May 28, 2025 • 31 mins
🎙️ EPISODE TITLE: THE EMPOWERED LEADER
📝 (Why Leadership Is A Responsibility—Not A Title)
In this premiere episode of The Empowered Leader Podcast, leadership coach and mentor David Jeremiah Akhigbe (also known as Pneuma) kicks off with a bold truth: Leadership doesn’t begin with a title—it begins with responsibility.
He dismantles the common myths about leadership—especially the one that says you need a title to lead. Real leadership, he argues, isn’t handed out through a promotion or a new job description—it’s claimed through daily responsibility.
He shares a moment many aspiring leaders have faced—being handed the reins and realizing the title isn’t enough. Through this story, David Jeremiah (Pneuma) unpacks the real markers of leadership: Accountability, Service, and Integrity.
This episode gives you a powerful mindset shift, real-world examples, and a simple framework to begin leading from wherever you are.
If you’ve ever asked, “Why isn’t this clicking?”—this episode is your starting point. No fluff. No theory. Just tools that make you better.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
🧠 KEY QUOTES:
🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Next episode, we’ll explore the P-VIAL Blueprint: Purpose, Vision, Influence, Authenticity, and Legacy. This framework will help you map your leadership from daily actions to long-term legacy—starting with the core fuel: PURPOSE.
📬 FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE:
For updates and exclusive leadership content, follow DAVID JEREMIAH (Pneuma) & The Empowered Leader Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn @thedavidjeremiah and @empoweredleaderpodcast respectively
🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST:
David Jeremiah Akhigbe (also known as Pneuma) is a leadership coach, business strategist, and teacher of life-changing principles rooted in timeless truth (The Word of God). Through The Empowered Leader Podcast, he equips everyday people to lead with clarity, character, and confidence.
📝 (Why Leadership Is A Responsibility—Not A Title)
In this premiere episode of The Empowered Leader Podcast, leadership coach and mentor David Jeremiah Akhigbe (also known as Pneuma) kicks off with a bold truth: Leadership doesn’t begin with a title—it begins with responsibility.
He dismantles the common myths about leadership—especially the one that says you need a title to lead. Real leadership, he argues, isn’t handed out through a promotion or a new job description—it’s claimed through daily responsibility.
He shares a moment many aspiring leaders have faced—being handed the reins and realizing the title isn’t enough. Through this story, David Jeremiah (Pneuma) unpacks the real markers of leadership: Accountability, Service, and Integrity.
This episode gives you a powerful mindset shift, real-world examples, and a simple framework to begin leading from wherever you are.
If you’ve ever asked, “Why isn’t this clicking?”—this episode is your starting point. No fluff. No theory. Just tools that make you better.
🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- Why titles don’t automatically make you a leader
- Two major leadership myths—debunked
- The 3 Pillars of Responsibility-Based Leadership
- A personal leadership audit you can start today to track your growth.
🧠 KEY QUOTES:
- “Leadership isn’t given—it’s claimed daily by the choices you make.” — David Jeremiah Akhigbe
- “True leadership dissolves titles—it shapes lives.” — David Jeremiah Akhigbe
🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Download your free Responsibility Audit Worksheet (coming soon)
- Next episode: The P-VIAL Blueprint: Purpose, Vision, Influence, Authenticity, Legacy
Next episode, we’ll explore the P-VIAL Blueprint: Purpose, Vision, Influence, Authenticity, and Legacy. This framework will help you map your leadership from daily actions to long-term legacy—starting with the core fuel: PURPOSE.
📬 FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE:
For updates and exclusive leadership content, follow DAVID JEREMIAH (Pneuma) & The Empowered Leader Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn @thedavidjeremiah and @empoweredleaderpodcast respectively
🎙️ ABOUT THE HOST:
David Jeremiah Akhigbe (also known as Pneuma) is a leadership coach, business strategist, and teacher of life-changing principles rooted in timeless truth (The Word of God). Through The Empowered Leader Podcast, he equips everyday people to lead with clarity, character, and confidence.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Empowered Leader podcast where proposing meets practice, vision for those
(00:10):
actions and legacy stats today.
Hey, I'm David Jeremiah Aheedby, Leadership Coach, Business Mentor, and a Teacher of the
Word of God.
I help people like you rise above the noise and lead with clarity.
This is episode one of the Empowered Leader.
(00:31):
And today we are stripping a way to myth because let's face it, leadership isn't about wearing
the title.
It also isn't positional.
It's about children to wait, whether you are in a startup team running a non-profit or
the go-to person in your circle.
If you've ever felt the pressure of leadership, but wondered why it's not clicking, you're
(00:55):
literally where you need to be.
That's right here.
So let's talk about it.
Picture this.
You've been asked to lead your team through a project, a project launch, or maybe it's
a church project, or a volunteer initiative.
Or the first time your boss says, "Hey, I need you to take this one."
(01:19):
Suddenly you're in charge, you're excited.
Don't prep your slides, plan the tasks, maybe even rehash your opening lines as usual,
but then it's like something is missing.
You begin to notice that people are nodding or non-moving.
Tasks hang in limbo.
(01:39):
Your energy is up, but the follow-through is down.
The feedback from your people are not encouraging.
