We’re looking forward to introducing you to Paya Sample. Check out our conversation below.
Paya, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m a hard-core introvert and depending on my day, the mornings are often the only time I have to be alone. So it means waking up at 5:15 in the morning so that I can give myself what I need. The first 90 minutes are equal parts sacred rhythm, sweaty discipline, and connection.
After stopping my alarm, I do my best ninja impersonation, sneaking out of the bedroom so I don’t wake my husband. First stop: filling up my water bottle. To get my water in each day, I have made a rule for myself: I must drink two bottles of water before coffee. So I get started right away. Second stop: my favorite corner window chair with my Bible. I turn on my lamp on the lowest setting because I’m still not fully awake and prepare my heart and mind to get into Scripture. This time, reading my Bible, praying to God, or listening to my devotion is my anchor. I get to sit with Jesus, get filled with his truth before the world starts pulling at me. Some mornings when I’m really dragging because I didn’t get my minimum of six and a half hours of sleep, I skip the scripture and just sit in my chair and tell him, “I’m tired. I really need you today.” And just allow myself to sit in his presence.
Now that I have my anchor, I turn on my worship music and prepare my body for exercise. This is where the discipline comes in because moving my body when it’s still dark outside and I’m tired is most times really hard. I do a quick prayer of honesty: “Lord, I do not want to do this today, but I know I’ll feel better afterward. Give me strength.” And like clockwork, I lace up for strength training, HIIT, or a jog on the treadmill. I find my groove, enjoying the quiet and calm, while actively fighting the urge to think about my to-do list for the day. Instead, I push myself to stay present and be present in that moment in time.
My oldest daughter eventually wanders to find me to ask how I slept, share the full transcript of her dreams and anything else that is on her mind. Since mornings and conversation don’t mix well for me, she usually gets a grunt or a thumbs-up. We’ve had plenty of conversations about how my introverted self and her extroverted self have to compromise in the mornings, so we both know the drill. Her bucket gets filled, and off she goes to get started on the rest of her morning routine.
When I finish my workout, I check to make sure she’s on track for school, maybe help with breakfast, and then make a mad dash for the shower before my four-year-old wakes up. Some days I win. Some days I don’t. If he’s up, I’ve got a visitor camped out at the bathroom door, unbothered by my pleas for privacy. Once dressed, it’s his turn for bucket filling. Because I’ve had my alone and quiet time, I’m ready and prepared for this high-energy, full-contact, highly conversational one-on-one playtime. It is filled with race cars, Transformers, wrestling, monster trucks, and superheroes. His only condition? No phone in sight because, as he boldly declares, “I need all your attention!”
Meanwhile, my middle daughter has perfected her stealth routine, getting herself dressed and ready without being seen or spoken to, because like her mama, she’s not here for morning chit-chat.
My oldest daughter is the first to leave the house. Depending on where everyone physically is in the house and their morning routine, I pray with just my oldest or we all come together for a family prayer before she heads out. Once she leaves, things take a slight shift. My son’s bucket is now full, so he can independently play. I have a little bit of freedom, which I use to turn back on my worship music, this time through the speakers, because these are the songs I want running through my kids’ heads all day. And they do! At any random moment, you can expect to hear one of them sing out a lyric, “That’s My King! (Cece Winans) or “I Depend on You” (Abide-Davy Flowers) or God Did! (Songs of Sunday). I then kick it into high gear to make sure lunches are packed, while unloading the dishwasher, packing backpacks, and often pausing for a dance break with my son. I seek out my middle daughter in snippets to hear what’s on her mind. Almost 90% of the time, it’s horses, and she shares something new she learned. Or she’ll read me part of the book she’s writing or show me a new hairstyle she’s trying out, which she always tells me I need to try because “It’d look SO good on you.”
