The Qualities of Mission-Driven Leadership
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with saying, "change is the only constant in life’ and Aristotle that ‘courage is the virtue that makes all the other possible’.
In a face paced, ever changing, volatile and uncertain word - what qualities does this ask of us as leaders?
Michelle Mormon and Saemoon Yoon at The World Economic Forum's Innovators Community asked leaders from mission-driven start-ups and Unicorn companies about the key characteristics they believe every leader must possess to succeed in this dynamic environment. Among the responses, one characteristic stands out as the linchpin for success: courage.
Whilst change has always been a part of human existence, the speed and complexity with which the world is transforming today is rapid. In this environment, courage is emerging as the critical virtue that underpins all other leadership qualities.
Courage enables leaders, and those who don’t profess to lead equally, to embrace change rather than resist it. It empowers them to step out of their comfort zones and break away from outdated structures that may have once brought success but are no longer effective. The "Be Braver" mindset is the pathway to choosing and practicing courage and, in doing so, equips leaders to embody and practice a multitude of essential qualities.
As we delve into the perspectives of some exceptional leaders who identified critical leadership qualities, we do indeed find that courage is the ingredient that makes al of them possible. And that with clarity, confidence and connection - all these qualities become embodied in the Be Braver mindset, practice and model of leadership.
Curiosity: Andreas De Neve, Co-Founder and CEO of TechWolf, emphasizes the importance of curiosity. In a world that is fundamentally changing, leaders must adopt a curious mindset to adapt and thrive in new, uncharted territories. They should be willing to question old paradigms, embrace change, and seek innovative solutions to new challenges.
Resilience: Björn von Siemens, Co-Founder and CFO of Caresyntax, believes that resilience is crucial. Resilient leaders possess the flexibility to adapt to fast-changing circumstances and maintain a long-term vision despite short-term setbacks. They acknowledge that challenges are part of the journey and use them as opportunities for growth.
Agility: Jacqueline Heard, CEO and Founder of Enko, underscores the need for agility. In the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties, leaders must view challenges as opportunities and be willing to experiment and change course. An experimental mindset allows them to envision a better future, even when current circumstances seem daunting.
Authenticity and Purpose: Priya Lakhani, CEO and Founder of CENTURY Tech, emphasizes the importance of leading with authenticity and purpose. During times of crisis and rapid change, authentic leaders who remain true to their values can transform challenges into shared goals and a sense of purpose. Open-mindedness, learning from mistakes, and the support of a diverse network are key to sustaining such leadership.
Celebrating Diversity: Michael T. Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom Space, highlights the value of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all individuals on the team. Surrounding oneself with diverse talents who challenge the leader's thinking, take risks, and innovate is essential for fostering a culture of growth and innovation
Determination: Antoine Hubert, President and CEO of Ynsect, stresses the importance of unwavering determination. In a rapidly changing world, leaders must be resolute in their mission. Their strong belief in the legitimacy of their purpose enables them to overcome obstacles and drive change. Humility in seeking expertise where needed is another hallmark of their leadership.
Problem-Solving: Jan Goetz, CEO and Founder of IQM Quantum Computers, underscores the need for leaders to identify local problems and devise global, multifaceted solutions. As science and technology continue to shape our world, leaders must develop empathetic and purposeful leadership. This is especially crucial for attracting the younger generation of talent who seek to make a meaningful impact.
Compassion: Nicole Sahin, Founder and Executive Chair of G-P, underlines the significance of compassion as a differentiator in leadership. In the evolving landscape of remote work, compassion becomes a vital component of effective leadership. Leaders who lead with compassion create a culture of empathy and support, nurturing both their employees and the broader community. Compassionate leadership is about understanding and caring for the well-being of individuals, recognizing that outcomes matter more than mere activity.
Resilience: Nirmit Parikh, CEO of Apna.Co, speaks of the need for resilience in the face of high volatility and disruption. Resilient leaders maintain a high-fortitude mindset and ensure these values permeate their organizations. In challenging times, their focus remains on building innovative solutions and adapting to changing circumstances. Resilience, coupled with compassion, encourages leaders to support their teams and promote well-being.
Courage: It is April Koh CEO and Co-Founder of Spring Health, highlights the importance of courage in making pivotal decisions that drive growth and innovation. It is the driving force behind leaders who dare to push the boundaries and seek better ways of doing things. The bedrock of effective leadership. Leaders who possess courage embrace change and venture beyond their comfort zones. They understand that success often requires taking calculated risks, even in the face of uncertainty. They are unafraid to challenge the status quo and make bold decisions that can lead to real change.
The "Be Braver" mindset is the gateway to choosing courage, which, in turn, empowers leaders to embody and practice qualities like curiosity, resilience, agility, authenticity, celebration of diversity, determination, and problem-solving.
These leaders embrace change and use it as a catalyst for innovation and growth, setting themselves apart in turbulent times. In an era where change is the only constant, courage is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible, leading to success and progress in the face of rapid change.
And to end with a quote from modern day thinker, researcher and practitioner of courage, not a historical philosopher……
Courage will always reward you in unexpected ways.
When you choose courage, you take a step closer to the person you are becoming’ Be Braver Founder, Caroline Pankhurst.