You're wondering, "I thought I was doing everything right."
Why isn't this working?
Trust me, I know that space.
And I've actually experienced people also and also helped them through that space.
(02:01):
And here is the thing.
What you hit isn't actually failure.
It's not a failure.
It's the leadership gap.
The leadership gap is something I call the leadership gap.
And that is the space between that position and the influence that comes with that position.
In fact, the influence as a person, as a leader.
(02:24):
The leadership gap is the gap between the title you actually hold and the influence that
you command.
And today I want to show you how to close that gap.
How to close that gap.
So this episode is the foundation of everything.
(02:47):
We'll explain this show, the base of everything.
As far as the empowered leader podcast is concerned, this is the base.
It's the foundation of everything.
And here is what you walk away with today.
You're going to walk away with why waiting for a title is holding you back.
(03:11):
That's number one.
Number two.
The three core pillars that make leadership real.
So there are three core pillars that make leadership real.
And you're going to know that today.
Whether you're fresh in as a leader or you have one 10 years deep.
And also you walk away with a personal or deep framework to help you lead more intentionally
(03:35):
this week.
Now I want you to know this is in theory.
It's not theory.
This is what works in the room.
When it's go time.
So let's go.
Okay, so we're going to explore to leadership myth.
Let's crush two of the most common leadership myth.
(03:56):
And let's start with number one.
The first myth is you need a title to lead.
You need a title to lead.
To lead.
I'm sure that you know quite a number of you listening to me right now have at a point
(04:21):
in your life felt that way.
Kudos to anyone who has actually left that you know space.
Awesome.
But then if you're still here trust me.
This is your solution.
So we've all bought into these at some point.
(04:41):
You know you get to say things like when I manage are when I get that role then I'll start
leading.
But leadership doesn't wait for title.
Like I said from this from from from from the scratch of this episode.
Leadership is not a title.
Leadership is not what is not a title.
(05:04):
It's not.
It's a responsibility just like the title suggests when I say title I'm in the title of this
episode.
So leadership is not a title.
It's not positional.
It's influence based on responsibility.
(05:28):
So you say when I manage are when I get that role then I'll start leading then I'll be
able to do this.
I'll be able to take up this responsibility.
But leadership doesn't wait for the title.
Leadership shows up where ownership leaves.
So the day you begin to take ownership of something that is when leadership shows up.
(05:49):
You don't get influence from a job title.
Now you earn it from how you show up every single day.
I repeat you don't get influence from a job title.
Now you earn it from how you show up every single day.
(06:09):
Note you don't get it when you show up every single day.
You don't get it as you show up every single day.
You don't get influence from a job title.
You rather earn not get you earn it from how you show up.
So you don't get it when you show up.
(06:31):
You don't get it as you show up but you earn first of all how so you earn it from how you
show up.
So you need to learn how you show up and it is from how you show up you earn it.
So the earning of you know the influence that you actually get emanates from the how you
(06:57):
understand.
I'm going to congratulate you for being and tuning into this podcast.
This show because there is a whole lot.
There is a whole lot that I'm looking to pour out and I'm looking to impact you with.
(07:22):
I'm glad you're here.
I'm glad I'm here.
You know?
Because this is value.
So you don't get influence from a job title.
You earn it from how you show up every single day.
I mean I've had my wins, I've had my losses, I've had times when I have defaulted in this.
(07:45):
But thank God for information.
Thank God for you know this transformative information that has actually helped me scale
through and then learn what leadership really is and then I've applied it.
You earn it from how you show up every single day.
(08:08):
The second myth, let's destroy it.
It's a leadership is about personality.
Yada yada.
You know?
We often assume leadership is for the loudest voice or the one with the natural charm, you
know, charisma.
The loudest voice in the room, the one who speaks, you know?
(08:30):
No, no, no, no, I think this should be done like this.
No, you know, there is this tendency for you to gravitate towards not even gravitate
like, you know, to think that the one who speaks loud in the room is the leader or the one
with the natural charisma he has, you know, that aura, you know, is got the charm around
(08:54):
him and all that.
But charisma without consistency is chaos.
I need you to know that charisma without consistency is what is chaos.
Real leadership is not about how loud you are in the room.
Now, it's about how steady you are.
Anything school sideways.
(09:14):
Real leadership is not the loudest in the room.
It's the clearest voice in the room.
The one who speaks with clarity, not the one who talks loud.
You understand?
So, clarity and consistency.
It's not about how loud you are in the room.
It's about how steady you are when things go sideways.
(09:35):
It's about building trust, not hype.
And trust requires consistency and clarity, consistency and clarity.
Trust requires consistency and clarity.
Not hype.
We are building trust here.
So, what is leadership really?
And let's delve into that.
What then is leadership?
You know, leadership is the daily decision to take responsibility for outcomes for people,
(10:00):
for culture.
That's it.
The daily decision you make to take responsibility.
So, leadership is about responsibility.
That's how you show up.
That's how you show up.
You earn influence by showing up.
Do you understand?
So, it's the daily risk and decision to take responsibility.
(10:21):
So, when you show up daily, you make that additional take responsibility for what?
For outcome number one, number two, for people and for culture.
