Week One: Understanding My Why

Self-Awareness in Leadership Self-awareness is one of the most essential steps a leader can take to become more effective. In today’s healthcare environment, where change and complexity are constant, this quality is no longer an option; it is essential. As future leaders are asked to step into increasingly dynamic roles, we must recognize that understanding ourselves deeply is the foundation for leading others well.     Simon Sinek reminds us in his TED Talk, Self-Awareness: The Key to Personal Growth and Success , that living with blind spots may be tolerable for some, but for anyone who wants to improve and grow, intentional feedback and reflection are essential. For me, that means acknowledging my own areas that need improvement, such as learning to listen with intent and creating the right setting for others’ voices to be heard. As leaders, we cannot always control the chaos, but we can choose to stay committed to personal growth. In practicing self-awareness, we gro...

  Week One: Understanding My Why  . Sally Dueñas lives in Lansing, Kansas, with her husband and two children. A former Army intelligence officer and proud Navy spouse, she has built a life centered on service, resilience, and leadership. After earning her BSN from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2017, she began her nursing career at a level-one trauma center in Kansas City—a role she found both challenging and deeply rewarding.  Sally has now returned to MNU to pursue her MSN with a specialization in Nursing Education. With her unique background in the military and in nursing, she is passionate about inspiring and preparing the next generation of nurses. Her long-term goal is to serve on the faculty at a school of nursing, where she can help shape future professionals through excellence, compassion, and mentorship. From Army Intelligence to the Hospital Floor My journey to nursing has been anything but linear—but that’s what makes it exciting. After high school ...