The Leaders I Aspire To
What kind of leaders have had the biggest impact on you?
I’ve been fortunate to serve under some truly remarkable leaders throughout my life. While they’ve all been unique in personality, background, and style, I’ve noticed they share certain qualities—qualities that have shaped how I view leadership and the kind of leader I aspire to be.
Here’s what I’ve learned from the leaders who have left the biggest mark on me:
1. Humble
One moment stands out vividly in my memory. I was at an off-site meeting, and after a long day of discussions, the team had cleared out of the conference room. Later, as I was passing by, I noticed our leader alone in the room, tidying up. They were gathering papers and straightening chairs—not because they had to, but because they didn’t want the cleaner to find a mess that evening.
That simple act of humility spoke volumes. It showed me the kind of leader worth following—and the kind of leader I want to be.
2. Believers in Others
Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to work with leaders who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. They gave me opportunities to stretch, to grow, and to take on roles I wasn’t sure I was ready for. And because they believed in me, I rose to the challenge.
Those leaders didn’t just push me to improve my skills—they expanded my view of my own leadership potential. Now, I aspire to do the same for others: to see the gold in people, to set them up for success, and to give them the chance to discover what they’re truly capable of.
3. Learners
One of the traits I admire most in leaders is a commitment to learning. I’ve served under leaders who weren’t afraid to change their minds when confronted with new information. I remember one leader who shifted a long-held opinion after engaging with experts who offered a different perspective.
Leaders who are learners are constantly seeking new insights. They read, take courses, ask questions, and experiment. They’re not afraid to admit what they don’t know—and they’re always growing. That’s the kind of leader I want to be: someone who never gets complacent, who remains curious, and who leads with a mindset of continuous growth.
4. Secure
I once worked on a leadership team with an exceptionally secure leader. This person fostered an environment where robust debate was not just allowed but encouraged. When a critical decision was at stake, we were invited to wrestle with ideas until we reached the best possible outcome—no matter how long it took.
That openness created a culture of trust and growth. It made us better as leaders, strengthened our relationships, and helped us deeply understand the issues we were responsible for. I want to be (and keep working to be!) the kind of leader who welcomes challenges to my ideas and makes others feel secure enough to contribute their best thinking.
Ultimately, the leaders I admire most are leaders of character. They embody patience, kindness, self-discipline, and even joy and peace in the face of chaos. Their character inspires confidence and trust.
Now, of course, I also want leaders to be sharp thinkers and highly competent. But here's the thing. Leaders can always delegate around gaps in their own competencies. But gaps in your character? You can’t delegate that away.
Character is the foundation of leadership. Without it, no amount of talent or strategy will make up the difference. In leadership, character is make or break.
What Kind of Leader Do You Aspire to Be?
I’m profoundly grateful for the incredible leaders who have shaped my life and career. Their examples have set the bar for the kind of leader I want to be —humble, encouraging, teachable, secure, and grounded in character.
What about you?
What qualities have the best leaders in your life demonstrated?
What kind of characteristics do you aspire to model in your own leadership?
Let’s aim to lead in a way that leaves a legacy worth following.