Every leader, at some point in their journey, is faced with a decision that doesn’t come with a playbook. For Michelle Maralit, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia), one of the toughest moments in her leadership career involved making strategic decisions that impacted people’s roles. “Whether it’s restructuring a team or making difficult personnel changes, these decisions affect people’s lives and careers,” she shared with Financial Adviser PH.
And yet, it’s in these high-stakes moments that leadership is defined—not by how easy the decision is, but by how fair and transparent the process becomes. “Leadership is about making fair and transparent choices that serve the long-term success of both the business and the individuals involved,” Michelle emphasized. It’s not about being cold or distant—it’s about balancing empathy with business sense, and staying grounded in what’s best for the team and organization alike.
Michelle’s leadership ethos is rooted in vision, integrity, and accountability. She believes that even the most difficult decisions can be navigated with clarity if leaders are anchored in purpose. “It’s never easy,” she admitted, “but integrity and a clear vision always guide me through those moments.”
What sets standout leaders apart in these moments is their ability to communicate openly. Michelle is a firm believer in addressing issues directly but respectfully, fostering a workplace culture where trust isn’t sacrificed for tough calls. “The first step is always to listen—understanding the root cause of the problem before reacting,” she said.
For leaders wrestling with difficult decisions, Michelle offers a simple but powerful reminder: “People need to feel seen and heard, even when the outcome is hard.” It’s this balance of humanity and decisiveness that defines modern leadership.
In a world where change is constant and organizations evolve quickly, Michelle’s experience is a timely lesson: leaders who face the toughest calls with integrity leave the deepest impact—not just on results, but on people.
