Kate Kraft, MD, on finding your “leadership flow”

In this interview, Kate H. Kraft, MD, MHPE, FACS, FAAP, discusses her session on helping early-career women find their “leadership flow,” which she presented at the Society of Women in Urology (SWIU) 15th Annual Clinical Mentoring Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Kraft is a clinical associate professor in the department of urology at the University of Michigan and the chief of the Division of Pediatric Urology atC.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

During the discussion, Kraft emphasizes the importance of developing self-awareness, confidence, and purpose-driven leadership skills. She explains that the goal of the session is to equip participants with practical tools to recognize their leadership potential early on, build influence and presence, and intentionally shape their leadership paths. Central to this process is understanding one’s personal purpose and passion, which serves as a guide for making leadership choices and seeking opportunities aligned with individual values.

Kraft also expanded upon the idea of “leadership flow,” describing it as the point at which a person’s mission, opportunities, and actions align. For those early in their careers, this begins with identifying their “why” and then pursuing leadership roles that allow them to live out that purpose. When individuals are able to consistently lead in ways that reflect what they stand for, leadership becomes more natural and fulfilling rather than something forced.

As a key takeaway, Kraft emphasizes the importance of embracing growth and discomfort. She notes that meaningful change and development cannot happen without moments of unease, comparing leadership growth to a seed breaking open to become a flower. By accepting discomfort as a necessary part of the journey, leaders can continually evolve, adapt, and become stronger, more authentic versions of themselves.