What Collagen Taught Me About Leadership
Let me share this with you: I saw true skin elasticity in action. A friend-turned-client asked me for a last minute facial, worried about fine lines around her eyes. I’m usually prepared to meet requests made by my friends and family. An hour later, she blinked into the mirror, I watched her jaw drop in disbelief–and relief. Her skin was plump, springy, and alive. I love being able to put my esthetics skills to work.
And in that moment, years ago, I realized: collagen isn’t just biology—it’s a beautiful metaphor for leadership.
Elasticity vs. Rigidity
Collagen fibers give skin its bounce-back. Without them, we’d crease, sag, and struggle to recover from every little stressor—sun exposure, pollution, the occasional late night. In leadership, rigidity looks a lot like decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and a resistance to course-correct when the market shifts.
Skin story: We gently stimulate collagen to encourage natural repair. Overdo it, and you irritate; underdo it, and you stagnate.
Leadership lesson: You need just enough stretch—through calculated risks or honest feedback—to grow, but not so much tension that you snap and break.
Reflect: Where in your leadership are you too tense? Where are you not stretching enough?
Stress Response: Repair Over Resistance
When skin is repeatedly damaged—UV exposure, aggressive products—it enters a chronic repair cycle. Redness, sensitivity, and breakdown follow. Similarly, leaders who react to every fire drill with fight-or-flight only deepen stress, erode team morale, and risk burnout.
Skin story: We introduce calming serums, hydrosols, and peptides—to support repair, not just cover symptoms.
Leadership lesson: Embed recovery rituals—micro-wellness moments, peer/team debriefs, or even a two-minute grounding breath before every major decision. It’s not about ignoring stress; it’s about choosing repair over resistance.
Action Step: After your next high-pressure appointment or call, take two minutes to breathe with your hand on your chest. Notice what shifts.
Sustainability: Building a Durable Matrix
Collagen networks are strongest when nourished consistently—good nutrition, proper hydration, and smart skincare habits. One “high-tech” treatment won’t last unless you support it with daily care.
Skin story: Those who follow a simple morning and evening routine see better, longer-lasting results than those chasing the latest miracle devices.
Leadership lesson: Pick three foundational systems—your “leadership routine”—and commit. Maybe it’s a weekly one-hour CEO hour (Step 4 of the Mindset Audit), a monthly strategy reset, and a daily gratitude check. These simple, repeatable structures become the matrix that holds everything else up.
Tool: “Leadership Matrix”
Flexibility Through Collaboration
Collagen production naturally slows with age—but it doesn’t have to stop. We partner with tools—LED therapy, microneedling—to boost what the body can’t do alone.
Skin story: Collaboration between client and esthetician accelerates results.
Leadership lesson: You aren’t meant to rebuild collagen—or a business—solo. Lean into partnerships, mentorship, and team expertise to amplify your elasticity. Shared knowledge and support act like that LED session for your leadership resilience.
Invitation: Reach out to one colleague today and ask, “What’s one thing you’d love help stretching toward?” Then listen.
A Final Reflection
Collagen reminds us that beauty—and leadership—are emergent properties of a healthy, flexible system. They require:
Stretch: Be willing to pivot.
Repair: Build in time and space to recover.
Sustenance: Commit to consistent small acts of care.
Collaboration: Invite others to strengthen the network.
Your leadership can be as resilient and springy as the healthiest skin. It just needs the right support.