Outcome results, people.
Definitely, you can't run something or lead something without people involved.
And then culture, the culture, the system, where everything, where the result is going to
(10:42):
be turning out from, where the people are involved in.
You are taking responsibility for these three things mainly.
The outcome results people and then the culture.
That's it.
The daily decision you make to take responsibility.
Now, I'm going to state something here.
Leadership is not given.
Leadership isn't given.
It's claimed daily by the choices you make.
(11:04):
Leadership isn't given.
It is claimed daily by the choices that you make.
Now, let's talk about three pillars of responsibility-based leadership.
Three pillars, the three pillars of responsibility-based leadership.
You see, when I work with leaders, especially those transitioning into new roles or scaling
(11:27):
their impact, I always bring it back to these three pillars.
Number one, accountability.
Not just accountability, but accountability to people.
Now, really, that's just don't deliver tasks.
Nah.
They take ownership from how the whole team performs.
So ask yourself, if the ball drops, do I point fingers or do I lean in?
(11:55):
Do I point fingers or do I lean in?
So.
If something goes wrong, do I start looking for
who to blame?
Or I go back?
Or I go back and then check how I've done it.
It takes responsibility for wins and losses.
(12:17):
Take responsibility.
Command who you need to command.
Critic, constructively and rightly.
But that's for later.
So you ask yourself, if the ball drops, do I point fingers or do I lean in?
So here is a practical move.
Here is a practical move.
(12:38):
Shadu weekly one on one with your team.
With your team.
One on one.
Or if you're not in a formal team, reach out to people you're collaborating with.
And then ask, what's blocking you?
Ask them.
What's blocking you?
Not are you done?
You see, when you have people who you are collaborating with something or you're
(13:07):
working with something and then they hit a roadblock, you understand?
You don't, you don't, you don't, you don't, you need to show that you are interested in
what they are doing.
Remember you are showing up and taking responsibility for outcomes for people and for culture.
(13:29):
Three things are happening at the same time.
Not just the outcome, but also the people.
What is going on in their lives?
What could be blocking them?
Because no matter how you try to create a wall and be like, oh yeah, we're paying you
to do this.
So this, this, this, you have to show up.
You have to do this.
These are real people you're talking about number one.
Number two.
(13:50):
Two things happen in their lives.
Whether you like it or not, whether you pay them or not, whether you remind them or not,
it cannot stop what is happening from happening and the effect of what is happening to have
an impact in their lives and their delivery.
You need to understand that.
So you need to ensure that you are not just, you know, concerned about what you have them
(14:14):
to do.
Are you done?
You ask what is blocking you?
What do you need from me to move forward?
That's leadership.
The second pillar.
Service above self.
Service above self.
Now this one flips the script completely.
(14:36):
You see, forget command and control.
I know that, you know, when you think of leadership, you think that's what I see.
I love the, because I title this leadership isn't about title.
So you need to understand.
If it hadn't done on you yet, how critical it is when we say leadership isn't about title,
(14:57):
I think now it's becoming real to you because it flips the script completely.
Make sure you realize, oh, this is really what we are talking about.
We are talking about this right now.
Forget command.
Forget control.
Nah.
Forget it.
Forget it.
It's serve and support.
(15:18):
As a leader, you are the chief servant.
Because what you're doing is service.
So forget command.
Forget control.
Think.
Serve and support.
Forget command and control.
It's serve and support.
(15:40):
So start Monday mornings by asking someone.
You work with how can I make this easier for you this week?
And in it, how can I make this easier for you this week?
Really do people do that?
(16:01):
I'm not saying, you know, you know, how it feels when a subordinate, you know, sees his
leader or the person who like, oh, he's superior, come to meet him and ask how can I make this
easier for you this week?
Literally, it's not about command and control, telling them how things work and what to do.
(16:22):
We are literally there to serve and support them, help them make their job easier, help
them.
Because what happens is that they're like, this person is really interested in me and, you
know, it's keen about my survival in this company, in this business.
You know, they actually see it.
You have no idea how far they see this.
(16:45):
They see it beyond you coming in to actually help them get the results you need.
They see beyond that.
They actually see that you are interested in them and helping them.
When people do not perform, they stand at the risk of losing their job.
Trust me.
It goes into their minds as well.
They think these things too.
(17:05):
And it is to understand that.
So you start Monday mornings by asking someone you work with.
How can I make this easier for you this week?
And you have to minute.
So don't feign it.
This is not a fake it until you make it because you are here because you want to step up your
leadership.
So it means that it is an inward transformation that should work.
(17:26):
Edge out.
So it's an inside out thing.
You understand?
That is going on here.
So you have to be intentional about the change you want to make and the changes you
want to see by influencing them yourself, starting it from yourself.
So if you are going to make this moves, then you have to minute.
(17:47):
When you walk up to someone to ask them, how can I make this easier for you this week?
You have to minute.
Support removes friction.
When you remove friction, momentum builds.
Support.
Now here is.
Support removes friction.
When you remove friction, momentum builds.
(18:10):
Let's leave that at that.
The thought pillar.
Influence through integrity.
Influence through integrity.
This one is the deal breaker.
Yeah.
This one is the deal breaker.
