The Foundation: Be a Good Human

Written by Dina Sabnani I grew up with a simple adage: be a good human being. That’s really the base of everything I do. Leadership, to me, isn’t about titles, corner offices, or big platforms. It’s about how you show up for people—with kindness, authenticity, and presence.

And let me tell you this: energy is life. Our energy speaks volumes before we even open our mouths. People feel us before they hear us. That’s why, for me, leadership begins with how I manage my own energy—because the way I show up can either light a room up or dim it.

A Detour into Comfort

When I first moved to South Texas, I fell into my comfort zone. I had bills to pay, so I took a job as a server. And honestly? I got comfortable. Too comfortable. But the Universe has a way of nudging you—or, in my case, kicking you. Deep down, I knew that wasn’t my purpose.

Then came the pandemic. Suddenly, I had no job, no income, and found myself in a valley—a dip in my life where nothing looked certain. But here’s the twist: even when I had nothing coming in, I chose to invest in a coach. I knew the importance of surrounding myself with people who would call me higher. That decision changed everything.

Because here’s the truth: 90% of life is simply being willing to show up. The rest? You figure it out along the way.

Saying Yes Before I Was Ready

I never set out to be a “leader in my community.” It’s just been a natural extension of who I am. I said yes to opportunities even when I wasn’t ready. I joined boards I had no experience in. I signed up for leadership programs—Leadership McAllen, Leadership Edinburg, RGV Partnership Leadership—even though I didn’t have a company backing me. I paid my own way because I refused to let circumstances define my worth.

And you know what? Every single local speaking opportunity I’ve had has come from my network. Not because I chased titles or begged for stages—but because I showed up, authentically, consistently, and genuinely. Influence, I’ve learned, isn’t about who you know—it’s about how you make people feel.

Investing in Energy, Investing in People

Even as a healer and coach myself, I still invest in coaching and mentorship. Why? Because leaders never stop learning. And because I know the energy I bring to a room can change everything.

Now, I train leaders and managers on how to rehumanize workplaces. To see people not as cogs in a machine, but as talent—living, breathing energy that will always rise to the level of expectation you set for them.

When you expect greatness, people rise. When you expect mediocrity, people shrink. Leaders have that power.

Passing It On

One of my favorite things I get to do is speak with high school Latina girls each year. I tell them my story—the psoriasis, the setbacks, the uncertainty, the “I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” And the feedback I get is beautiful: they feel seen, they feel relieved, they feel free to make mistakes and change their minds.

That’s the power of honesty. Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about giving others permission to be human.

My Leadership Truths

Here are the lessons I carry with me:

• Be a good human. It’s simple, but it changes everything.

  
  

• Energy is life. People feel you before they hear you.

  
  

• 90% of leadership is showing up. The rest you’ll figure out.

  
  

• Say yes before you’re ready. Growth lives in the stretch.

  
  

• Invest in yourself. Even when it feels impossible.

  
  

• See people as people. They will always rise to your belief in them.

Final Thought

I didn’t become a leader by chasing the role. I became a leader by showing up, staying authentic, and keeping my energy aligned with who I truly am.

And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: the world doesn’t need more leaders with titles. The world needs more leaders who are alive. Dina Sabnani The Joy Activator