Two Leadership Lessons I Learned From a 4-Year-Old

Twice this week, I was gently, and brilliantly, challenged by a 4-year-old.

Not through long conversations or complex questions, but through moments so simple they could have been easy to dismiss. I’m glad I didn’t.

Lesson One: Pay Attention to What You’re Overlooking

We were identifying colors. Easy enough… or so I thought.

Two items looked almost identical, and each time she placed them differently than I expected, I redirected her. Patiently. Repeatedly.

She calmly put them back the same way every time.

It wasn’t until I slowed down I noticed it, a tiny marking on one of the pictures that clearly showed where each item belonged.

She was right.

I just hadn’t been paying close enough attention.

That moment reminded me how often leadership mistakes aren’t about lack of intelligence or effort, but about missed details.

The signals are there, we’re just moving too fast to see them.

Lesson Two: Don’t Let Caution Kill Curiosity

The second lesson came shortly after.

I was guiding her through a learning platform with a very basic subscription.

My mindset was simple: stay safe, predictable, surface-level.

But she was curious.

She clicked. She explored. She asked questions.

I kept redirecting her, trying to manage expectations and avoid disappointment.

She persisted. And eventually, she won.

To my surprise, there were several interactive activities available even on the “basic” plan.

That moment stayed with me.

As adults, we often become so cautious that we stop being curious.

We assume we already know the limits. We accept the “package” we think life handed us without checking what’s actually available.

A Quiet Leadership Lesson Reminder:

These two moments offered a quiet but powerful reminder:

• Look beneath the surface

• Pay attention to small signals

• Question the assumptions you’re operating from

  
  

And maybe, just maybe, trade some of our “What if it doesn’t work?” for “What if it does?”

Curiosity didn’t just teach a 4-year-old how to learn, It reminded an adult how to lead, grow, and stay open.

Reflection Question:

When was the last time curiosity challenged you?

Bisola Mogaji

You Didn’t Need Permission. You Needed Courage

You may not realize how susceptible you are to public opinion until you make an unpopular decision.

Have you ever read a post, felt strongly about it, then scrolled into the comments and suddenly changed your mind? Just like that.

Opinions can be surprisingly flimsy.

And none of us is immune, especially when those opinions come from people we trust.

I learned this the hard way.

Before resigning from a role I knew I had outgrown, I consulted trusted voices. Almost everyone said the same thing:

• “Bad idea.”

• “Not the right time.”

• “Hold on.”

  
  

Their opinions didn’t just influence me; they paralyzed me.

So I stayed. Not because it was right. But because it was approved.

The Courage to Turn the Page

Eventually, I found the courage to move on.

And here’s the twist: The very people who warned me against leaving later applauded my courage. Some even said, “I wish I could do that.”

And then? Life went on. Everyone moved on.

The Leadership Lesson

You are the CEO of your life. Stop outsourcing your responsibility to public opinion.

Consult wisely, YES. But remember this:

CEOs don’t run companies by committee.

Ask yourself:

Where have i been delaying a decision because i am waiting for approval?

If you’re ready to lead your life with clarity and courage, I’d be happy to help you get started. Book a 30-minute coaching session here: https://www.bisimogaji.com/booking-calendar/free-one-on-one-coaching?referral=service_list_widget 

Bisola Mogaji.

When the Chapter Ends, Don’t Rush to Turn the Page Yet

After a recent work transition, my first instinct was to shut the door on the past and sprint toward what’s next.

Clean slate. New experiences. No looking back.

But I paused.

Because here’s the truth, many of us avoid:

An experience you don’t learn from is one you’re likely to repeat.                

So, I did the uncomfortable thing. I sat still.  

I evaluated it all:

✔️ the good

❌ the bad

⚠️ and yes… the ugly

What surprised me?

The process was exhilarating.              

I led myself into the nooks and crannies I’d been avoiding, old patterns, blind spots, and quiet compromises. And on the other side of that honesty came clarity:

A deeper understanding of my values, my non-negotiables, and what the next phase of my career must honor.              

That’s when it hit me: Self-leadership isn’t a fancy cliché.

It’s the discipline of guiding your own thoughts, emotions, and attitudes on purpose.

It’s choosing to be the CEO of your own life, not waiting for external direction, permission, or rescue.

And it all starts with self-awareness. The you that you don’t know… You can’t manage.        

Self-awareness is the edge.

It sharpens your focus, boosts your productivity, and builds resilience that doesn’t crumble when circumstances change.

If you’re in a transition - career, leadership, or life - don’t rush past the lesson.

Pause. Reflect. Lead yourself first.

What has a recent experience taught you about your values or non-negotiables?

If you are ready to do a deeper work intentionally, I’ll be happy to help you get started.

Book a 30-minute session at https://www.bisimogaji.com/booking-calendar/free-one-on-one-coaching?referral=service_list_widget 

© Bisola Mogaji 2026