As leaders, we’re constantly pulled between competing demands—change and stability, profit and purpose, work and home. In this monthly article, Tim Arnold will show you how to tap into the superpower of “AND” so you can move beyond the tug-of-war and thrive in complexity.
Most People Aren’t Waiting for Permission—They’re Waiting for Someone to Go First
By Tim Arnold
More than a decade ago, after years of training and trying, I finally landed a spot in the New York City Marathon. But just 48 hours before the race, Hurricane Sandy devastated the city and the marathon was cancelled.
Like thousands of other runners, I had already travelled to New York and was scrambling to get home. And somewhere between airports, trains, and exhaustion, I had a realization: My disappointment was nothing compared to the devastation people in New York were facing.
When I finally got home, a friend offered to fly me to another marathon happening the next day. Instead, I told her that if she would be open to donating the airfare money to Hurricane Sandy relief—I would instead run the 26.2 miles on the trail system near my house. She happily agreed!
Before collapsing into bed, I quickly posted the idea on Facebook: “I’m home safe. Running a DIY “charity marathon” tomorrow. If you’d like to donate to support New York, here’s how.”
I woke up 8-hours later to something I’ll never forget.
My phone had exploded.
The post had gone viral.
People I didn’t know were donating from all over the country.
Runners I’d never met were asking if they could join.
When I arrived at the trail that afternoon, there was a crowd! Not just supporters—runners. People who had decided to lace up and run with me. Some for a mile, some for the full 26.2. By the end, thousands of dollars had been raised, and TV reporters were waiting at the finish line.
That day changed the way I understand leadership.
Most people want to help.
Most people want to make a difference.
Most people want to show up.
They just don’t know where to begin.
And often, all they need is someone—anyone—to take the first step.
That’s the part of the story that still hits me the hardest—because it reminds me of how easy it is to play small. To assume our actions won’t matter. To wait for someone else to go first.
But leadership is rarely about having the perfect plan.
It’s about taking one meaningful step—and trusting that others will follow.
As you look ahead to 2026, here’s the question I’m asking myself, and maybe it’s worth asking yourself, too:
Where have I been waiting and where should I be leading? And what small action could I take to clear the path for others?
Because when you lead the way—even imperfectly—you give other people permission to do the same.
Ready to help your organization tap into the power of healthy tension? Learn more about Tim’s transformative keynotes at www.timarnold.ca
Big leadership breakthroughs often start with small, practical shifts. Each month, we share a “Quick Tip” you can put into action right away—whether with your team or in your own leadership practice.
The Highlight Reel
January is the perfect time to reset, reconnect, and set the tone for the year ahead. In this month’s Quick Tip, Claudia and Christy share a simple (and energizing) team icebreaker called the 2025 Highlight Reel.
Watch the 3-minute video now:
Strong leaders drive strong results. Elevate your team through our Workshops and Masterclasses trusted by organizations across the globe: www.leadersforleaders.ca
Year in Review: By the Numbers
Before we look ahead, we’re taking a moment to look back.
This month, we’re sharing a snapshot of what the past year looked like at Leaders for Leaders—who we partnered with, where we spent our time, and which programs leaders found most valuable.
These numbers tell a bigger story: leaders across industries are hungry for practical tools, shared language, and the confidence to navigate complexity well.
Experience Tim Arnold Live — Before You Book
Join a small group of professionals for an exclusive virtual test-drive of my most requested keynote, The Power of Healthy Tension.
- Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
- 2:00 PM EST
- Virtual via Zoom
Attendance is by application only to ensure a great fit. There’s no cost to attend—just curiosity, engagement, and openness to explore how this experience might serve your organization or event in the future.
Nothing inspires like real-world results. Each month we’ll share a quick story from a leader or organization we’ve partnered with—highlighting the breakthroughs they experienced and the results they achieved beyond expectations.
Specsavers
What happens when hundreds of busy optometry and retail partners step away from their stores to invest in leadership?
Specsavers found out—and the results were game-changing.
Interested in creating a similar “knock-it-out-of-the-park” outcome with your organization? Reach out here!
