Resilience is more than just bouncing back from challenges. It’s about adapting, growing, and finding purpose even in the face of adversity. Sonia Johnston, principal of Roscommon School in Manurewa, New Zealand, exemplifies resilience through her leadership journey.
In a 2022 podcast hosted by Dr. Siautu Alefaio-Tugia—an esteemed Pacific psychologist and founder of NIUPATCH—Sonia shared her story of becoming a school principal at a young age. Her experiences reveal that resilience isn’t about doing it all perfectly. It’s about perseverance, maintaining balance, and leading with humility.
Rising to Unexpected Challenges
Sonia’s journey to leadership began when life threw her into a role she hadn’t anticipated. She had been a classroom teacher for years and loved her work. When her principal invited her to step into the deputy principal role, she reluctantly agreed to try it out.
Then, everything changed. Her principal became ill, and Sonia suddenly found herself stepping in as acting principal at just 26 years old. She admitted to feeling out of her depth. “I didn’t know what I was doing. I felt like, ‘What am I doing here?’” she said.
But instead of giving up, Sonia leaned on her faith, family, and cultural values. She embraced the challenge with the belief that if she had been called to this role, she would be equipped to handle it. This perspective aligns with research showing that finding purpose in one’s work is a critical factor in building resilience. Leaders who feel their roles have meaning are more likely to persevere, even when the road is difficult.
For anyone stepping into an unfamiliar or overwhelming role, Sonia’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin. Resilience is about taking that first step and trusting that you’ll learn along the way.
Balancing Leadership and Family
Balancing professional responsibilities with family life is a challenge many professionals face, and Sonia’s experience offers valuable insights. She often worked late into the night after ensuring her children were cared for. But she also prioritized time with her family.
“We went on trips, spent time together, and made sure our kids felt loved,” Sonia said. Her approach wasn’t about achieving perfection but about staying committed to both her professional and personal responsibilities. She laughed about moments when she fell short, joking with her kids, “Mother of the year strikes again!”
This balance between work and family is something many professionals wrestle with, particularly those in leadership roles. Sonia’s story shows that resilience isn’t about always getting it right. It’s about showing up, doing your best, and making space for what matters most.
If you worry about juggling career aspirations with family, Sonia’s story reminds you that it’s possible to thrive in both areas by prioritizing connection and giving yourself grace.
Walking in Authority
One of the greatest challenges Sonia faced as a young principal was earning respect in a context where cultural and generational dynamics could be complex. As a young leader, she had to lead older, more experienced staff members. In Pacific cultures, where age often commands respect, this created unique challenges.
Sonia learned that respecting the authority she had been given was the key to gaining the respect of others. “If you respect the authority given to you and operate under it with humility, others will respect it too,” she said.
Her leadership approach offers a valuable lesson: resilience includes the confidence to step into your role, even when you feel unprepared. Studies on leadership emphasize the importance of humility in gaining trust and fostering collaboration. Sonia’s ability to balance authority with humility allowed her to navigate these dynamics effectively and lead with confidence.
If you ever feel unsure about stepping into a leadership role, Sonia’s experience is proof that confidence and humility can go hand in hand. Respecting your position and the people you serve makes all the difference.
Creating Safe Spaces
Throughout her career, Sonia has emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for others—whether for staff, students, or the wider community. This became particularly important during the pandemic, when schools became hubs of support for families facing significant struggles.
“If people can process and make sense of what they’re going through, they feel empowered to move forward,” Sonia explained. After one major lockdown, she made sure her staff had opportunities to debrief and share their experiences. This helped them feel supported and connected, enabling them to continue serving their students effectively.
Creating these spaces is a cornerstone of resilience, especially in leadership. It reminds us that resilience isn’t just an individual quality—it’s something we build collectively by supporting and uplifting one another.
For professionals considering fields like psychology or education, this is a powerful takeaway: the most meaningful work often involves helping others find their strength, too.
Resilience as a Journey
Sonia Johnston’s story is a testament to the idea that resilience isn’t about being perfect—it’s about perseverance, balance, and leading with integrity. Whether rising to unexpected challenges, balancing family and career, or creating safe spaces for others, Sonia’s example shows that resilience is built one step at a time.
Her journey offers encouragement for anyone navigating professional challenges. You don’t need to have everything figured out to succeed. Trust in your values, lean on your support systems, and approach each challenge with humility and determination.
What strengths and values can you draw on to navigate your own journey? Reflect on how you can cultivate resilience in your work, studies, or personal life. When you do, you’ll not only rise to challenges—you’ll inspire others to do the same.
