Leadership Insights From Iconic Figures

Learning from Jesse Owens: A Blueprint for Leadership and Humanity When we think about great leaders, we often picture those who have successfully navigated the complexities of business or politics. Yet, some of the most profound lessons in leadership come from unexpected places. Jesse Owens, an extraordinary athlete and even more extraordinary human being, provides us with timeless insights into being better people and leaders. Jesse Owens teaches us that true leadership is about resilience in the face of adversity. Owens faced systemic racism and discrimination, yet he never allowed these challenges to define him. Instead, he demonstrated that leadership is not about the accolades we receive, but about how we rise above our circumstances. As Owens himself said, “The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself — the invisible battles inside all of us — that’s where it’s at.” It’s about the quiet dignity and unwavering courage we exhibit when no one is watching. Owens also reminds us of the importance of integrity. Despite the lack of recognition and the financial struggles he endured, he remained committed to his values and beliefs. He showed us that leadership is not merely about achieving personal success, but about inspiring others through our actions and setting a standard of excellence that transcends our personal ambitions. Moreover, Owens’ life exemplifies the power of humility and empathy. He understood that leadership is not about standing above others, but rather standing with them. His ability to connect with people, regardless of their background, is a testament to the transformative power of empathy in leadership. In our pursuit of success, we must also remember Owens' dedication to community and service. He used his platform to promote causes he believed in, demonstrating that true leadership involves lifting others as you climb. It's about using your influence to create a positive impact and leaving the world a better place than you found it. Jesse Owens' story challenges us to redefine what it means to be a leader. It's not about the spotlight or the accolades; it's about the legacy of integrity, resilience, and compassion we leave behind. Let’s draw inspiration from his journey and strive to lead with heart and purpose. What steps will you take today to embody these values in your own leadership journey? #JesseOwens #Leadership #Resilience #Integrity #Empathy

What can a 1970s distance runner teach us about leadership? A lot — if that runner was Steve “Pre” Prefontaine. Prefontaine reshaped American distance running. During his short life, he became a national icon, held every American record from 2,000 to 10,000 meters, and played a key role in Nike’s early story. Here are three lessons from him I always come back to: 1) Set the pace - don’t follow it. Pre was known for front-running: taking the lead early and pushing the pace, even when it made the race harder for him. Takeaway: In business, that’s the difference between reacting to trends and shaping them. 2) Don’t save it for later. He never coasted, even in less competitive races. Takeaway: In startups and fast-moving organizations, there's no room for “saving it for later.” His consistency is a model for the kind of everyday excellence that builds trust, culture, and momentum. 3) Your impact can outlast your results. Pre died from a car accident at just 24 — but his legacy lives on. Takeaway: Titles come and go. What lasts is how you make people feel, the culture you build and the standard you set.  I’ve found that some of the most enduring lessons about leadership and performance come from outside the business world. What athlete or figure has shaped your own approach to leadership?

For the past few weeks, my daily commute has been transformed by the world of Harry Potter audiobooks. As a long-time fan of the movies, I've finally found time to "read" the books during my drives. Currently on the 6th installment, I've been struck by the leadership qualities of one character in particular: Albus Dumbledore. This got me thinking about the exceptional leaders I've encountered in my professional journey. The parallels are surprising and inspiring: 1. Visionary Thinking: When Dumbledore reformed the Order of the Phoenix, he demonstrated foresight in preparing for Voldemort's return. Similarly, great leaders anticipate market shifts and position their organizations for future success. 2. Empowering Others: Dumbledore entrusted Harry with the task of retrieving a memory from Professor Slughorn, showing faith in his abilities. Effective leaders likewise delegate crucial tasks to team members, fostering growth and confidence. 3. Emotional Intelligence: In "Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore's understanding of Harry's anger and frustration showcases his emotional acuity. Strong leaders in the corporate world also navigate complex emotions to maintain team cohesion and productivity. 4. Ethical Decision-Making: Dumbledore's refusal to use dark magic, even when facing dire circumstances, exemplifies his unwavering ethics. In business, principled leaders maintain integrity in their decisions, even under pressure. 5. Adaptive Leadership: When the Ministry of Magic turned against Hogwarts, Dumbledore adapted his strategies to protect the school. Similarly, agile leaders pivot their approach in response to changing market conditions or unexpected challenges. These parallels have strengthened my belief in the universal qualities of great leadership. Whether in the halls of Hogwarts or our corporate offices, true leaders inspire, empower, and guide with wisdom and compassion. I'm curious: Have you ever found leadership inspiration in unexpected places? How has it shaped your approach to management and teamwork?

