For as long as I can remember, leadership was the expectation in my career and personal life. However, when I hired the first person on my team, I realized that leadership isn't just about being exceptional, but also a career path with its own set of responsibilities, skills, and opportunities for growth. Leadership shouldn't be the expectation of everyone, as each individual has their unique plan to achieve success and fulfillment. Identifying individual contributors early is crucial, and providing them with development opportunities can help them grow both personally and professionally. Giving them opportunities to grow laterally, such as managing projects or taking on new responsibilities, can also help them develop new skills and contribute to the company in a meaningful way. Finally, ensuring that individual contributors have a seat at the table through regular meetings and decision-making processes is vital for their engagement and success. By understanding each individual's needs and providing them with opportunities for growth, I've learned that leadership isn't just about being exceptional, but also about creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.