Tobin & Associates, Inc.

So... You Were Bamboozled.

Welcome to the club!

Even after decades of leadership, coaching leaders, and teaching others how to recognize red flags... I got bamboozled.

Was it an expensive lesson for my company? Yes. Was it frustrating? Absolutely.

But here's what my years of experience did ‘do’, they helped me recover from it.

The important lesson here isn't that I got fooled. The important thing is "I didn’t let being bamboozled define me."

Every setback I have experienced has taught me something, even if I do go kicking and screaming down the learning trail. This time around I was reminded I need to truly trust my instincts, verify instead of assuming, establish stronger safeguards, and remember that accountability matters.

Leadership isn't about never making mistakes. It's about having the courage to face them, learn from them, and move forward wiser than before.

So how about you, have you ever had a leadership lesson that cost you something—but ultimately made you a better leader?

Peg Tobin, RN

Healthcare Leadership Strategist | Executive Coach | Speaker | Author | Founder & President, Tobin & Associates

Leadership Isn't About Being Liked!

One of the greatest freedoms a leader can experience is realizing that not everyone is going to like you.

That statement may sound discouraging at first, but it's actually liberating.

When we first step into leadership, many of us want everyone to appreciate our efforts. We want to be respected, accepted, and yes... even liked. There is nothing wrong with wanting positive relationships.

The problem comes when our need to be liked begins to influence our decisions.

We avoid difficult conversations because we don't want someone to be upset with us. We delay accountability because we're afraid of hurting feelings. We compromise on standards because we're hoping to keep everyone happy.

Leadership requires making decisions that aren't always popular, but are necessary!

Over the years, I've learned something very important:

“The person who needs to like you the most is you.”

I'm not talking about arrogance or believing you're always right. I'm talking about being comfortable with who you are, knowing your values, recognizing both your strengths and your shortcomings, and being able to look in the mirror at the end of the day with a clear conscience.

When you know you've acted with integrity, treated people fairly, listened with respect, and made the best decision you could with the information you had, you can sleep well—even if someone disagrees with you.

Leadership will never earn unanimous approval.

The older I get, the more I realize that peace doesn't come from everyone liking me. It comes from knowing I've tried to do the right thing.

Peg Tobin, RN

Healthcare Leadership Strategist | Executive Coach | Speaker | Author | Founder & President, Tobin & Associates

July 24, 2026
Someone told me today that I'm a legend in my field. My first thought was... "And this means what?"

The longer I thought about it, the more I realized that being a "legend" isn't about awards, titles, or recognition.

It's about consistency.

It's about showing up year after year, learning from mistakes, keeping your integrity, and helping others succeed.

If I've earned that description, I hope it's because I've spent my career investing in people—leaders, organizations, and the profession I love.

Legacy isn't built in one extraordinary moment. It's built in thousands of ordinary moments when we choose to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

I'd be honored to know...

What does "leaving a legacy" mean to you?



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Eldercare Consultant | Helping families find the best senior living and care solutions in Central Ohio
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I think it means that you have been doing the work for a long time and have developed a great reputation over the decades.

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