childhood profession right now — from funding divides and partial A&R processes to the growing feeling that we all need a more unified voice across preschool, long day care, OOSH, and family day care. In this heartfelt episode of Everything Early Childhood, Leeza gets personal — sharing how her lifelong dream of owning five early childhood centres transformed into something bigger than she ever imagined. This episode is for every owner, director, and leader who’s ever looked around and thought, “This isn’t how I pictured it.” It’s about the moment we realise that letting go isn’t giving up — it’s growing up. You’ll hear: - Real reflections from the recent ECE Connect event and the sector’s shifting landscape - The story behind Leeza’s five-centre dream and the moment she realised she’d outgrown it - A client transformation story about redefining success after achieving the “dream” - The psychology of identity, comparison, and imposter syndrome in leadership - A light-hearted gym analogy about showing up — even when you feel like you don’t belong - Reflection questions to help you reconnect with your own purpose and evolution Because sometimes, the dream changes. The system shifts. The plans don’t go to plan. And that’s not failure — that’s evolution. Reflection prompts from this episode: What dream or plan no longer fits the person you’re becoming? Where are you comparing your path to someone else’s? What lessons has the journey so far taught you about who you are? Key Quote: “You’re not behind. You’re becoming.” Connect with Leeza: Website: www.platinumed.com.au Instagram: @leezabrowne contact: [email protected] Podcast: Everything Early Childhood