The Giant Swing: Why Leadership Requires Skin in the Game

There’s a moment before you jump- when every instinct says don’t. I experienced this today, lying the top of a giant swing. Harness on. Heart racing.But I jumped. Because courage is action, not comfort. This is leadership.When you own a business or lead at the top, your decisions come with consequences. Payroll. Reputation. Clients. Culture. Livelihoods. You don’t get to opt out when it’s uncomfortable.That’s skin in the game.In this episode: Why leaders with skin in the game are perceived as more trustworthy and authenticThe Giant Swing to kick start 2026!Many founders and owners tell me they feel constantly critiqued by people who don’t carry the same risk. People who confuse tenure with authority. People who believe leadership should be comfortable and about always being liked. People who want the rewards- without the climb.But leadership isn’t standing on a platform talking about the swing.It’s letting yourself be strapped into that harness, knowing the consequences are real.And that’s exactly why not everyone can do it.Explore my leader/ founder and team options for 1:1 and group coaching.https://www.suzannerath.com.au All social media links, other podcast appearances and newsletter sign ups: https://linktr.ee/suzannerath Get full access to Suzanne Rath at suzannerathcoach.substack.com/subscribe