Why the Calm Leader is the Most Effective Leader

Self-ImprovementLeadership

  • Author Jonelle Colabufalo
  • Published November 23, 2025
  • Word count 342

We’ve all been conditioned to celebrate the ‘hustle’ - the late nights, the overflowing inbox, the look of being perpetually overwhelmed. Yet, as a leader, mother, and business owner, my experience has taught me that true, lasting impact is achieved not through frantic motion, but through peace. This is the essence of becoming a peaceful warrior in leadership.

After the devastating loss of my brother, Jared, I learned a crucial lesson about life’s fragility: you cannot sweat the small stuff. That perspective became my operational philosophy. It doesn't mean I lack drive; it means I channel my passion into focused, measurable action, allowing me to achieve fulfilment without the chaos.

This calm approach is how I lead my team and volunteers at the Jared Dunscombe Foundation. I don't demand burnout - I inspire purpose. My focus is on empowering our team to find their own sense of personal growth and joy. We achieve significant results by making every volunteer hour and dollar feel tangible, creating a sense of clarity that is often missing in high-pressure environments. When your energy is peaceful, you inspire the same in your team.

Balancing a foundation, a family, and a working cattle farm means I have to be incredibly intentional with my energy. For me, leadership extends beyond the office. It’s about walking the talk. This November, my son Kalen and I will embark on a 13-day trek through the Himalayas to raise vital funds for Limbs4All, helping people with disabilities regain independence. This journey of endurance, which we undertake together, demonstrates to my family and my team that purpose is a continuous, focused action, not a sprint.

Effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers or controlling every outcome; it's about remaining a calm anchor when the world is in chaos. It’s about building a legacy, not a monument to busyness. By choosing peace over pressure, you replace stress with happiness and chaos with true, lasting impact. The results of the peaceful warrior will always be louder than the noise.

Jonelle Colabufalo is the Founder and CEO of the Jared Dunscombe Foundation (JDF), an organisation dedicated to turning personal tragedy into a legacy of hope and community collaboration. As a 'peaceful warrior' leader, Jonelle manages the JDF, runs a cattle farm, and is a devoted mother, all while driving significant change in the not-for-profit sector.

Website: jdf.org.au

Facebook: Jared Dunscombe Foundation

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