by Tanisha Srinivasan, 2024–2025 Miss CEO Ambassador
Indecision used to be my worst enemy. I remember standing in front of my robotics team, frozen, as everyone waited for me to decide how to approach our final design. Should we prioritize speed or precision? Should we take a risk with an untested mechanism or stick to what we knew worked? The weight of making the “right” choice felt crushing. I stalled, hoping someone else would step in. But no one did. That was the moment I realized: that leadership isn’t about always knowing the perfect answer — it’s about making decisions with confidence, learning from the outcome, and moving forward.
For a long time, I believed that good decision-making required certainty. I thought strong leaders made choices because they had all the answers. But over time, I realized that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity. When faced with uncertainty, the best thing to do is define your priorities. In my robotics dilemma, I had been overwhelmed by too many possibilities. But once I focused on our team’s core goal — precision — I suddenly knew which direction to take. Leaders don’t always make perfect decisions, but they make them with purpose.
That doesn’t mean acting impulsively. Good leaders gather information and consider different perspectives, but they also recognize when it’s time to act. I used to get caught up in overanalyzing every option, afraid of choosing wrong. But I’ve learned that waiting too long can be just as damaging as making the wrong call. Now, when I face a tough decision, I set a time limit for research. I ask key questions, weigh the trade-offs, and then commit to a course of action.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was that not every decision will lead to success. Our final robot design worked — mostly. It wasn’t flawless, and in competition, we faced setbacks that I hadn’t anticipated. But instead of dwelling on the imperfections, I adapted, problem-solved, and made improvements. Strong leaders don’t let mistakes define them. They take responsibility, adjust when needed, and keep moving forward. I used to fear making the wrong decision, but now I know that the worst decision is often no decision at all.
More than anything, I’ve learned that confidence is key. People trust leaders who trust themselves. That doesn’t mean pretending to have all the answers — it means believing in your ability to make the best choice with the information you have. Every time I make a tough call, I remind myself: that confidence isn’t about never being wrong. It’s about being willing to learn.
The best leaders aren’t the ones who never make mistakes — they’re the ones who make decisions, learn from them, and keep going. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project, or making a personal choice, approach every decision with clarity, confidence, and responsibility. And most importantly — trust yourself. The best way to become a strong decision-maker is to keep making decisions.
About the author:
Tanisha Srinivasan is a high school student with a passion for computer science, engineering, and leadership, dedicated to exploring new opportunities for innovation both inside and outside the classroom. Currently pursuing advanced coursework in AP Calculus, AP Physics, and computer science, she enjoys using technology to tackle complex problems.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Tanisha is involved in extracurricular activities that nurture her interest in entrepreneurship and STEM education for young women. Outside of her studies, she volunteers at The Tech Interactive in San Jose, where she inspires the next generation of innovators through hands-on exhibits and activities.
On weekends, Tanisha enjoys playing badminton with her sister and exploring local farmers’ markets. Having lived in both Singapore and the U.S., she has gained a unique perspective on global education systems and the value of cross-cultural learning.
Looking ahead, Tanisha hopes to join professional organizations that align with her passion for entrepreneurship and contribute to creating inclusive environments for young women in STEM fields. She is excited to continue her growth as a leader and make a meaningful impact in the world of technology and innovation.
