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From Restored to Ready (Part 2)
Voice, Lane, and Fit in Real Time
In Part 1 of this series, we explored how social capital is the hidden currency of leadership. We talked about the five people every leader needs—the Sponsor, Mentor, Connector, Truth-Teller, and Peer—and how bonding, bridging, and linking relationships form a leadership safety net.
Why start there? Because no matter how skilled or visionary you are, leadership is never a solo act. Relationships amplify your voice, extend your reach, and sustain you when challenges arise.
But once your social capital is in motion, there’s a next step: how you show up in the room.
That’s where Voice, Lane, and Fit come in. I introduced this framework at the NSBE Professional Development Conference, and I saw heads nodding as participants realized this wasn’t just theory—it was a mirror they could hold up in real time.
That same week, I sat alongside Vice Presidents of Supply Chain from health and medical systems across the country at the IDN Summit. The conversation was different, but the principle was the same: whether you’re rising in your career or sitting in the C-suite, the clarity of how you activate Voice, Lane, and Fit determines your impact.
Voice, Lane, and Fit Defined
Leadership situations change quickly. What doesn’t change is the need to consistently ask yourself three questions—what I call the Mirror Test:
Voice: Am I speaking from conviction, not just convenience?
Lane: Am I operating where I create the most value?
Fit: Does this environment align with my purpose and potential?
These three questions force reflection—but together, they create alignment. Leaders who activate Voice, Lane, and Fit don’t just show up; they show up with clarity and presence.
📌 What Each Dimension Looks Like in Action
Voice – Using your platform to advance ideas that matter, not just repeating what others want to hear. Example: speaking up in the boardroom about equity in supply chain even when it wasn’t the “easy” topic.
Lane – Focusing on your zone of genius, not chasing every opportunity. Example: when asked to lead outside my core expertise, I redirected to where I could deliver the greatest results and brought in others to complement.
Fit – Recognizing when the room or role doesn’t align with your values—and having the courage to adjust. Example: choosing to step into roles where legacy and innovation matter, instead of positions that only check the title box.
🟦 Coaching Trigger (Action Box)
🔎 Reflection Exercise: Before your next big meeting or decision, pause and run the Mirror Test:
Did I use my voice?
Was I operating in my lane?
Does this fit align with my purpose?
💡 Call to Action: Choose one of these three dimensions—voice, lane, or fit—and intentionally activate it this week.
To deepen your practice of self-awareness and alignment:
The Power of Voice — Denise Woods
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less — Greg McKeown
Dare to Lead — Brené Brown
Closing
Leaders aren’t defined by titles—they’re defined by how they show up. When you bring your voice, lane, and fit into alignment, you stop reacting to change and start leading through it.
In moments of uncertainty, clarity becomes your greatest advantage.
My Closing Note to You
As always, my purpose in writing The Storyteller is to remind you: service, leadership, and legacy matter.
Keep leading with vision. Keep building with excellence. And never forget—the stories you shape today will become the legacy others stand on tomorrow.
P.S.
Don’t wait for the perfect setting to use your voice, lane, or fit. Try it this week—you may find clarity where you least expect it.
Connect With Me
If you're in a season of doubt, transition, or waiting to remember your power—let’s talk.
📅 Book a 15-minute intro call: www.demalo-ent.com
Don’t let fear erase your track record.
Let belief remind you of who you are.
Warm regards,
DeWayne Allen
Founder of The Storyteller Newsletter
I guide leaders and STEM professionals to succeed and innovate.
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