If people can't trust your word, listen to me.
If people can't trust your word, they will never follow your lead.
(18:31):
Nah.
If people can't trust your word, they will never follow your lead.
So keep your promises, especially the small ones.
Oh, yeah.
Keep your promises, especially the small ones.
Show up early.
Return that message.
Deliver that feedback.
And if you miss something, only it.
(18:51):
Repair it.
Fast.
And fast is on what?
Fast.
If you miss something, only it and repair it.
Fast.
Let me tell you about, you know, a client of mine.
So just for emphasis, you know, we're going to call her, la, la.
She was a team lead who made a commitment to her team that every Friday should share
(19:13):
update, transparently, you know, like wings, losses, plans.
But one Friday slipped.
She didn't share.
And then another.
Then someone finally said, I was still doing this.
One moment, strong.
And you see, what I love about that was that she didn't get defensive.
(19:34):
No, she didn't.
She called a team meeting apologize without excuses and asked how they'd prefer to move forward.
That move, her.
Rebute trust faster than months of speeches.
Or she did was what she called a team meeting with the same set of people, apologized without
(19:56):
excuses.
No, only in it, taking responsibility.
And then she asked how they'd prefer to move forward because at that point, man, you messed
up, you know, but it's not like you come to them and then start sulking.
But let them know that, you know, at some point, she actually giving them the reign of control.
(20:18):
How do you prefer to move forward?
Should we still do this?
Because you're letting them know that, okay, yes, I'm not just putting it on you that we're
going to continue the way we are going to continue, you know, now that I have messed up
and I've owned it.
Nah, I would like to know.
Would you like us to continue?
And how do you prefer for us to continue?
(20:40):
That way, they know that it is genuine and sincere.
They know that you've actually owned up to it.
They're not doubting if you think you're right or wrong or not.
These are people.
One of the things that can't be fully understood is how emotions work.
And trust me, emotions can build and pull down.
(21:02):
Emotions can make and more anything that's involved in.
Leadership, marriage, relationship, call it anything.
It can't.
Don't discredit it.
Influences isn't always loud.
Nah, but it's always earned at a constant.
See.
(21:24):
Because if you need to live here with something concerning influence is that it is always
earned.
Influences isn't always loud.
It could be loud.
You understand?
Depends on whoever is wielding it.
But it isn't.
That it is wielded by someone who is loud about it doesn't mean that it is always loud.
(21:44):
It could equally be wielded by someone, even more so, by someone who is milder.
But one of the things that guarantees what's a constant across all of them is that it is
always earned.
So for the loud person he earned it, for the person who is mild and softer he earned it,
an influence it's always shown.
(22:07):
Because you don't earn something without people giving it to you.
Do you understand?
The reason it is earned is because it's in the possession of the people who would entrust
it to you.
So whether loud or soft amount wants it is given it works regardless of how loud or soft
(22:27):
it might be.
Now quick note, quick note.
The P-VIAL framework I teach connects here.
If you listen to the trailer you know what I'm talking about.
The P-VIAL is my framework for leadership.
Understand?
The P-VIAL is P-V-I-A-L that is purpose, vision, influence, authenticity and legacy.
(22:54):
The P-VIAL framework I teach connects here.
Purpose fuels accountability.
Vision fuels service.
Authenticity holds up integrity.
It all flows together.
It all flows what?
Together.
It all flows together.
(23:15):
Authenticity holds up integrity.
That in turn produces influence.
Vision fuels service.
Produces influence.
Purpose fuels accountability.
Produces influence.
Down the line with the impact you begin to make you begin to leave legacy.
(23:37):
Haha.
Truly, the ship dissolves titles.
It shapes life.
You need to understand that.
If you are leading truly, titles are dissolved.
You hold position of titles for structure and order, but it does not mean that there is
(23:57):
influence at play.
That is why you would find someone in a position and still find him say things and then things
not happen.
Like I said, said at the start of this episode.
It dissolves titles.
It shapes life.
(24:18):
Understand.
So, a leadership audit you can use today.
I'm going to leave you with that.
You understand.
A leadership audit you can leave in use today.
So, let's bring it home.
Leadership can feel abstract.
It can feel like far-fetched.
It can feel like something that is not practical.
So, I would like to make it practical.
So, this week, do a three step responsibility audit.
(24:44):
I call it three step.
Do a three step responsibility audit.
Step one.
Reflect.
Step two.
Recommit.
Step three.
Report.
I go again.
Step one.
Reflect.
Step two.
Recommit.
(25:05):
Step three.
Report.
Reflect.
So, let's go over step one.
Think back over your last three decisions.
Or so, three to five.
And then ask yourself these questions.
Who did they help?
Number two.
(25:28):
Who did they leave out?
Number one.
Who did they help?
Two.
Who did they leave out?
That is your three decisions.
Who did your three?
Your last three to five decisions help?
Who did they leave out?
Did you make the call for your convenience or for the team's clarity?
That's the last question on the reflected.
(25:50):
First of all, you ask yourself after thinking about your last three to five decisions that
you made.
Number one.
Who did they help?
Number two.
Who did they leave out?
Number three.
Did you make that call for your convenience?
