Start leading yourself independently and authentically NOW. Do not wait for someone in a leadership or mentoring role to take action in developing your skills, strengths and abilities. Take responsibility and be an inspiring, optimistic, enthusiastic young professional that leads yourself out of negativity and pessimism. Great leaders know that leadership success starts with personal leadership that should be seen a process and not a destination – you develop as a leader continuously throughout your life. It takes hard work, commitment, self-discipline, practice and a willingness to grow.