Nala, The King's Coach
What Can This Fearless Lioness Teach Us About Coaching Leaders
My People,
In June 1995, Disney released a true classic that has become my all-time favorite movie. If you know me, you know The Lion King is my jam! This film motivates me to do my work and inspires me to envision the kind of world I want to create. There's nothing like the moment when Mufasa tells Simba, “You have forgotten yourself, therefore you have forgotten me. Remember who you are.” These words resonate with me whenever I feel nervous about taking the next step in my work. When Mufasa shared those words with Simba, he hadn’t done the work. There was still much to be done. That's where the fiery smooth talking lioness, Nala comes in.
It's surprising how little we talk about Nala's importance. While Simba was in the jungle with his new friends Timon and Pumbaa, Nala was back in Pride Rock, enduring the hardships under Scar's leadership. She grew up in an environment lacking food and water, learning resilience from the other lionesses, including Simba's own mother, Sarabi. These lessons gave her the strength to seek help, even when she didn't know Simba was alive. Nala's journey required faith and courage, as she faced danger to find a solution.
If you've seen the Broadway play, you know the song "Shadowland" by Heather Headley beautifully depicts Nala's experience and the bold decision she made to seek something greater. Like many coaches, she had to undergo her own journey to gain the resources to support others.
When Nala confronted Simba after finding him in the woods, unaware of the turmoil in Pride Rock, she asked him, “Who are you?” This was a pivotal moment for Simba, who had lost sight of his identity. Often, as coaches, we see potential in our coachees that they don't see in themselves. It's our role to help them discover their inner strength. Nala urged Simba to take his rightful place as king, knowing it was his true desire since childhood. Had Nala not endured the challenges in Pride Rock and done her own work, she wouldn't have had the tools to support Simba on his journey to becoming king.
As true coaches, we must support our coachees during times of difficulty, helping them unlock their own power to fulfill their journey. It wasn't easy for Nala to see her old friend struggling with his identity, but she never left his side. This is the essence of coaching leaders. Supporting leaders is challenging work; they often feel isolated and may find it difficult to trust someone. We must stay with them, help them figure things out, and remind them of who they are. I hope all leadership coaches can find the strength of Nala to bring out the kings and queens in their coachees.
Love Y’all For Free,
Mario Jovan