And the decision was for your convenience or for the team's clarity.
Now, so that's that about reflect.
(26:11):
Number two.
Recommit.
So, pick one daily leadership habit.
One daily.
So, just one.
Are you do daily?
Maybe it's starting a day or each day with a check-in.
Maybe it's post-emitting debrief with your team.
Before the end, before they leave after, you know, at the end of work day, you understand,
(26:35):
a post-emitting debrief.
Keep it simple, but make it visible.
Let them see you.
Let them feel your impact.
Trust me.
But I had an issue with this.
Pick one daily leadership habit.
Maybe it's starting a day with a check-in.
(26:56):
Maybe it's a post-emitting debrief with your team.
But keep it simple.
Keep it simple, but make it visible.
Now, report.
This part takes guts.
You have to be vulnerable.
So, share your audit with the pair, mental or coach.
(27:16):
Share your audit with the pair, a mental or coach.
So you say things like, or you say something along the lines of, "Here's what I've seen
in myself this week.
When you reflect, based on what has happened.
Here's what I see in myself this week.
Anything you'd like to add."
You say that kind of vulnerability, that's power.
That kind of vulnerability, that's power.
(27:40):
It turns you from a title holder to a trusted leader.
That kind of vulnerability, that's power.
So here's the recap.
Leadership isn't a status.
Nah, it's a responsibility.
And the three pillars that anchor it are accountability, service and integrity.
(28:08):
Accountability, service and integrity.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain just by slowing down and
(28:31):
owning your leadership moment.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
I say again.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain just by slowing down.
Emphasis on slowing down and owning your leadership moment.
It's not a rush.
You're not in a hiss.
(28:55):
It could be time bound to deliver a result.
But then, of what uses a result that has no effectiveness.
A result that has no effectiveness in the long run would point out people and then you
find yourself having to be sure for people, having to, you know, rebuild the division in
your mind, get them to, you know, run with the vision and fresh, having to teach them
(29:18):
what you're communicating about.
Because you've burnt out the ones who already know the vision.
It's not a rush.
You're not in a hiss.
You understand?
You would get how much clarity and confidence you be shocked by how much clarity and confidence
you gain just by slowing down and owning your leadership moment.
It's your leadership moment.
(29:40):
And if this helped you, don't keep it to yourself.
If this podcast has helped you, this episode has helped you.
Don't keep it to yourself.
Subscribe, leave a review.
Please leave a review.
Let me know what you've learned in the comment section, sections.
Share with someone stepping into leadership right now that you know and that these could
(30:02):
help as well.
You understand?
So, in the next episode, I'll walk you through the full P-VIAL Blueprint that I spoke about
earlier.
You understand?
I'll walk you through them.
The full P-VIAL Blueprint will unpack, propose vision, influence, authenticity and legacy and
how they walk together to elevate your leadership in any space, how they walk together to elevate
(30:26):
your leadership in any space that you are.
Until then, lead well and live on purpose.
But then don't forget, please follow us across all our social media platforms, empowered
leader at Empowered Leader podcast, empowered leader podcast on Instagram, Facebook, everywhere,
(30:52):
empowered leader podcast, empowered leader podcast.
Until then, lead well and live on purpose.
Cheers.
you
Welcome to the Empowered Leader podcast where proposing meets practice, vision for those
(00:10):
actions and legacy stats today.
Hey, I'm David Jeremiah Aheedby, Leadership Coach, Business Mentor, and a Teacher of the
Word of God.
I help people like you rise above the noise and lead with clarity.
This is episode one of the Empowered Leader.
(00:31):
And today we are stripping a way to myth because let's face it, leadership isn't about wearing
the title.
It also isn't positional.
It's about children to wait, whether you are in a startup team running a non-profit or
the go-to person in your circle.
If you've ever felt the pressure of leadership, but wondered why it's not clicking, you're
(00:55):
literally where you need to be.
That's right here.
So let's talk about it.
Picture this.
You've been asked to lead your team through a project, a project launch, or maybe it's
a church project, or a volunteer initiative.
Or the first time your boss says, "Hey, I need you to take this one."
(01:19):
Suddenly you're in charge, you're excited.
Don't prep your slides, plan the tasks, maybe even rehash your opening lines as usual,
but then it's like something is missing.
You begin to notice that people are nodding or non-moving.
Tasks hang in limbo.
(01:39):
Your energy is up, but the follow-through is down.
The feedback from your people are not encouraging.
You're wondering, "I thought I was doing everything right."
Why isn't this working?
Trust me, I know that space.
And I've actually experienced people also and also helped them through that space.
(02:01):
And here is the thing.
What you hit isn't actually failure.
It's not a failure.
It's the leadership gap.
The leadership gap is something I call the leadership gap.
And that is the space between that position and the influence that comes with that position.
In fact, the influence as a person, as a leader.
(02:24):
The leadership gap is the gap between the title you actually hold and the influence that
you command.
And today I want to show you how to close that gap.
How to close that gap.
So this episode is the foundation of everything.
(02:47):
We'll explain this show, the base of everything.
As far as the empowered leader podcast is concerned, this is the base.
It's the foundation of everything.
And here is what you walk away with today.
You're going to walk away with why waiting for a title is holding you back.
