Leading in a Time of Uncertainty

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that certainty is a privilege, not a guarantee. The landscape of health equity, lactation support, and leadership is shifting beneath our feet—sometimes in ways that feel promising, and other times in ways that make us question how we move forward. As professionals, advocates, and caregivers, we are leading in a time where answers aren’t always clear, and yet, the work must continue.

I remember early in my career when I stepped into a leadership role with all the confidence of someone who thought they had a roadmap. I had studied the field, learned the best practices, and assumed that if I followed the “right” steps, the outcomes would follow. But then, life did what it does—introduced complexities no training manual could prepare me for. The policies changed. The funding dried up. A family I was serving faced barriers I hadn’t anticipated. And in those moments, I realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about holding steady when the answers aren’t obvious.

The Weight and the Gift of Leadership

Leadership, especially in maternal and infant health, is both a responsibility and a gift. It’s the weight of knowing people rely on you, but also the privilege of being a voice in spaces where change is needed. In times of uncertainty—whether it’s political shifts, funding challenges, or evolving science—effective leadership isn’t about pretending to have control. It’s about staying adaptable, leaning into collective wisdom, and knowing when to pivot.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that uncertainty doesn’t mean inaction. In fact, it’s often in uncertain times that we must be the boldest. Whether we’re navigating institutional resistance, supporting families facing systemic barriers, or advocating for inclusive lactation care, the call remains the same: lead with clarity, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Practical Anchors for Leading in Uncertain Times

So how do we stay grounded when the ground keeps shifting? Here are a few guiding principles that help me navigate:

Stay Rooted in Your ‘Why’ – Uncertainty can shake our confidence, but when we return to our core mission, it reorients us. Why did you start this work? Who are you showing up for? Let that be your compass.
Embrace Flexibility, Not Rigidity – The best leaders aren’t those who cling to old ways out of fear; they’re the ones who adapt while keeping their integrity intact. Be willing to shift strategies, not values.
Lead with Transparency – Uncertainty is uncomfortable, but pretending it doesn’t exist creates distrust. Whether leading a team or supporting families, honesty fosters connection and trust. It’s okay to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but here’s how we’ll figure it out together.”
Build a Circle of Support – No one leads well in isolation. Lean on mentors, colleagues, and community networks. We are stronger when we share knowledge, resources, and encouragement.
Celebrate the Wins (Big and Small) – In uncertain times, it’s easy to focus on what’s not working. But recognizing progress—whether it’s a policy shift, a successful patient outcome, or simply making it through a tough day—keeps us moving forward.

Moving Forward, Even When the Path is Unclear

Leading in a time of uncertainty is not about waiting for stability—it’s about learning to lead despite instability. It’s about showing up for families, advocating for equity, and continuing to do the work, even when the road ahead feels unpredictable.

So, if you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty, know this: you are not alone. Keep leading, keep learning, and keep building the future you want to see. Because even in uncertain times, leadership—true, heart-centered leadership—makes all the difference.

With you in this,

Nekisha