Why Mothers Are Natural-Born Leaders
This is a tribute to all mothers, because their leadership is everlasting. Whether they are still living or are with us in spirit, mothers are the first teachers of leadership. They quietly mold our character, while shaping our lives.
Let’s Talk Leadership
We often separate “motherhood” and “leadership” like they belong in two different worlds. But they don’t— motherhood is leadership. Even when one is soft and emotional, and the other is professional and goal-driven. Think about it.
As mothers, we guide our children through the challenges of life, teaching them values, managing conflict, juggling priorities. Sound familiar? That’s what leaders do in the workplace. Mothers just do it on a daily basis.
Mothers have vision—we don’t just raise children for today. We raise them for the future, “we plant seeds,” as I like to think. Seeds that with love and care will sprout one day and give good fruit. Planting seeds requires emotional intelligence. It requires resilience. Yes, as mothers, we guide, mentor, manage crisis, and make decisions that impact real lives.
Mothers sacrifice and hold discipline with love too. We know there’s no leadership without influence and no one influences more than a mother. She does it quietly, fiercely, and consistently, de-escalating conflict with intense protection. It’s the perfect example of transformational leadership.
Ultimately, motherhood deserves recognition. It’s not separate from leadership, “it’s the deepest leadership training ground there is.”
“A mother leads without a script, manages without a manual, and inspires without applause”—Dr. Aguilar
A Tribute to My Mother…
My mother had a quiet personality, but she was strong and resilient. Some of the stories she told are hard to believe in these times of abundance. Back in Mexico in the 1950’s — poverty was the challenge grandma faced—every day. Mom recalled the dirt floor room she grew up in and where grandma kept guard at night to protect her from the scorpions prevalent in that area. She told stories of how the only food they had to eat was raw cabbage. And when grandma couldn’t make it last, she would ask the neighbors for a left over tortilla or two. Mom grew up in times of political uncertainty and civil battles. The sound of horses was enough to get grandma running— hiding her in a hole to keep her safe from soldiers.
At a young age she married dad, and having nowhere else to go, they would sleep under a tree where they often found snakes under the rocks. Later and while pregnant, a kind man let them live on the back of a truck. I still remember her eyes lit up when she talked about a small mirror she used to hang for decoration. She lost her first two sons to hunger and cold —-and her third son to Gangrene. Even through suffering, she still managed to bring us closer to the border so that we (4 siblings) could have better opportunities.
Mom never went to school. She was self-taught and an expert in the things that really matter in life —gratitude, kindness, compassion, selflessness, and faith. As long as I can remember, she always placed the needs of others over hers, feeding those that were even less fortunate.
She was of strong moral values too. Grounded on virtues that back then I didn’t understand. Humility, discipline, respect for elders, and consequences for our actions. At times, I used to think she was just harsh. But it took some maturing, for me to understand she was just preparing me for life— as best as she knew how.
I’ve heard say “a mother sacrifices her body in childbirth, her mind in worry, her heart in loving so fiercely it hurts.” My mom carried more than her share—constantly worrying, protecting, teaching. She never complained, and hid her pain often so we wouldn’t see it. She quietly shaped our life.
I believe that because of her kindness and good deeds, I’ve been abundantly blessed.
Sadly, when I look back, I wish I would have done more while she was alive. I wish I would have spent more time with her, and been more understanding. I wish I would have learned more through her stories. I wish I could go back and tell her how much I value the sacrifices she made—and I took for granted. I wish I would have given her less grief.
I wish I knew then—what I know now.
I wish…
“Everything that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”—Abraham Lincoln
Mothers don’t need titles to lead. They inspire, guide, and shape character by example. They have long-term thinking about their children. This is in spite of the day-to-day chaos they go through to get things done. They envision and execute, often with limited resources.
These are some of the leadership skills of a mother.
Emotional Intelligence
If moms can lead a household with limited sleep, endless demands, and high emotions, they’ve got what it takes to lead in the workplace, classroom, or community. They are tuned in. They have a radar that can read moods, manage conflict, and motivate with empathy.
That’s intelligent leadership.
Influence Over Control
Strong leadership is knowing when to hold on, and when to let go. Mother’s know they can’t control everything, especially as their children grow. So they guide with influence. They inspire trust without fear. They are experts in second chances.
Resilience and Adaptability
Mothers push through exhaustion, fear, doubt— and still persist. When plans change and life gets messy. They think on their feet, endure failure, bounce back, and hold up under pressure.
Modeling, Not Just Managing
A mother teaches who she is—not just what she says. She sacrifices quietly and willingly. She is the steady hand that holds it all together when everything seems to be falling apart— rarely asking for anything in return. Motherhood is true leadership and powerful love in action.
Mothers are a strong and beautiful symbol in the Bible. A real example of God’s kind of love—patient, nurturing, sacrificing.
—Have a good weekend!
—Dr. Aguilar