(03:11):
That's number one.
Number two.
The three core pillars that make leadership real.
So there are three core pillars that make leadership real.
And you're going to know that today.
Whether you're fresh in as a leader or you have one 10 years deep.
And also you walk away with a personal or deep framework to help you lead more intentionally
(03:35):
this week.
Now I want you to know this is in theory.
It's not theory.
This is what works in the room.
When it's go time.
So let's go.
Okay, so we're going to explore to leadership myth.
Let's crush two of the most common leadership myth.
(03:56):
And let's start with number one.
The first myth is you need a title to lead.
You need a title to lead.
To lead.
I'm sure that you know quite a number of you listening to me right now have at a point
(04:21):
in your life felt that way.
Kudos to anyone who has actually left that you know space.
Awesome.
But then if you're still here trust me.
This is your solution.
So we've all bought into these at some point.
(04:41):
You know you get to say things like when I manage are when I get that role then I'll start
leading.
But leadership doesn't wait for title.
Like I said from this from from from from the scratch of this episode.
Leadership is not a title.
Leadership is not what is not a title.
(05:04):
It's not.
It's a responsibility just like the title suggests when I say title I'm in the title of this
episode.
So leadership is not a title.
It's not positional.
It's influence based on responsibility.
(05:28):
So you say when I manage are when I get that role then I'll start leading then I'll be
able to do this.
I'll be able to take up this responsibility.
But leadership doesn't wait for the title.
Leadership shows up where ownership leaves.
So the day you begin to take ownership of something that is when leadership shows up.
(05:49):
You don't get influence from a job title.
Now you earn it from how you show up every single day.
I repeat you don't get influence from a job title.
Now you earn it from how you show up every single day.
(06:09):
Note you don't get it when you show up every single day.
You don't get it as you show up every single day.
You don't get influence from a job title.
You rather earn not get you earn it from how you show up.
So you don't get it when you show up.
(06:31):
You don't get it as you show up but you earn first of all how so you earn it from how you
show up.
So you need to learn how you show up and it is from how you show up you earn it.
So the earning of you know the influence that you actually get emanates from the how you
(06:57):
understand.
I'm going to congratulate you for being and tuning into this podcast.
This show because there is a whole lot.
There is a whole lot that I'm looking to pour out and I'm looking to impact you with.
(07:22):
I'm glad you're here.
I'm glad I'm here.
You know?
Because this is value.
So you don't get influence from a job title.
You earn it from how you show up every single day.
I mean I've had my wins, I've had my losses, I've had times when I have defaulted in this.
(07:45):
But thank God for information.
Thank God for you know this transformative information that has actually helped me scale
through and then learn what leadership really is and then I've applied it.
You earn it from how you show up every single day.
(08:08):
The second myth, let's destroy it.
It's a leadership is about personality.
Yada yada.
You know?
We often assume leadership is for the loudest voice or the one with the natural charm, you
know, charisma.
The loudest voice in the room, the one who speaks, you know?
(08:30):
No, no, no, no, I think this should be done like this.
No, you know, there is this tendency for you to gravitate towards not even gravitate
like, you know, to think that the one who speaks loud in the room is the leader or the one
with the natural charisma he has, you know, that aura, you know, is got the charm around
(08:54):
him and all that.
But charisma without consistency is chaos.
I need you to know that charisma without consistency is what is chaos.
Real leadership is not about how loud you are in the room.
Now, it's about how steady you are.
Anything school sideways.
(09:14):
Real leadership is not the loudest in the room.
It's the clearest voice in the room.
The one who speaks with clarity, not the one who talks loud.
You understand?
So, clarity and consistency.
It's not about how loud you are in the room.
It's about how steady you are when things go sideways.
(09:35):
It's about building trust, not hype.
And trust requires consistency and clarity, consistency and clarity.
Trust requires consistency and clarity.
Not hype.
We are building trust here.
So, what is leadership really?
And let's delve into that.
What then is leadership?
You know, leadership is the daily decision to take responsibility for outcomes for people,
(10:00):
for culture.
That's it.
The daily decision you make to take responsibility.
So, leadership is about responsibility.
That's how you show up.
That's how you show up.
You earn influence by showing up.
Do you understand?
So, it's the daily risk and decision to take responsibility.
(10:21):
So, when you show up daily, you make that additional take responsibility for what?
For outcome number one, number two, for people and for culture.
Outcome results, people.
Definitely, you can't run something or lead something without people involved.
And then culture, the culture, the system, where everything, where the result is going to
(10:42):
be turning out from, where the people are involved in.
You are taking responsibility for these three things mainly.
The outcome results people and then the culture.
That's it.
The daily decision you make to take responsibility.
Now, I'm going to state something here.
Leadership is not given.
Leadership isn't given.
It's claimed daily by the choices you make.
(11:04):
Leadership isn't given.
It is claimed daily by the choices that you make.
Now, let's talk about three pillars of responsibility-based leadership.
Three pillars, the three pillars of responsibility-based leadership.
You see, when I work with leaders, especially those transitioning into new roles or scaling
(11:27):
their impact, I always bring it back to these three pillars.
Number one, accountability.
