The Power of Intentionality in Leadership

The best memories of my childhood are the ones where I saw my mother cooking. From the time she sent me to the corner mini-market with a list of ingredients, to the moment we sat together at the dinner table, food was more than just sustenance—it was an experience.

Mom always knew what was on the menu each day. We barely asked or questioned the options—it never even came to mind. And yet, I always enjoyed every meal. Looking back now, I see that my mother wasn’t just cooking for us; she was intentionally creating an experience. Her goal wasn’t just to fill our stomachs but to bring us joy through the simple act of sharing a meal. Her intent was reflected in our faces and smiles at the dinner table, in the playful “Are you going to eat that?” exchanges, and in the sense of comfort that came with every bite.

But the most powerful lesson? The menu was never about what she didn’t have. It was about making the most of what she did have. She accomplished the outcome every day, without fail. And in that, I see a blueprint for leadership.

1️⃣ Great Leaders Operate with Intentionality

My mother never cooked by accident. She didn’t just throw together ingredients and hope it turned out well. She had a vision, a plan, and a purpose. She knew what she wanted the outcome to be and executed her plan with precision.

Leadership works the same way. The best leaders don’t lead by accident. They are intentional about their actions, their words, and their decisions. They don’t just “go with the flow” and react to circumstances; they set clear objectives and follow through.

Leadership Action: Ask yourself, Am I leading with purpose, or am I just reacting? Define a clear outcome for your leadership—whether it’s for your team, your organization, or your personal growth.

2️⃣ Resourcefulness Over Limitations

One of the most remarkable things about my mother’s cooking was her ability to create something delicious regardless of what ingredients were available. She never focused on what was missing—only on what she could do with what she had. Many leaders get stuck in a scarcity mindset, focusing on what they lack—budget, time, talent, opportunities. But true leadership is about resourcefulness, not excuses. The best leaders don’t dwell on constraints; they maximize possibilities. They take what they have and turn it into something valuable.

Leadership Action: The next time you’re faced with a limitation, shift your mindset. Instead of thinking, What’s missing? ask yourself, How can I make the most of what I have?

3️⃣ Leadership is About Creating Experiences

Mom knew that cooking wasn’t just about the food—it was about the experience. The laughter at the dinner table, the feeling of warmth in the kitchen, the sense of belonging—it all mattered. Leadership is the same. It’s not just about hitting targets or meeting deadlines. It’s about the experience you create for those around you. Do people feel valued, motivated, and inspired under your leadership? Are you fostering an environment where they can thrive?

Leadership Action: Ask yourself, How do people feel when they work with me? Make it a priority to create an environment where your team feels empowered and supported.

4️⃣ People Remember How You Make Them Feel

I don’t just remember the meals my mother made—I remember how they made me feel. Safe, valued, connected. That’s what great leadership does. It’s not just about strategy and execution—it’s about impact. The best leaders inspire, encourage, and uplift. They create moments of trust and connection that stick with people long after they’ve moved on. It’s not just about delivering results—it’s about how you show up in the process.

Leadership Action: Be intentional about how you engage with others. Do you uplift and empower? Or do you simply focus on tasks? Challenge yourself to lead with empathy.

5️⃣ Consistency is the Mark of a True Leader

Every day, without fail, my mother put a meal on the table. Some days it was a simple dish, other days a feast—but it was always there. That consistency built trust. We never worried about whether dinner would be served because we knew it would be. Great leaders operate the same way. They show up, day after day, even when things are tough. They provide stability and reliability, becoming a source of trust for their teams.

Leadership Action: Identify one area where you can be more consistent—whether it’s in communication, recognition, or mentorship—and commit to showing up consistently.

Final Thoughts: Leadership is About Intentionality, Not Perfection

My mother wasn’t a trained chef. She didn’t have Michelin stars or a fancy kitchen. But she was intentional. She had a plan, a purpose, and a commitment to delivering an experience—and that made all the difference. Leadership isn’t about having all the resources, making all the right decisions, or being perfect. It’s about leading with intent, maximizing what you have, and creating meaningful experiences for those around you.

So, I ask you today: Are you leading with that same level of intent, adaptability, and impact? Because leadership—like cooking—isn’t about having every ingredient. It’s about using what you have to create something worth remembering.

Eric Adames | Lead Principal - Founder