What if our traditional notions of leadership are actually holding us back in an era of unprecedented complexity and change? When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before the largest crowd ever assembled at the March on Washington, he was delivering a carefully prepared speech about America's defaulted promissory note of freedom. Halfway through, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson called out "Tell them about your dream, Martin!" In that moment, King did something remarkable - he set aside his prepared remarks and followed her lead, delivering what would become one of the most influential speeches in history. This wasn't just a moment of improvisation. It demonstrated a profound leadership philosophy where great leaders empower others to guide and strengthen their abilities. King consistently surrounded himself with people who had permission to challenge his thinking and redirect his course. This "Abundant Leadership" style proved transformative during the Civil Rights Movement and offers crucial lessons for today's leaders. With 70% of large-scale corporate initiatives failing and employee engagement at critical lows, it's clear our command-and-control leadership models aren't equipped for modern challenges. As we face unprecedented technological disruption and complexity, perhaps it's time to learn from King's example. When was the last time you empowered someone on your team to redirect your course? How did it turn out? #ExecutiveLeadership #FutureOfWork #LeadershipTransformation #EmployeeEngagement #Innovation

I played tennis with Richard Branson on his private island in the Caribbean. Between sets, he shared 3 business insights... That completely shifted how I think about leadership: First: "When you find A-players, hire them on the spot." Most people overthink hiring. They create 12-step interview processes. They "need to think about it." Meanwhile, great people get snatched up. Richard's approach? When you meet someone exceptional... Figure out how to work with them immediately. Don't let perfect be the enemy of great. Second: "Be a benevolent dictator." This phrase stuck with me. You can't be a pushover. 
 You can't be a tyrant.
 The sweet spot? 
 Kind but decisive. 
Supportive but clear on standards. People want to follow someone... Who cares about them AND knows where they're going. Third: "If something frustrates you, fix it." He said passion often disguises itself as frustration. That thing that keeps bugging you? That broken process you complain about? That gap in the market that annoys you? That's not just a problem. That's your next opportunity. The things that frustrate us most... Are often the things we're best positioned to solve.

What if the greatest business superpower isn’t speed or capital—but spirituality? Silicon Valley taught us to hustle. But some of the most iconic founders succeeded by doing something far more radical: They slowed down. They looked inward. They led with soul. Steve Jobs credited Autobiography of a Yogi with transforming his life. He traveled to India. Meditated. Reflected. And returned to build Apple—not just as a company, but as a philosophy.¹ He’s not alone. Yvon Chouinard gave Patagonia away to fight climate change. Ray Dalio built the world’s largest hedge fund on meditation and Daoist flow.² Marc Benioff fused Hindu wisdom with compassionate capitalism.³ Oprah created an empire grounded in mysticism and emotional depth.⁴ Ratan Tata built legacy through humility and Zoroastrian ethics.⁵ These leaders didn’t just think differently. They saw differently. They believed differently. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a pattern. And in India, this truth lands even harder: We didn’t invest this. We imported it. Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, Vedanta, Jain and Buddhist ethics—these aren’t spiritual ornaments. They’re operating systems for visionary leadership. Scientific studies back this up: Meditation improves strategic thinking, reduces impulsivity, and increases resilience⁶ Purpose-driven leaders outperform their peers in long-term performance and employee loyalty⁷ Stillness increases creativity and cognitive clarity under pressure⁸ So why are we still chasing borrowed startup culture? Why do we work at the surface level of meaning? Why chase the symptoms when we already hold the source? ******************************************************************************** The trick with technology is to avoid spreading darkness at the speed of light Stephen Klein is the Founder & CEO of CuriouserAI and teaches entrepreneurship and AI at UC Berkeley. To learn more, visit curiouser.ai. Footnotes: Isaacson, Walter. Steve Jobs (Simon & Schuster, 2011). Dalio, Ray. Principles (Simon & Schuster, 2017); TM.org interview. Benioff, Marc. Trailblazer (Currency, 2019); India Today interview, 2022. Oprah Winfrey interviews with Eckhart Tolle, Super Soul Sunday archives. Tata biography, The Tata Group: From Torchbearers to Trailblazers, 2021. Goleman & Davidson, Altered Traits, 2017. Harvard Business Review, “The Business Case for Purpose,” 2015. Stanford Graduate School of Business, “Mindfulness and Decision-Making,” 2018.

