The Importance of Resilience in Leadership: Lessons from My Journey

As I reflect on my career, one quality stands out as the cornerstone of my leadership journey: resilience. Throughout my 24 years in law enforcement, civil rights compliance, and Title IX coordination, resilience has been the defining factor that’s kept me grounded, focused, and able to grow in the face of challenges. But resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from difficulties — it’s about learning, adapting, and staying committed to your values through all of life’s ups and downs. In this blog post, I’ll share some personal lessons about the importance of resilience in leadership, how it shaped my path, and how it can help you lead with strength and purpose.

Finding Resilience in the Early Years

I grew up in Southern California, raised by a single mother alongside my two older sisters. My mother, Patricia, was one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever known. She often worked multiple jobs to make sure we had what we needed, and she did it all without complaining. From an early age, I saw resilience in action, even if I didn’t have the words to describe it at the time. Watching her keep our family together, push through long hours, and still find time to support us emotionally taught me that resilience is rooted in perseverance.

As I grew older, that lesson stuck with me. When I joined the Burbank Police Department, I thought I was prepared for the challenges I would face. But no one can fully prepare you for the realities of law enforcement. In my early years as a police officer, I experienced situations that tested not just my skills, but my mental and emotional limits. Responding to traumatic events — whether it was a homicide, a dangerous standoff, or the loss of a fellow officer — left scars. I knew I had to find a way to push forward, just as my mother had done, but it wasn’t easy.

Overcoming PTSD and Learning to Lean on Others

One of the most difficult challenges I faced in my career was dealing with PTSD. After responding to several traumatic incidents, including an officer-involved shooting where one of my colleagues was killed, I found myself struggling to cope. I didn’t talk about it, I didn’t seek help, and I thought I could push through on my own. But the truth is, ignoring mental health issues only made things worse. I became distant from my family, anxious about going to work, and found myself spiraling into a place where I wasn’t sure how to move forward.

Resilience doesn’t mean going it alone. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that resilience is about knowing when to ask for help. For me, it was my wife, Melissa, who stepped in and helped me realize that I needed to take a step back and focus on my mental health. I sought counseling, turned to my faith, and began to slowly rebuild my sense of self. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

If I hadn’t taken the time to address those issues, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Leadership isn’t just about leading others — it’s about taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for your team, your family, and your community.

The Role of Resilience in Leadership

Resilience is crucial in leadership because it allows you to face adversity head-on without losing sight of your goals. In my current role in civil rights compliance and Title IX coordination, I’m often tasked with navigating highly sensitive and emotional situations. Whether it’s investigating a case of harassment or ensuring that a university is following proper compliance protocols, these situations require a level of calm and steadiness that can only come from resilience.

Leaders are often looked to in times of crisis. Your team, your colleagues, and even the communities you serve are counting on you to remain strong in the face of uncertainty. That doesn’t mean you won’t have moments of doubt or difficulty — but it does mean that you stay committed to finding solutions and guiding others through challenging times.

In my work, I’ve seen how resilient leadership can inspire others. When people see that you are willing to face tough decisions, admit mistakes, and keep moving forward, they trust you more. They know that you’ll stick with them through thick and thin, and that’s how strong teams are built.

Balancing Resilience and Compassion

One thing I’ve learned is that resilience and compassion go hand in hand. Being resilient doesn’t mean being tough all the time. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. True resilience requires you to be compassionate — with others and with yourself. It’s about understanding that we all have our breaking points, and it’s okay to step back, regroup, and ask for help when needed.

In leadership, I’ve found that showing vulnerability can be one of the most powerful ways to connect with others. When I share my own struggles — whether it’s my experience with PTSD or the challenges of balancing work and family life — I’ve found that people respond with empathy. They feel more comfortable opening up about their own difficulties, and together we build a stronger, more supportive team.

How to Build Resilience in Your Own Life

So, how can you build resilience in your own life and leadership? Here are a few things that have helped me:

• Prioritize self-care: Whether it’s regular exercise, meditation, or spending time with family, make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental well-being.
• Seek support: Don’t be afraid to lean on others when you need it. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a mentor, or a therapist, having a support system is key.
• Learn from failure: Resilience is often born out of failure. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and use them to grow.
• Focus on what matters most: For me, faith and family are at the core of my resilience. Find what keeps you grounded and hold onto it during tough times.

Conclusion

Resilience has been the guiding force throughout my career and life. It’s what helped me push through the darkest moments and emerge stronger. In leadership, resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about learning, adapting, and leading with compassion. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that no matter what challenges you face, resilience can help you overcome them and become a better leader, teammate, and person.