Have you ever noticed how often we idolize leaders based on their public personas, their achievements narrated through the words of others (hello, ghostwriters!), or simply the sheen of their success? It’s a common scenario, especially among the bright young minds I mentor. The usual suspects? The Obamas, Elon Musk, Richard Branson… The list is familiar, their tales, impressive. But dig a little deeper, and the foundations seem a tad shaky. Why them, I ask? The responses often meander into the realm of business achievements and popularity, but the personal “Why” remains elusive. Here’s where the plot twist enters in my mentoring sessions. When the table turns and I’m asked about my hero, the answer is simple, yet it never fails to surprise: My mom. Yes, you read that right. Not a headline-maker, but a life-shaper.
Why her, why my mom? Because her impact on my life is unparalleled. From the vulnerable years of infancy to the complex maze of adulthood, her guidance has been my constant. Her values, her steadiness, her comforting words, and unwavering vision have shaped me more profoundly than any global leader could. Her mantra? “Be a good man.” Simple, yet profoundly impactful. Decades into our journey, this consistent message resonates with me every day. It’s a lesson in leadership, humility, and humanity. And talking about steadfast values, 45+ years into our relationship, I recently/casually asked her “Mom, of all the things that you feel I have achieved, what are you most proud of”. Her instantatenous answer, without a moment of hesitation: “that you are a good man, and committed to continue on that path”. In an age, where authentic leadership is what we most desire to see in those that we trust for our collective well-being, how much more authentic can a leader get than that?
So here’s a light-hearted nudge to look beyond the conventional when choosing our heroes. Sometimes, the most profound leadership lessons come not from the stars but from the home fires that shape us.
Who’s your unexpected hero? Let’s share and celebrate the unsung guides in our lives. Let us redefine our true heroes, the authentic leaders who quitely leave their impact without ever asking for anything in return.