Leadership Perceptions De-Bunked
By Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
Bottom line? YOU ARE A LEADER. All the time. Whether you’re at work or at home. On payroll or volunteering. Whether you chose leadership or had it thrust upon you. Even if you think you’re just a “follower” who avoids the spotlight—you can’t escape the truth: you influence people every single day.
That influence is a huge responsibility. Every choice you make sends a ripple. Your tone. Your decisions. Your reactions. Even your silence. All of it shapes the people around you.
And here’s the kicker: people are watching you the most when life isn’t easy. Fair? No. True? Absolutely. Smooth sailing rarely gets noticed. But lose your cool, your focus, or your compassion—and suddenly, everyone’s paying attention.
Leadership Lesson #1: Influence Is Everywhere
Leadership isn’t about a title or position. It’s about awareness. Every word, action, or even your body language can either inspire—or discourage—someone else. Recognize that power and wield it with care.
Action Step: Ask yourself daily: What message am I sending by the way I show up right now?
Leadership Lesson #2: Character Counts When It’s Tough
Anyone can smile on the good days. True leadership shows up in the difficult ones. Your team, family, or peers measure your leadership not by how you act when things go right, but how you respond when they go wrong.
Action Step: The next time you’re frustrated or blindsided, pause before reacting. Model resilience, adaptability, and focus instead of panic.
Leadership Lesson #3: Your Energy Is Contagious
Your moods don’t stay yours—they spread. Optimism and patience ripple outward. So do cynicism and negativity. The leader who understands this can set the tone for a whole team, family, or community.
Action Step: Before walking into a meeting, classroom, or kitchen, take 30 seconds to reset your mindset. Decide what kind of energy you want others to “catch” from you.
Leadership Lesson #4: You Can’t Always Control Events, But You Can Control Influence
Life will throw curveballs. You don’t get to control every challenge, but you absolutely control how you show up in response. That’s where your real power lies.
Action Step: When something doesn’t go your way, practice this leadership mantra: I may not choose the situation, but I choose my response.
Leadership Redefined
Leadership is not a job description. It’s an awareness of power. A measure of character. A promise to yourself and others. It’s the decision to use your influence—big or small—to lift others, not drag them down.
It’s also a privilege. One that—if embraced—can change families, companies, communities, and even the world.
So here’s the truth: stop wondering if you’re a leader. You are. The real question is: What kind of leader will you choose to be today?
Here’s a quick video to share with your team!
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people are challenged to think differently, act intentionally, and own their influence. If your team, association, or organization is ready to shift perspectives, strengthen performance, and lead with more clarity and courage, let’s make it happen. Call me, and let’s talk about how I can bring this conversation—and the results that come with it—to your next event.
