Leading Without a Title: How to Step Into Leadership from Where You Are

When we think of leaders, we often imagine corner offices, fancy titles, and keynote stages. But true leadership rarely starts with a nameplate. It begins in the quiet, consistent actions of those who show up, speak up, and serve others well—long before anyone gives them permission to do so. In a compelling conversation on the Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact podcast, Krista Hanna shares how she has redefined what it means to lead.

Krista isn’t a dean, director, or department chair. She’s a business professor at a community college, a doctoral student, and the manager of the campus bookstore. But make no mistake—she is a leader. And her story is proof that leadership isn’t about your title. It’s about your impact.

Leadership Without Authority

Krista’s approach to leadership is rooted in presence and service. She doesn’t wait to be told what needs doing. She steps in and makes things better.

From organizing resources for students to volunteering for committee work, Krista’s leadership comes from her willingness to take initiative.

One of the most powerful takeaways from her story is this: Leadership is not positional. It’s personal. It begins the moment you decide to own your space, share your gifts, and advocate for change.

Elevating Others First

Whether it’s writing a handwritten note to a student or advocating for better pay and conditions for adjunct faculty, Krista understands that leadership is about elevating others. She shares how listening with empathy, being present with students, and speaking up in rooms where others are silent has created a ripple effect of empowerment on her campus.

This people-first approach is more than just kind—it’s effective. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and cultivates a culture of shared purpose.

Volunteering Into Visibility

Krista’s new role as Chair of the 2025/2026 NISOD Conference Volunteer Committee didn’t happen by accident. It happened because she showed up—as a volunteer, as a learner, and as someone who wanted to contribute.

This mirrors an essential truth in leadership: Sometimes, the doors that matter most open when you serve first. Visibility, credibility, and opportunity often follow action—not the other way around.

Building Confidence Without Permission

Confidence is a muscle, not a title. And Krista is proof that confidence grows when you act in alignment with your purpose. As she says in the podcast, "I stopped shrinking to fit in, and started showing up to stand out."

Her message to other aspiring women leaders is clear: Don’t wait. Don’t shrink. And don’t assume leadership belongs to someone else. It belongs to you—the moment you decide to lead from where you are.

Conclusion: Step Into Leadership Now

Leadership doesn’t wait for a title—it begins the moment you commit to make a difference. As Krista shows, your presence, your passion, and your proactive mindset are more than enough to lead.

So if you’ve been waiting for someone to name you a leader, consider this your invitation.

🎧 Tune into the August 27 episode with Krista Hanna to hear more about how leading without a title can change your classroom, your campus, and your confidence at www.drstephanieduguid.com/podcast

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