Grow or Fold

 “Just like with basketball, when I’m challenged, I’m better. I’ll do whatever I need to do to win. I knew if I was going to survive at UVA, I needed to deliberately alter my habits. This was an uncomfortable realization and an even more uncomfortable process. But it was grow or fold. I wasn’t folding. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.” ~ Dawn Staley, legendary basketball coach

The Crossroads

Every leader hits that moment—the quiet, uncomfortable fork in the road.

For legendary basketball player and coach, Dawn Staley, it wasn’t during a championship game or in front of flashing cameras. It was in the grind. In the overlooked moments. In the space between where she started and where she dared to believe she could go.

"But it was grow or fold. I wasn't folding. It's not where you start, it's where you finish."

I don’t know about you but that line stopped me cold. Because it’s not just a sports quote. It’s a leadership truth - it’s a life truth.

We all begin somewhere—underestimated, under-resourced, or simply unseen - my life and leadership certainly started from the most humble of places. Maybe you too had a background that didn’t come with blueprints or boardrooms. Maybe leadership found you in the middle of your mess, not your masterpiece.

Dawn Staley’s story reminds us that grit grows leaders. That choosing to grow—when folding would be easier—is what separates those who merely manage from those who truly lead.

Growth doesn’t always look glamorous. Sometimes it looks like taking responsibility - taking the blame Sometimes it’s asking for help when you’d rather fake a perfect persona, confidence and certainty. Sometimes it’s staying when leaving would be more comfortable.

But every time you choose to grow, you widen your finish line.

You show your team what resilience looks like. 

You model courage. 

You build legacy.

So the next time you’re faced with your own “grow or fold” moment, remember Dawn’s words. Your leadership will not be judged by your starting point—but by your finish.

And how you chose to keep going when no one would’ve blamed you for folding.