Leading With Gratitude and Grit: How Kind Leadership Created My Strongest Impact Yet
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Madi Balman
Gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you. For me, it’s about remembering the path that got me here — the clients who believed in me, the lessons that nearly broke me, and the people who helped me rebuild stronger. Gratitude has been the quiet force behind my leadership, helping me show up with authenticity and grace even when business gets hard.
As the owner and Creative Director of Skellydog, a bold branding and marketing agency helping creators, innovators, and change-makers find their voice, I’ve seen firsthand how gratitude fuels genuine relationships and innovation. It’s in the way my team collaborates, how we celebrate wins, and how we lift each other when things get chaotic. It’s what turns an agency into a family.
A major shift came when I started intentionally practicing gratitude — looking back at what’s changed, recognizing my growth, and remembering the things that got me here. Entrepreneurship moves fast, and it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. But taking those moments to acknowledge progress keeps me grounded. Mistakes are inevitable, but so is growth — and I’ve learned to be grateful for both.
That mindset shapes how I lead my team. Kind leadership means being realistic — not pushing for perfection, but building systems that honor people’s capacity. If someone needs to move a deadline, they can. I’d rather have my team well and motivated than burnt out. We celebrate wins big and small — surprise gifts, holiday packages, shoutouts in team meetings. I remind them that their work matters, because words of affirmation go a long way.
I’m intentional about staying self-aware, too. I regularly listen to the Leadership Decoded podcast by Dr. Will Ramey to make sure I’m not slipping into toxic patterns. Good leadership isn’t something you achieve — it’s something you keep working on.
Ironically, one of my hardest experiences taught me the most about gratitude. After my maternity leave, a client refused to pay several thousand dollars, claiming I ran a “poor business” without giving a reason. I was postpartum, exhausted, and doubting everything I’d built. It was one of the lowest points of my life — until I took action. I filed a small-claims case, stayed professional, and ultimately won. That moment wasn’t about the money. It was about regaining my confidence and proving that doing the right thing matters.
I walked away grateful for the growth, the experience, and the reminder that even hard things serve a purpose.
Outside my agency, gratitude shows up in how I connect with my community. I volunteer as part of my local networking group’s leadership team, managing their social media and organizing events that give back — from toy drives to fundraisers. I also mentor through AIGA Connecticut, lead projects for nonprofits, and offer at least one barter or pro-bono spot a year for a local cause. Watching collaboration bloom — seeing local business owners lift each other up or raising money for someone in need — reminds me exactly why I do what I do.
My small wins? I celebrate them like they’re big ones. Sometimes that means a half-day, a coffee run, or a new piece of gear for the office. Gratitude isn’t just reflection; it’s celebration.
If there’s one thing I want other women to know, it’s this: in a world that rewards ego and urgency, kindness and gratitude are revolutionary. You don’t have to play the cold game to win. Lead with compassion, trust your moral compass, and know that by doing the right thing, you’re already changing the business landscape — one honest, grateful step at a time.
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