Not just accountability, but accountability to people.
Now, really, that's just don't deliver tasks.
Nah.
They take ownership from how the whole team performs.
So ask yourself, if the ball drops, do I point fingers or do I lean in?
(11:55):
Do I point fingers or do I lean in?
So.
If something goes wrong, do I start looking for
who to blame?
Or I go back?
Or I go back and then check how I've done it.
It takes responsibility for wins and losses.
(12:17):
Take responsibility.
Command who you need to command.
Critic, constructively and rightly.
But that's for later.
So you ask yourself, if the ball drops, do I point fingers or do I lean in?
So here is a practical move.
Here is a practical move.
(12:38):
Shadu weekly one on one with your team.
With your team.
One on one.
Or if you're not in a formal team, reach out to people you're collaborating with.
And then ask, what's blocking you?
Ask them.
What's blocking you?
Not are you done?
You see, when you have people who you are collaborating with something or you're
(13:07):
working with something and then they hit a roadblock, you understand?
You don't, you don't, you don't, you don't, you need to show that you are interested in
what they are doing.
Remember you are showing up and taking responsibility for outcomes for people and for culture.
(13:29):
Three things are happening at the same time.
Not just the outcome, but also the people.
What is going on in their lives?
What could be blocking them?
Because no matter how you try to create a wall and be like, oh yeah, we're paying you
to do this.
So this, this, this, you have to show up.
You have to do this.
These are real people you're talking about number one.
Number two.
(13:50):
Two things happen in their lives.
Whether you like it or not, whether you pay them or not, whether you remind them or not,
it cannot stop what is happening from happening and the effect of what is happening to have
an impact in their lives and their delivery.
You need to understand that.
So you need to ensure that you are not just, you know, concerned about what you have them
(14:14):
to do.
Are you done?
You ask what is blocking you?
What do you need from me to move forward?
That's leadership.
The second pillar.
Service above self.
Service above self.
Now this one flips the script completely.
(14:36):
You see, forget command and control.
I know that, you know, when you think of leadership, you think that's what I see.
I love the, because I title this leadership isn't about title.
So you need to understand.
If it hadn't done on you yet, how critical it is when we say leadership isn't about title,
(14:57):
I think now it's becoming real to you because it flips the script completely.
Make sure you realize, oh, this is really what we are talking about.
We are talking about this right now.
Forget command.
Forget control.
Nah.
Forget it.
Forget it.
It's serve and support.
(15:18):
As a leader, you are the chief servant.
Because what you're doing is service.
So forget command.
Forget control.
Think.
Serve and support.
Forget command and control.
It's serve and support.
(15:40):
So start Monday mornings by asking someone.
You work with how can I make this easier for you this week?
And in it, how can I make this easier for you this week?
Really do people do that?
(16:01):
I'm not saying, you know, you know, how it feels when a subordinate, you know, sees his
leader or the person who like, oh, he's superior, come to meet him and ask how can I make this
easier for you this week?
Literally, it's not about command and control, telling them how things work and what to do.
(16:22):
We are literally there to serve and support them, help them make their job easier, help
them.
Because what happens is that they're like, this person is really interested in me and, you
know, it's keen about my survival in this company, in this business.
You know, they actually see it.
You have no idea how far they see this.
(16:45):
They see it beyond you coming in to actually help them get the results you need.
They see beyond that.
They actually see that you are interested in them and helping them.
When people do not perform, they stand at the risk of losing their job.
Trust me.
It goes into their minds as well.
They think these things too.
(17:05):
And it is to understand that.
So you start Monday mornings by asking someone you work with.
How can I make this easier for you this week?
And you have to minute.
So don't feign it.
This is not a fake it until you make it because you are here because you want to step up your
leadership.
So it means that it is an inward transformation that should work.
(17:26):
Edge out.
So it's an inside out thing.
You understand?
That is going on here.
So you have to be intentional about the change you want to make and the changes you
want to see by influencing them yourself, starting it from yourself.
So if you are going to make this moves, then you have to minute.
(17:47):
When you walk up to someone to ask them, how can I make this easier for you this week?
You have to minute.
Support removes friction.
When you remove friction, momentum builds.
Support.
Now here is.
Support removes friction.
When you remove friction, momentum builds.
(18:10):
Let's leave that at that.
The thought pillar.
Influence through integrity.
Influence through integrity.
This one is the deal breaker.
Yeah.
This one is the deal breaker.
If people can't trust your word, listen to me.
If people can't trust your word, they will never follow your lead.
(18:31):
Nah.
If people can't trust your word, they will never follow your lead.
So keep your promises, especially the small ones.
Oh, yeah.
Keep your promises, especially the small ones.
Show up early.
Return that message.
Deliver that feedback.
And if you miss something, only it.
(18:51):
Repair it.
Fast.
And fast is on what?
Fast.
If you miss something, only it and repair it.
Fast.
Let me tell you about, you know, a client of mine.
So just for emphasis, you know, we're going to call her, la, la.
She was a team lead who made a commitment to her team that every Friday should share
(19:13):
update, transparently, you know, like wings, losses, plans.
But one Friday slipped.
She didn't share.
And then another.
Then someone finally said, I was still doing this.
