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ToggleFor years, I thought I had leadership figured out. Titles. Achievements. Recognition. I wore these like a badge of honor, stacking accolade after accolade: captain of the football team, officer of a company by 30, CEO of two companies, coach, and more. If success could be quantified, I was nailing it. But that isn’t leadership. It was ego dressed up as an accomplishment.
Leadership isn’t the loudest voice in the room or the one holding the biggest megaphone. It’s not about dominating, delegating, or calling all the shots. Leadership, as most of us have been conditioned to believe, is a myth. And if you still buy into that myth, you’re part of the problem.
Nick Egan, PhD, put it best when he said: “Leadership is the ability to transform challenges into opportunities by shifting perspectives, fostering connection, and empowering others to unlock their potential for growth and meaningful impact.” His words resonate because they point to the heart of leadership—helping others rise, not glorifying yourself.
Life doesn’t hand you a manual, but it does hand you curveballs. And if you’re paying attention, those curveballs will teach you more about leadership than any award or accolade ever could.
For me, those leadership lessons came through failed businesses, gut-wrenching divorce, and the chaotic and humbling act of being a single parent. They came through the messiness of life itself. It wasn’t in the wins but in the moments I was forced to sit with my failures, ask hard questions, and rebuild—not just businesses but myself, a lesson that’s crucial in small business branding services as well.
Courtney Lukitsch, CEO of Gotham PR, captures this evolution beautifully: “Cultivating change is the most significant mandate in leadership, creating trust upfront at the top and often managing from the back—to ensure that all levels and aspects within a company are being elevated in the process.” Leadership is about elevation, not control, and the ability to pivot with humility is a skill life teaches when we allow ourselves to listen.
Leadership is showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s admitting you’re wrong, learning from failure, and doing better next time. It’s knowing when to lead and when to let others take the wheel.
Sudev Rajah, CEO of Business Klub, believes leadership means “strategically guiding and inspiring others with vision, compassion, and integrity.” To me, leadership is also about clarity. You can’t lead others if you haven’t done the work to understand who you are and what you stand for. It’s about distilling your values into actions and your vision into reality.
This isn’t easy work—it requires time, introspection, and courage. Nicole McAlister, CEO of Premier Properties, highlights the result of this effort: “True leadership creates progress, confidence, and purpose, fostering an environment for meaningful growth.” This is the kind of impact leadership should have—not just on businesses but on the people who power them.
The best leaders know that leadership isn’t about them—it’s about the people they serve. It’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where others can thrive which is essential when building a brand.
Shay Prosser, founder of North 12 Partners, puts it succinctly: “Leadership begins with understanding through observation and listening, translating those insights into a clear direction aligned with desired results.” This resonates deeply with me because leadership is as much about the team as it is about the leader. It’s about inspiring others to perform at their best and creating a collective sense of purpose.
Leadership isn’t power. It’s purpose. It’s not about commanding others; it’s about inspiring them. It’s not about the accolades you stack or the titles you hold; it’s about the impact you make and the legacy you leave.
True leadership isn’t something you arrive at; it’s something you practice daily. It’s showing up, doing the work, and making choices that align with your values—even when no one is watching.
To borrow from Courtney Lukitsch again, “Everyone is invested in the experience of 360° growth, opportunity, and success that results.” Leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about being in service. It’s about the lives you touch and the difference you make, not just in business but in every corner of your life. This is the essence of leadership storytelling—leading through authenticity, connection, and the stories that inspire others to grow.
Leadership isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. If you’re ready to redefine what leadership looks like for you, let’s start that conversation. Whether it’s through brand alignment or full-scale brand discovery, I can help you build the clarity, confidence, and resonance needed to lead with authenticity and purpose.
So ask yourself: How will you lead today?
Deevo is a personal branding expert, storyteller, brand strategy consultant and founder of The Brand Storyteller. With over two decades of experience in building brands that connect deeply with their audiences, Deevo combines insights, strategy, and creativity to help leaders elevate their impact. He is dedicated to empowering others to embrace their unique stories and create brands that inspire, resonate, and lead with authenticity.
Let’s explore how we can elevate your brand—and your leadership journey—together. Connect with me here: https://thebrandstoryteller.com/contact/
Blog Inclusions from other CEO’s and the full quote on leadership.
Nick Egan, PhD, Executive Development Coach
Leadership is the ability to transform challenges into opportunities by shifting perspectives, fostering connection, and empowering others to unlock their potential for growth and meaningful impact.
Nicole McAlister., CEO Premier Properties
If I HAD to put it into 35 words: Leadership is influence, and great leadership inspires positive, growth-focused action. It motivates others to look inward, take small steps, and build momentum. True leadership creates progress, confidence, and purpose, fostering an environment for meaningful growth.
Sudev Rajah, CEO, Chess Klub and Business Klub
Leadership means strategically guiding and inspiring others with vision, compassion, and integrity, fostering strong networks and community building while empowering individuals to achieve shared goals and create lasting impact.
Courtney Lukitsch, CEO Gotham PR
Cultivating change is the most significant mandate in leadership, creating trust upfront at the top and often managing from the back — to ensure that all levels and aspects within a company are being elevated in the process. In this manner, everyone is invested in the experience of 360° growth, opportunity, and success that results.
Shay Prosser, CEO and Founder North 12 Partners
Leadership begins with understanding through observation and listening, translating those insights into a clear direction aligned with desired results. I build trust and connection with individuals—peers, external partners, and team members—to understand their unique strengths and growth aspirations. Magic happens when you can strategically align individual talents with the task at hand to maximize impact. Effective leadership centers on a clear strategy, directed action, and demonstrable results. The true measure of leadership is a team achieving shared goals, fueled by energized individuals performing at their best.