It Takes More Than Keywords

Leadership Is More Than a Job Title

I got to a whole new level of understanding about leadership when I launched this business. It’s not my first company, but it’s the first time I’ve done it like this—with fewer filters, fewer safety nets, and a clearer sense of what I stand for.

In the past, I’ve built alongside big partnerships. One was a family endeavor—an adventure we shared together. Another was nearly two decades in the making, and after a twist I didn’t see coming, I walked away from it. But this one? This one’s different. It’s just me and my husband—who’s also my business partner—and we’re not up against the world. We’re for it.

That’s how I knew I had to rethink leadership. Not the “best practices” version. Not the “what do the books say” version. But the most real, most values-driven, most meaningful, and honestly, the most enjoyable version of leadership I could build.

And not gonna lie—it’s hard to define. But I’m still willing to try. Because part of leading today is being brave enough to name what you believe… and clear enough that other people can actually find you.

We create game-based learning for greater engagement. Put that in your dictionary.

How to Build Trust as a Leader

Sometimes I crack myself up thinking about a sketch I’d love to write. It goes like this: a woman shows up at a café to meet a new business contact, and the other person speaks entirely in keyword phrases. “I practice the art of self-discovery,” she says. “Here are my top three steps to accelerate your self-awareness today.” I mean, tell me that wouldn’t be hilarious—and weirdly accurate.

We’re not talking like that in person (yet), but let’s be honest… online? In our bios, our proposals, even our DMs? The keyword universe is everywhere. And it’s real.

The thing is, we’re in it with full permission. We’re the ones optimizing our posts, tagging our thoughts, trying to make things searchable—and I get it. I do it too.

So when I think about building trust as a leader, here’s what really hits me: you have to name what’s happening without losing yourself in it. You beat the game and you join it.

I’m willing to play—to define, to clarify, to be findable. But I’m also willing to keep showing up like a real person, in a real conversation, writing what I actually believe, not what I think will rank.

And sometimes, just for fun, I ask my AI co-writer to pick the next keyword. Balance.

Developing Your Voice as a Leader

It took a lot of wild guesses—arrows in the dark—before I finally started to find people who really had my back. Some of them are friends, some mentors, some both. One in particular, someone I deeply trust, said something I’ll never forget.

“It starts with the inner work.”

At the time, I had been laser-focused on showing up boldly. Playing big. Saying yes. Saying no. Stopping the smallness so I could win bigger. And on the surface, it was working.

But inside? Something was cracking. I couldn’t name it at the time, but the game felt tilted. Like I was following rules that didn’t quite fit anymore.

And when this person told me to look inward—not to blame, but to really see myself—I started to understand. That’s when the puzzle pieces shifted.

So yes, I still believe you should speak up. Speak uplifted. Use your voice. But I’ll also tell you: that voice is going to feel shaky until you’ve spent time with your own doubt, your own choices, your own self.

This is confidence. This is what authentic leadership looks like—not some giant TED Talk moment. Just the quiet decision to keep playing, even when the inner stuff is loud.

Leadership Takes Coaching

I’ve had incredible guides in my life. Colleagues who gave feedback that landed, friends who offered perspective when I couldn’t see straight, mentors who helped me zoom out and remember what matters. Not gonna lie—I’ve been lucky. But I’ve also been intentional about who I let shape me.

Coaching matters. Not just because leadership can feel lonely (though let’s be real—it does). But because no one can see in 360 degrees all the time. You need other eyes. Especially eyes that want what’s best for you.

But here’s the thing leaders don’t always talk about enough: if you’re leading, you’re also coaching. That’s part of the deal.

And when you give that guidance—when you offer feedback, ideas, direction—there’s one rule you cannot break: you have to care more about their best interest than your own. Period. Full stop.

This is the biggest leadership risk. The one that separates those who want to look like leaders from those who are leaders.

So don’t get it twisted. Get it right.

Lead with encouragement. Lead with clarity. But above all—lead with care.

OK, Let’s Play

This week, we’re playing with the power of naming things—on your terms. Because if you don’t define your leadership, someone else will.

Ready: You’re more equipped than you think. You’ve already lived the lessons.

Set: Define your leadership style in one sentence—not for the algorithm, but for you.

Go:

• You don’t need to be loud—you need to be clear.
• You don’t need to follow every trend—you need to know your values.
• You don’t need perfect language—you need honest reflection.
• You don’t need to fit the mold—you need to stand where others can find you.

Real-World Leadership Development

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s layered. It’s lived. It’s imperfect on purpose.

And yeah, sometimes we tag our values with buzzwords just to make sure people can find us. But that’s not the point. The point is: what we do when they get here.

So yes, I’m going to use the keywords. I’ll even search for better ones. But I’ll never stop writing from the place that matters.

Because it still takes more than keywords.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!