By the time those 90 minutes are up, I’ve connected with Jesus, moved my body, and poured into my kids in the small ways that matter most. It’s rarely perfect, often messy, but it’s mine. And it sets the tone for a day where faith and family come first.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Paya (pay+uh) Sample. Fun fact about my name. My mom and my aunt made up. My mom actually went by Paya for a short time before returning to Paula. When I was born, she thought I was a boy and had picked out the name Peter. The way she tells the story is that the moment she heard that I was a girl, it’s almost like the name traveled right back to her in that moment, and that’s what she named me. And she added that the name Paya means ‘peace,’ because she needed peace in her life.
I’m the founder of Peak Leaders Collective. At the heart of my work is a deep purpose: to create spaces that honor the dignity of every individual. My journey as a teacher, principal, and now leadership coach has shown me that when people feel seen, valued, and supported, they can step more fully into who they are and lead with greater clarity and courage. And with that clarity and courage, leaders can rise to their peak—leading with confidence, purpose, and impact. That’s what Peak Leaders Collective is all about: helping leaders reach the height of their potential while building spaces where others can do the same. I also believe that leadership is not about the position or title you hold but rather your heart’s posture toward others. It is about answering the call to serve and shape the potential of those around you.
At Peak Leaders Collective, I get to live out this purpose every day, whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, leadership training, or workshops with teams. What makes my work unique is that it’s not just about skills or strategies (although these are necessary), but it’s about creating spaces where leaders can pause, reflect, and remember their worth and brilliance.
Right now, I’m especially excited about launching a Peak Mastermind: A Leadership Collective for Women Ready to Rise, Lead, and Multiply Their Impact. This came from countless conversations with women leaders who shared the obstacles they face and the isolation that so often comes with leadership. This is also something I have experienced in leadership. I know we can combat this by creating intentional opportunities for connection, where women leaders can be supported, sharpen their clarity, and multiply their impact together.
At its core, my work is about people because leadership is human work. And when we lead in ways that protect dignity and build trust, we not only change organizations, we change lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe true connection comes from honoring the dignity of the people in our presence, which means truly seeing and valuing them as human beings, with stories, strengths, and worth. What breaks the bond or connection between people is when that dignity is no longer honored. When someone stops recognizing the value in another person, or in parts of their story, and takes steps, whether intentional or not, that send the message: who you are and what you bring no longer matters. That is what fractures trust and connection.
What restores it is both simple and deeply courageous: acknowledging and understanding the rupture that has taken place and the impact it has had on the other person, apologizing, asking for forgiveness, and then taking the necessary steps to rebuild. When we do this, we not only repair the bond but often create an even stronger connection, rooted in honesty, humility, and a renewed commitment to seeing one another’s dignity.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I love this question because I actually do talk to my younger self and tell her many things. I have a shelf in my office space that is filled with pictures of myself from when I was a baby up until early college. It’s when I’m looking at those pictures that I often have a conversation.
One of the things I tell myself is, “You are a magnificent human being. You are beautiful and so inquisitive. Your story, even the hard parts, is yours, and you get to write the next chapters. Own it. Write your story and share it with those who have shown they will honor it. Being fully known is where freedom, joy, and connection live. I can’t wait for you to experience it.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
One important truth I hold, though few people may fully agree, is that true leadership isn’t about being in control or always having the answers. Instead, it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves. I believe that when we honor the dignity of those around us and prioritize connection over authority, the work, the results, and the impact naturally follow. It’s a truth that can feel countercultural in many workplaces, but it’s one I’ve seen transform leaders, teams, and organizations in profound ways.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
This is a powerful question that actually makes me tear up to think about.
Whether it’s my children, family, best friend, previous students, or clients, I pray that they can say that, “Paya was present, whether I was in the valleys or on the peaks. She had a way of showing up that made me feel seen, valued, and known. Her life created spaces where people could feel held, grow, and remember their worth. Her presence reflected Christ’s love, not always with words but in every quiet act of presence, encouragement, and care. And regardless of where I was, she spoke truth to me in love.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peakleaderscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakleaderscollective/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paya-sample/
