What happens when we prioritize serving others before taking care of ourselves? Katherine Lazaruk, executive coach and author of "Executive Being: Humanizing Business, One Leader at a Time," reveals how this common pattern leads to depletion rather than genuine service.
"The people that I work with are so focused on serving others that they deprive themselves," Katherine observes, challenging the martyrdom syndrome that plagues many purpose-driven individuals. Drawing from her fascinating journey from opera singer and teacher to corporate trainer and executive coach, she shares how safety within ourselves must precede our ability to create safety for others.
Katherine's personal evolution around identity offers profound insights into how we perceive ourselves versus how others see us. "The essence of you, the core of who you are, doesn't change," she explains, while revealing how childhood interpretations and external messages can create limiting beliefs we carry for decades. When she finally asked others how they experienced her, Katherine discovered a startling gap between her self-perception and reality, illuminating how our identity can simultaneously be "really fragile and really strong."
For those feeling overwhelmed by chaos or significant life changes, Katherine's compassionate approach emphasizes "the smallest doable step" and "the next right thing." This progressive method acknowledges that transformation happens gradually – much like the one-brick-at-a-time philosophy she employs when coaching executives through complex transitions.
Whether you're questioning your purpose, struggling with self-image, or simply wondering how to make a bold move in your life, this conversation provides practical wisdom for moving forward authentically. Katherine reminds us that living boldly looks different for everyone, but always begins with the courage to look within rather than seeking external validation. What tiny step will you take today toward living boldly with purpose?