Built by Pressure, Led by Purpose (with Hannah Kow)

Pressure. When we hear that word, we usually associate it with something negative—pressure from grades, school, sports, friends, you name it. But what if we paused and redefined it? When embraced, pressure has a way of pushing limits and revealing what we never thought was possible. In DECA, that pressure can become our direction.

I joined DECA not having things figured out. Before I started high school, I had just moved to a new city. I really craved community and a place where I could contribute. When I first joined the competition team, the expectations were high: deadlines, presentations, and competition. At times, the pressure felt overwhelming. Yet, this intensity helped me to dive deep. I found a passion for consumer product entrepreneurship, met some of my best friends, networked across the country, and gained some of the best mentors.

Here are three ways pressure builds DECA leaders:

1. Pressure Shapes Intention Through Uncertainty

There is constant uncertainty in DECA. Leaders are asked to think on the spot in role-plays, launch ideas, and take initiative without guaranteed outcomes. Pressure forces clarity, encouraging leaders to set goals, trust preparation, and move forward with intention rather than hesitation. In these moments, uncertainty becomes clear through intentionality.

2. Pressure Drives Growth Beyond Comfort

DECA consistently challenges leaders to step outside conventional comfort zones. Whether through public speaking, quick decision-making, or networking, pressure pushes leaders to grow beyond comfort. Each experience builds newfound resilience, confidence, and adaptability, showing that leadership is developed when we step forward, not when we hold back.

3. Pressure Fuels Purpose-Driven Leadership

As responsibility increases, pressure begins to shift. Leadership in DECA is no longer just about individual performance, but about supporting the community, representing chapters, and uplifting others. Under pressure, leaders learn that purpose-driven leadership is rooted in service, accountability, and impact. True change happens when the focus shifts away from recognition and toward meaningful contribution.

Today, I carry DECA’s lessons beyond competition. The pressure I once feared now fuels my motivation, and the purpose I found through DECA continues to guide my goals. After all, DECA teaches us that diamonds are not created through comfort; they are formed under pressure and shaped by challenge.