Leadership can be outcome-oriented and compassionate, although I could have been better with the latter in my initial leadership roles. As a person and psychologist, I was very empathic, nurturing, and supportive. As San Francisco Psychological Association president, I was sometimes too outcome-focused and not as mindful of interpersonal board dynamics as I should have been. Many aspects of my leadership helped us grow as I was able to plan, execute, mobilize, and effect change within the organization. I focused on our members and provided them with good service and benefits. I cherished the opportunity to advocate for our members, listen to their needs, and take active steps to effect change while increasing visibility and membership.

However, some aspects of my leadership needed to be upgraded. I had room for improvement in my engagement with my teammates and fellow board members. I moved too fast and didn’t always collaborate well, or did not show up well as a leader as coach because I was too focused on outcomes. It was a productive year, but I learned a valuable lesson - how you come to your outcomes truly matters. I learned it is essential to show up to my leadership roles as I show up as a person and as a psychologist and coach – with warmth, compassion, empathy, and curiosity.

State leaders recognized my efforts and contributions as president of the San Francisco Psychological Association. They asked me to consider running for president-elect of the California Psychological Association. I was honored to put my name on the ballot and was elected by our members in 2019.

I wanted to grow and further develop as a leader; this was very important to me. So, I attended the Berkeley Executive Coaching Program, engaged in my own executive coaching, and attended Berkeley’s High Impact Leadership training to enhance my leadership skills and prepare for my role as CPA president. Through my training, I learned to integrate all the parts of myself and lead with heart and mind.

As president of the California Psychological Association, I set up 33 workshops, which included a leadership learning series for leaders and budding leaders of the organization. I organized training for the board to foster healthy board dynamics, advocate for the 20,000 psychologists in California, and set up procedures that will continue to be utilized beyond my tenure as president. My most treasured accomplishment as president was reviving our diversity division. There was an alignment of thought, compassion, and responsibility between myself, the CPA staff, the CPA board, and the Diversity Division.

I engaged in this leadership experience in a way that aligned with my values. The CPA board, staff, and I collaborated to drive outcomes and effect change.

As chairperson of the clinical advisory board at I V Y Labs, I apply the lessons learned in my leadership journey. I am blessed to work with intelligent, dedicated, caring, and motivated colleagues. I V Y is a mission-driven company that strives to unburden therapists. We work collaboratively to provide therapists with a transactionless experience in processing payments with their clients. This experience has enabled me to develop my business mind further. I provide guidance, feedback on product development, and consultation. We brainstorm, create roadmaps, and then put those plans into action. I am so grateful for these experiences and learnings and the opportunity to help build products that help my colleagues.