“Leadership is not about titles or positions. It’s about actions that inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.”
This week I attended an event that truly left a mark on me. It was about leadership — not the kind you read about in textbooks, but the real, lived kind — full of challenges, growth, setbacks, and inspiring stories.
At the “Women in Leadership” event, incredible women shared their journeys:
Their talks weren’t just about success stories — they were honest conversations about doubts, personal growth, resilience, and the power of community.
What I Took Away
The biggest takeaway — leaders are not born, they are made. It’s a journey. It’s a choice. And it’s always about working on yourself.
I was especially touched by the insights about emotional intelligence. That’s the key. I immediately saved the book they mentioned:
“Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman. A must-read for anyone who wants to lead not by commanding, but by inspiring.
The Keys to Leadership I Heard:
- Responsibility
- Attention and care
- Inspiration and trust in your team
- Collaboration and engagement
- Vision, meaning, and innovation
- Empathy and relationships
- Influence through helping others grow
For me, this became a checklist I want to keep coming back to.
How to Unlock Your Leadership Potential
I also noted an important model mentioned during the event — Torben's SkyPoint. It’s about how to begin your leadership growth:
- Start with self-observation. What drives you? How do you interact with people?
- Ask for feedback. Others often see leadership qualities in us that we might overlook.
- Develop your emotional intelligence. Listen, ask questions, create safe space for others.
- Define your values. They shape your vision and leadership style.
- And most importantly — start acting like a leader now. Leadership is a choice, not a position.
By the way, the film Hidden Figures came to mind — a story about women who made groundbreaking contributions at NASA despite systemic injustice. One of the characters, a technical team leader, recognized the barriers, felt responsible, and used his influence to change the situation.
It’s a powerful reminder: leaders are responsible for recognizing injustice, responding to it, and supporting those who deserve to be heard.
Even when it’s uncomfortable — that’s exactly what leadership is for.
Final Thoughts
This event was a powerful reminder: to lead others, you first need to understand yourself. True leadership is always about people. About connection. About meaning.
I’m grateful to everyone who creates these spaces for growth. And if you're reading this — maybe it’s time to take that first step on your own leadership journey