Be the Leader You Wish You Had

Think back to the best leader you’ve ever worked with.

What made them unforgettable? Was it their empathy? Their ability to listen? The way they had your back, even when things got tough?

Now think about the worst leader you’ve had. The one who made you feel small. The one who withheld recognition, dismissed your ideas, or led with fear instead of trust.

These experiences—both good and bad—shape us. They show us what leadership can look like, and what it shouldn’t. And they give us a choice:

To either repeat the leadership we endured or become the leader we always needed.

Your Leadership Legacy Starts Now

You don’t have to wait until you’re a VP or have a corner office to start leading with intention. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. And the most impactful leaders are often shaped by what they didn’t get from those who came before them.

Maybe you never had a mentor who believed in you > Be that mentor now.

Maybe your ideas were ignored > Be the leader who creates space for every voice.

Maybe you were managed with fear > Lead with trust, not control.

Empathy Over Ego

It’s easy to lead from habit. It’s harder—but more powerful—to lead from awareness.

The leader you wish you had probably wasn’t perfect. But they likely made you feel seen, safe, and supported. They celebrated your wins, challenged you to grow, and guided you through uncertainty without making you feel less than.

You can be that leader—whether you’re managing a team of ten or just starting your first job.

Lead with empathy.  Lead with curiosity.  Lead like someone’s career depends on it—because it might.

The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership

When you lead with intention, your influence reaches far beyond deadlines and deliverables. You shape cultures. You unlock confidence. You model what’s possible for others.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t just change your team—you change people’s lives.

Years from now, someone will say you were the leader they’ll never forget. The one who listened. The one who believed. The one who inspired.

Remember:  Leadership is Personal

At the end of the day, leadership is deeply personal. It’s not just about KPIs or project plans—it’s about people. And every day, you get the chance to choose what kind of leader you will be.

So ask yourself:

• Am I leading from fear or from purpose?
• Am I managing tasks or empowering people?
• Am I the kind of leader I wish I had?

You don’t have to be perfect.  Just present.  Just human.

Be the leader you wish you had—and watch how others rise.

Happy Thursday all,

-srt

P.S. Happy MayDay!