Kitchen Table Leadership: How Everyday Moments Shape Authentic Influence

Leadership often feels like a concept reserved for those with titles — the executives, the administrators, the decision-makers. But in her insightful conversation with Dr. Stephanie Duguid, international speaker and author Simone Knego reminds us that leadership begins long before a job description or promotion. In fact, some of the most profound leadership happens in the place where we are most ourselves: around the kitchen table.

The kitchen table is more than a piece of furniture. It is where meals are shared, questions are asked, homework is done, tears are shed, and big decisions are made. It is a place of candid truth and quiet transformation. Simone believes that leadership begins here, not because of the structure of the table itself, but because of the relationships and conversations that take place around it.

Redefining What Leadership Looks Like

“Leadership isn't about your title. It's about your table — the people you sit with and how you show up for them.”

This quote from Simone sets the tone. Leadership is not always glamorous, noticeable, or formal. It is found in the ways we listen, respond, encourage, and model behavior for others.

In the episode, she shares that the best lessons she’s learned about leading others didn’t come from corporate boardrooms — they came from navigating motherhood, teaching her kids to be kind humans, and learning to be patient with herself.

We often imagine leadership as a front-facing role with big responsibilities and tough decisions. But leadership is equally found in small, repeated actions: creating a safe space, helping someone feel valued, or taking responsibility for our reactions even when life is stressful.

When we redefine leadership this way, something powerful happens:

Everyone becomes capable of leading.

Leadership stops being exclusive. It becomes accessible.

From CPA to Confidence Coach

Simone’s career began in accounting, where numbers, systems, and structure ruled her days. But as her family grew — six children, a multicultural household, and an increasingly complex life — she realized something profound: leadership was less about organization and more about connection.

Her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro became a defining moment. The mountain demanded emotional resilience, adaptability, and humility. It forced her to embrace imperfection, lean on others when needed, and recognize the power of perseverance.

That climb mirrored leadership in every way:

• It was uncomfortable.

• It required trust and teamwork.

• It demanded courage even when fear was present.

• It reminded her that you don’t have to lead loudly — you can lead steadily.

This experience reshaped her understanding of what it means to influence others. Leadership was no longer a role; it was a responsibility to show up with authenticity and care.

The REAL Meaning of Leadership

Through her journey, Simone built her REAL Method, a simple but transformational framework:

R – Recognize your worth.

Leadership begins with an internal belief: I matter. My voice matters. My actions matter.
Without this grounding, confidence cannot grow.

E – Embrace your imperfections.

Too many people delay leadership because they’re waiting to feel “ready” or “perfect.”
Simone argues that embracing flaws is part of the journey.

A – Act with intention.

Intentionality brings direction. Confidence grows when we choose to take purposeful steps, not when we aimlessly hope for change.

L – Live authentically.

People respect leaders who are real. Authenticity builds trust — and trust builds influence.

Dr. Stephanie connected this framework to the Leadership Dance — her own signature model — and together, they offered a holistic view of leadership built on rhythm, movement, and intentional growth.

Everyday Leadership in Action

The most powerful leadership is often invisible.

Simone shared a story about her husband, who always takes time to acknowledge service workers, from hotel staff to restaurant servers. His respect, eye contact, and gratitude leave a lasting warmth. Small gestures, but meaningful leadership.

These micro-moments shape culture. They model compassion. They remind us that leadership is not about spotlight moments — it’s about consistent servant-minded presence.

As Dr. Stephanie noted, “Leadership is about the way you make people feel.”
Even one positive interaction can shift a person’s confidence, mood, or sense of worth.

A Lesson for Leaders at Every Level

Simone and Dr. Stephanie collectively dismantled the myth of “high-level leadership.” Leadership is not reserved for those with authority. It happens:

• In homes

• In classrooms

• In communities

• In workplaces

• In friendships

• In small daily interactions that leave fingerprints on someone’s spirit

Leadership is influence — and everyone influences someone.

Reflection Prompts to Deepen Your Impact

1. 1. Where do you naturally lead without holding a formal title?

2. 2. Who looks to you for encouragement, support, or example?

3. 3. How can you bring more intentionality to everyday moments of connection?

4. 4. What leadership values do you want to model at your “table”?

Your Call to Action

Today, choose one small moment to lead with intention.
Lead with kindness.
Lead with presence.
Lead with authenticity.

Because leadership isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you choose, daily, at your kitchen table.

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