They didn’t lead for applause. They led for change. Use these leaders as a rubric for your leadership. 1. Oprah Winfrey: Lead with Empathy Leadership Lesson: True influence comes from presence vs power. Application: Practice “presence over performance.” 2. Malala Yousafzai: Speak the Truth, Even If Your Voice Shakes Leadership Lesson: Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's the choice to speak anyway. Application: Name one value you’re afraid to speak up about. Share it with someone safe this week—and explore how you might lead boldly. 3. Sheryl Sandberg: Own Your Seat at the Table Leadership Lesson: Leadership requires not only skill but self-permission. Application: Notice where you're waiting for permission. Take one small action that reflects your voice or expertise—without over-explaining it. 4. Brené Brown: Vulnerability Builds Trust Leadership Lesson: The bravest leaders go first in naming what’s hard. Application: Begin your next team meeting with a personal check-in: “What’s one thing you’re carrying today?” Let honesty lead. 5. Rosa Parks: Change Starts With a Quiet No Leadership Lesson: Leadership is often quiet, firm, and rooted in deep conviction. Application: Consider one small boundary you can hold this week, even if no one applauds it. 6. Jacinda Ardern: Strength Can Be Soft Leadership Lesson: Compassion is not weakness—it’s strategy. Application: In your next conflict or hard decision, ask: “How can I be both clear and kind?” 7. Bryan Stevenson: Get Proximate Leadership Lesson: You can’t solve what you don’t understand up close. Application: Choose one story, one voice, or one space you’ve been distant from—then listen, learn, and sit in the discomfort long enough to grow. 8. Lin-Manuel Miranda: Rewrite the Narrative Leadership Lesson: The most powerful leaders aren’t always the loudest—they’re the storytellers who reshape what we believe is possible. Application: Identify one narrative you carry that keeps you small. Rewrite it as a new affirmation or team story—and speak it out loud this week. 9. Jesus of Nazareth: Wash Their Feet Leadership Lesson: Greatness in leadership means lived humility. Application: Find a quiet, behind-the-scenes way to serve someone on your team this week. Not for recognition, but for restoration. 10. Elizabeth Packard: Defy the Silence Leadership Lesson: When systems silence your voice, persistence is leadership. Application: Where have you silenced yourself to fit in or avoid discomfort? Take one brave step to tell your truth—especially in places it’s been ignored. ----- 💡 Follow Julia LeFevre for more Leadership content 📢 DM or email me at julia@braverestoration.org ♻️ Repost to share with your network

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids with Carla Harris from Morgan Stanley. Carla shared 8 pearls of intentional leadership: 1. Authenticity- This is your competitive advantage. Don’t try to be someone else. Lesson > Most people are not comfortable or confident in their abilities - so bring your authentic self which will build trust. She is a professional singer and didn’t want anyone to know. She sang at the Apollo and Radio City and Carnegie Hall. She would win new business when they knew about her singing. Because they saw her as someone more than just a banker. 2. Can’t do it alone - You will need someone else’s network. How do you create trust? You deliver over and over again. > People will always tell you what they value. 3. Creating Clarity - Your job as a leader is to create clarity even when you can’t see. You have to define what success looks like for your team. Define it for a period of time. Start with just 1 month. > Morgan Stanley did this to help them incubate new companies from diverse founders. They would define what success looked like for just the first 4 weeks. 4. Create other leaders - If all roads lead back to you, you will cap your success. You want to make other people to replace you. Not execute as a leader. But make others successful. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. > Leadership is a journey from execution to empowering others. 5. Diversity - You need many ideas to be successful. Perspectives are built from experiences. > Start with more people in the room to get to that one best idea. 6. Innovation - Most companies and teams want innovation but aren’t afraid to fail. The key to innovation is teaching people how to fail. How? > Celebrate the failures. Trail/fail/iterate is the process. If you shoot the messenger, they will not be innovative. 7. Solicit other voices - leaders can ask people to add on to an argument. Give people an assignment to invite them by name. Invite them to specifically support or refute an argument. > People love to be heard. Ask them to expand on what they said. 8. Be willing to call a thing a thing - The worse thing is not saying it. Say what people are thinking. Invite your teams in to the solution making process. > It takes courage to say what others are unwilling to say but it will make you more influential. What’s your reaction to this advice?

🔑 Leadership Wisdom from Bob Iger, Disney One of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever received as a CEO came from Bob Iger — and it still shapes how I lead and coach others today: “A CEO is first and foremost a great communicator.” That one sentence changed how I saw the role forever. A great CEO sets a bold vision, builds the right team… and then gets out of their way. When I stepped into the CEO role at Claire’s, Bob generously shared five leadership principles with me — they remain just as relevant and impactful today: 1️⃣ Don’t take a hierarchical approach. 2️⃣ Avoid an overly rigorous approval process — trust your people. 3️⃣ Protect passion. Don’t water down bold ideas. 4️⃣ Empower decision-makers. 5️⃣ Shine the spotlight on the company, not the individual. I've carried his wisdom into every chapter of my leadership journey — and now, into my work with leaders and executives across industries. Bob is an iconic CEO, a visionary Leader, and a nice Human. We're all lucky to learn from his example. 👇 What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received? Follow Jim Fielding for more leadership insights and tips.