This 4th of July, I didn’t just celebrate independence—I lived it. Not in a speech. Not in a strategy session. But right in the middle of a street fair, dancing to a band in banana-yellow suits.

It started with music—Billy Joel, Etta James, The Turtles—and a tug in my gut that said, “Lois, it’s time to dance.” My partner Marty gave me that knowing look and whispered, “Break a move.” (Our code for: Go be you.)

And I did.

Dancing has always been sacred to me. As a child, it was where I first realized I was more than a body, more than a label—I was energy. And energy wants to move.

As I danced, I noticed two young women off to the side dancing. Teenagers may be twenty-something vibrant young women. I smiled and danced over. “Mind if I dance in?” I asked playfully.

We danced. We laughed. We bonded over life, music, and even fried dough strategy (I told them to follow their noses—smell never lies).

What started as a smile of acknowledgment for their dancing diva spirits ended in high-fives, fist bumps, and lots of hugs!

Before leaving, one of them said, “We really wanted to dance, but didn’t want to be the first. You gave us permission.”

And that’s when it clicked:

✅ Leadership is about being the one who moves first.

✅ Self-expression isn’t just about yourself—it’s giving others permission!

✅ When you show up fully, you make space for others to do the same.

As a heart-centered executive leadership coach and female motivational speaker, I’ve seen it time and again: the most courageous leaders aren’t the loudest in the room—they’re the ones willing to go first.

So here are 3 tips I share with my clients and live myself:

1. Go First – Your courage creates space for others.
2. Celebrate Permission – Honor every spark of boldness in yourself and your team.
3. Shift the Focus – It’s not about your fear; it’s about your impact.

If you want a more inspired team, a stronger connection with your community, or even just more joy in your life—start with permission.

You never know who’s watching… and waiting for someone to go first.

So here’s my question for you:

💭 What’s one small way you can give yourself permission to sparkle this week?

Let me know in the comments. And if you can dance to some Etta James while doing it, even better.