When we think of a leader, what image comes to mind? Probably someone who walks into a room and immediately owns it – confident, poised, charismatic. Maybe even a little larger than life. These are the traits we’ve come to associate with leadership because they’re the ones we see most clearly: charisma, power, vision.
But real leadership? It runs much deeper than what meets the eye.
True leadership isn’t always loud. It’s not always the one front and center. Sometimes, it’s found in quiet strength, the kind that listens more than it speaks, the kind that lifts others up rather than standing alone at the top. It’s about impact, not ego. About service, not spotlight.
Here’s how some expert leaders define what it really means to lead!
Joe Foster, Founder of Reebok, shares a powerful perspective on leadership:
“First of all, it’s leadership, which doesn’t mean showing everybody how it’s done, but rather encouraging others to be creative, thus developing a winning culture of inclusiveness! If you have the right culture and the right people you will do the right marketing.”
Jamie Van Cuyk, Small Business Consultant, emphasises two key skills every leader should master:
“The top two skills that I mastered during this time were time management and how to create self-sufficient teams.
When it came to time management, I had to ensure I was capable of staying on top of my projects while also being able to support my team members when needed. Now in my own business, I use the same time management skills so I can be sure to stay on top of my client work while also being sure I can complete all other in-office and marketing tasks that are needed to run a business.
One of the skills I am most proud of is the ability to create self-sufficient teams. The whole point of having employees is so you can give work tasks to someone else which allows you to spend some of that saved time doing other items. However, some managers get so involved in their team’s every move that they end up acting more like babysitters than leaders. I was able to create teams that knew what was expected of them. At the same time, they knew precisely when to involve me, and they did not overstep their roles. I now teach my clients how to create self-sufficient teams.”
Thomas André Sola, Managing Director of APSCo Deutschland, leadership means creating community and building trust through advocacy and collaboration:
“As General Manager, I oversee operations, deliver webinars, and build a community of key industry stakeholders. My passion for connecting people with opportunities and helping organisations succeed inspired me to take this role. I see APSCo Deutschland as a platform to advocate for high standards and provide valuable resources to our members while improving the staffing industry’s reputation in Germany.”
Israa Shaheen, Etiquette and Protocol Expert, brings a unique and culturally conscious perspective to leadership, rooted in human connection and respect:
“My background in Leadership and Human Resources Management, coupled with a deep respect for regional values and beliefs, provided a solid foundation for this transition. I was inspired by the possibility of making a tangible difference in how people present themselves and interact with others, contributing to their success and the positive image of their organisations.”
Lance Loya, Author, Keynote Speaker & Coach, highlights the importance of teamwork and selflessness in leadership:
“The success of every team, regardless of industry, relies on team members prioritising team objectives over individual agendas. That’s the one binding element of every team that successful leaders monitor.”
So, What Does It Really Take to Be a Leader?
Leadership is not about titles or visibility. It’s about character, intention, and the impact left behind.
It takes:
- Listening more than speaking
- Humility instead of ego
- A commitment to growing others, not just yourself
Because at the end of the day, great leaders aren’t the ones who say, “Look what I’ve built.”
They’re the ones whose teams say, “We did it together.”
We’ve also added new long-read interviews with key decision makers! Click here to read them!
