“Something has changed within me, something is not the same, I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s games. Too late for second-guessing, too late to go back to sleep, it’s time to trust my instincts, to close my eyes and leap. It’s time to start defying gravity.”
At some point in life, we’ve all felt this shift of these lyrics. That moment when we realize we can no longer play small, no longer conform, no longer silence our voice for the sake of someone else’s comfort. Wicked captures this essence perfectly, which is why it continues to strike a chord with so many of us.
But why does it resonate so deeply? Is it the soaring notes of “Defying Gravity” that seem to crack us open, or is it the raw power of the story itself?
For me, the answer became clear when I saw the film adaptation opening weekend. Sitting in a theater full of strangers, wiping away my tears, I realized this wasn’t just a movie, it was a shared experience.
And as someone who thrives on exploring the human condition, I couldn’t help but connect the dots: Wicked resonates because it reminds us of what we’re missing in today’s technological world: connection, compassion, courage, and a willingness to embrace our full power.
Here’s how we can take Elphaba’s story and apply it to our own lives and leadership.
Because whether we acknowledge it or not, there’s a little bit of Elphaba in all of us.
What Wicked Teaches Us About Leadership
At its core, Wicked is about stepping into your power by:
Accepting Yourself and Your Differences:
Elphaba’s power shines when she decides to stop hiding and embrace who she truly is, green skin, flaws, and all. Leadership is no different. You can’t lead others effectively if you’re at war with yourself.
Breaking Free from Norms and Expectations:
Society often tells us where we “belong” or what we should want. But like Elphaba, true leaders challenge those rules. They trust their instincts, even when it means going against the grain.
Healing the Inner Critic:
Before Elphaba “defies gravity,” she confronts the little girl inside her, the one who’s been shamed, rejected, and made to feel unworthy. In leadership and life, we must reconcile with our inner child to move forward.
Leading With Empathy and Connection:
Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is a reminder that even opposites can find common ground. As leaders, we grow stronger by building bridges, not walls.
What’s Holding You Back?
Life doesn’t hand us a manual for overcoming adversity, healing from failure, or finding the courage to chase our dreams. Instead, it gives us challenges, grief, criticism, loss, that can either build us up or tear us down. The difference lies in how we choose to respond.
Think of the greats:
Steve Jobs didn’t let rejection stop him.
Oprah didn’t let her circumstances define her.
Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t let doubt silence him.
They defied gravity by pairing their vision with action, confronting their shadows, and refusing to settle for less than what they believed in.
Closing the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be
As someone who has faced my own shadows and emerged stronger, I know firsthand that defying gravity isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.
My journey into high-performance leadership coaching stems from a desire to help others break free from the narratives, fears, and expectations that hold them back.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
Are you ready to embrace your inner Elphaba and defy gravity in your own life?
Here's how you can start today.
Spend ten minutes writing down three things that make you unique. How can those qualities become your strengths?
What’s one societal rule I’m ready to break to stay true to my values?
Identify one moment from your past that still triggers self-doubt. Ask yourself, “what would my younger self need to hear right now to feel empowered?”
Think of someone in your life whose perspective differs from yours. What’s one way you can show them empathy or start a meaningful dialogue?
Reconnect with your “why”. Write down your biggest goal or dream and why it matters to do you.
Take a bold step into something you’ve been wanting to do but have been afraid to do.
Surround yourself with people who challenge, support you, and uplift you.
At With the Current Solutions, we are enthusiastic about making leaps and bounds, and defying gravity.
Stay Soaring, friends.
Lauren is an HR, Leadership, and Performance Coach helping others hit their goals, reach their potential, discover their talents, and navigate waves with ease.
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