I recently witnessed a quiet act of leadership during my first-ever “fun run” since 2015. A student of mine showed up at the event with a friend who was running for the very first time. Instead of chasing a personal record and go on his own, he paced himself to match his friend’s capacity, all while offering words of encouragement, checking in often, and even slowing down just to make sure his friend wouldn’t feel left behind. As I watched them, I realized not just how great of a friend my student is but how that act is leadership in its purest form. Running, like leading, isn’t always about being first or the best but it’s about bringing others along.
I have become part of what people now call the “running era” not only because I was inspired by this fitness trend but also because of the wake-up call I got from the results of my recent physical examination. Suddenly, I realized that I was no longer in my early thirties. The next “great project” in my life shouldn’t be another degree or research study, but something far more personal: my health.
As someone who has long advocated for well-being, especially in the workplace, I knew I had to start practicing what I preach. I wanted to prioritize physical wellness not only to improve my health but to model the kind of life that is grounded in self-awareness and sustainability.
Before, I thought that running was all about speed. I believed the goal was to go as fast as I could. Anything less meant I wasn’t doing it right. But thanks to running influencers and helpful articles, I learned about the concept of pacing. I discovered that going slow is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, the run-walk method is very much acceptable for beginners. Because of this newfound knowledge, I stopped focusing on speed and started focusing on consistency. Running is not about being the fastest, but about knowing “your own pace”, listening to your body, and moving forward in a way that feels right and sustainable. The same principle applies to leadership.
In the past, I would say yes to almost everything. Every new role, every project, every opportunity that came my way, I took it. I used to think that being busy was being effective. I eventually learned though that, just like running, leading is not about doing more or moving fast. It is about being intentional and knowing when to pause. I have come to realize that leaders who push themselves too hard do not only wear themselves out but also risk wearing out the people around them. I believe that the best leaders are not those who run ahead and leave others behind but those who run alongside their team, making sure everyone is still in harmony.
Running is not always comfortable. Waking up early, finding the energy to run in the afternoon after a day’s work, running with sore legs, or trying to endure your run on a hot day will always be challenging. There is always a point when your body seems to tell you to stop. But if there is one thing I’ve learned, discomfort is not a sign for you to quit. It is actually a sign that you are growing.
In leadership, discomfort is part of the process. It shows up in difficult conversations, unpopular decisions, or those times when you feel burnt out. What running has taught me is to stay with the discomfort, to breathe through it and not let it overwhelm me. It is through these moments that we develop the kind of endurance that helps us stay grounded.
Finally, while running looks like an individual activity, I have come to see that it is also about community. There is something special about showing up and seeing familiar faces. In my case, what started as a family activity, now became a neighborhood activity. Leadership is not about doing everything on your own. It is about showing up for others and building something together. It is about lifting others up, sharing wins, and walking with people through the hard parts. That moment I saw between my student and his friend reminded me of this. Leadership is not measured by how far ahead you are. It is measured by how many you bring with you. Sometimes, it means slowing down. Not because you are weak, but because someone else needs your strength.
Jessica is the Assistant Dean for External Affairs and Lasallian Mission of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business and is as an associate professor at the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation at De La Salle University. She earned both her Doctor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from the same institution. She can be contacted at jessica.ranieses@dlsu.edu.ph.
The perspectives shared in this piece are solely the author’s and do not necessarily represent the official views of De La Salle University, its faculty, or its administration.
