"Be messy. And complicated. And afraid. And show up anyway." Profoundly applicable to leadership, these words were chalked at the rear entrance to my hospital during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when honest leaders would agree.  Leadership is messy. It's definitely complicated and sometimes scary. Social scientist and best selling author Brene Brown, challenges leaders to have the courage to show up, be seen, take risks, ask for help, own our mistakes, learn from failure, lean into joy, and support the people around us doing the same.​This portfolio serves as a walk through my leadership journey, showcasing my academic and professional work as a nurse leader. It's proof that showing up with courage for my team and patients during the messiest and most complicated time in healthcare has been worth it.  ​