Natural Born Leader

A personal reflection on how leadership has shaped my life—not through power or titles, but through vision, presence, and the ability to inspire trust. From childhood playgrounds to creative stages, I’ve learned that true leadership is about lifting others up, creating space for growth, and finding a way forward together.

MEMOIRSBIOGRAPHY

Kristal Duval

12/11/20242 min read

white and black printed ceramic mug beside laptop computer
white and black printed ceramic mug beside laptop computer

Natural Born Leader

Leadership isn’t something you decide to have—it’s something you embody. It’s not about holding a title or standing in the spotlight. It’s about how others naturally look to you, how you bring people together, and how you inspire, even without trying.

Leadership was something I lived, even as a child. At 4 years old, I wasn’t just playing in the kindergarten playground—I was directing it. I created games and invited other kids to join. They were so excited. I turned everyday moments into stories, ordinary games into performances. I didn’t think about “leading.” I thought about creating, and kids naturally followed.

My kindergarten teacher noticed my leadership qualities and said, “This kid will be a leader.”

Later, when my school teacher asked me who I wanted to become, I answered, “I’ll be a president.” She replied, “So ambitious! When you become president, don’t forget about us.” I had started school early—I was only 6 years old when I said that.

By the time I was 9, my playground had become a stage. I was writing poems, directing scenes, and building something bigger than myself. It wasn’t about control; it was about vision.

As I grew, leadership evolved with me. At 12, working my first job taught me lessons schools never could. It showed me how to connect with people, solve problems, and adapt. Every experience shaped me, each one layering onto the last.

What surprised me most was how often people, even those older than me, would turn to me and ask, “What should I do?” or “What’s your opinion?” These moments made me realize leadership isn’t about age or authority—it’s about trust, perspective, and being someone people feel they can rely on.

Leadership isn’t about power—it’s about presence. It’s not about telling others what to do; it’s about showing them what’s possible. True leadership doesn’t push people down—it lifts them up.

To lead is to connect, to listen, and to inspire others to see their own potential. It’s about stepping into the chaos and finding a way forward—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

It hasn’t always been easy. Leadership comes with setbacks, doubts, and moments of struggle. There were times I questioned if I was enough or if I was making the right choices. But those moments taught me strength. They reminded me that leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about always being ready to learn, grow, and keep going.

For me, leadership means creating spaces where creativity thrives and others shine. It’s not about commanding attention—it’s about inspiring and building connections.