One moment, strong.
And you see, what I love about that was that she didn't get defensive.
(19:34):
No, she didn't.
She called a team meeting apologize without excuses and asked how they'd prefer to move forward.
That move, her.
Rebute trust faster than months of speeches.
Or she did was what she called a team meeting with the same set of people, apologized without
(19:56):
excuses.
No, only in it, taking responsibility.
And then she asked how they'd prefer to move forward because at that point, man, you messed
up, you know, but it's not like you come to them and then start sulking.
But let them know that, you know, at some point, she actually giving them the reign of control.
(20:18):
How do you prefer to move forward?
Should we still do this?
Because you're letting them know that, okay, yes, I'm not just putting it on you that we're
going to continue the way we are going to continue, you know, now that I have messed up
and I've owned it.
Nah, I would like to know.
Would you like us to continue?
And how do you prefer for us to continue?
(20:40):
That way, they know that it is genuine and sincere.
They know that you've actually owned up to it.
They're not doubting if you think you're right or wrong or not.
These are people.
One of the things that can't be fully understood is how emotions work.
And trust me, emotions can build and pull down.
(21:02):
Emotions can make and more anything that's involved in.
Leadership, marriage, relationship, call it anything.
It can't.
Don't discredit it.
Influences isn't always loud.
Nah, but it's always earned at a constant.
See.
(21:24):
Because if you need to live here with something concerning influence is that it is always
earned.
Influences isn't always loud.
It could be loud.
You understand?
Depends on whoever is wielding it.
But it isn't.
That it is wielded by someone who is loud about it doesn't mean that it is always loud.
(21:44):
It could equally be wielded by someone, even more so, by someone who is milder.
But one of the things that guarantees what's a constant across all of them is that it is
always earned.
So for the loud person he earned it, for the person who is mild and softer he earned it,
an influence it's always shown.
(22:07):
Because you don't earn something without people giving it to you.
Do you understand?
The reason it is earned is because it's in the possession of the people who would entrust
it to you.
So whether loud or soft amount wants it is given it works regardless of how loud or soft
(22:27):
it might be.
Now quick note, quick note.
The P-VIAL framework I teach connects here.
If you listen to the trailer you know what I'm talking about.
The P-VIAL is my framework for leadership.
Understand?
The P-VIAL is P-V-I-A-L that is purpose, vision, influence, authenticity and legacy.
(22:54):
The P-VIAL framework I teach connects here.
Purpose fuels accountability.
Vision fuels service.
Authenticity holds up integrity.
It all flows together.
It all flows what?
Together.
It all flows together.
(23:15):
Authenticity holds up integrity.
That in turn produces influence.
Vision fuels service.
Produces influence.
Purpose fuels accountability.
Produces influence.
Down the line with the impact you begin to make you begin to leave legacy.
(23:37):
Haha.
Truly, the ship dissolves titles.
It shapes life.
You need to understand that.
If you are leading truly, titles are dissolved.
You hold position of titles for structure and order, but it does not mean that there is
(23:57):
influence at play.
That is why you would find someone in a position and still find him say things and then things
not happen.
Like I said, said at the start of this episode.
It dissolves titles.
It shapes life.
(24:18):
Understand.
So, a leadership audit you can use today.
I'm going to leave you with that.
You understand.
A leadership audit you can leave in use today.
So, let's bring it home.
Leadership can feel abstract.
It can feel like far-fetched.
It can feel like something that is not practical.
So, I would like to make it practical.
So, this week, do a three step responsibility audit.
(24:44):
I call it three step.
Do a three step responsibility audit.
Step one.
Reflect.
Step two.
Recommit.
Step three.
Report.
I go again.
Step one.
Reflect.
Step two.
Recommit.
(25:05):
Step three.
Report.
Reflect.
So, let's go over step one.
Think back over your last three decisions.
Or so, three to five.
And then ask yourself these questions.
Who did they help?
Number two.
(25:28):
Who did they leave out?
Number one.
Who did they help?
Two.
Who did they leave out?
That is your three decisions.
Who did your three?
Your last three to five decisions help?
Who did they leave out?
Did you make the call for your convenience or for the team's clarity?
That's the last question on the reflected.
(25:50):
First of all, you ask yourself after thinking about your last three to five decisions that
you made.
Number one.
Who did they help?
Number two.
Who did they leave out?
Number three.
Did you make that call for your convenience?
And the decision was for your convenience or for the team's clarity.
Now, so that's that about reflect.
(26:11):
Number two.
Recommit.
So, pick one daily leadership habit.
One daily.
So, just one.
Are you do daily?
Maybe it's starting a day or each day with a check-in.
Maybe it's post-emitting debrief with your team.
Before the end, before they leave after, you know, at the end of work day, you understand,
(26:35):
a post-emitting debrief.
Keep it simple, but make it visible.
Let them see you.
Let them feel your impact.
Trust me.
But I had an issue with this.
Pick one daily leadership habit.
Maybe it's starting a day with a check-in.
(26:56):
Maybe it's a post-emitting debrief with your team.
But keep it simple.
Keep it simple, but make it visible.
Now, report.
This part takes guts.
You have to be vulnerable.
So, share your audit with the pair, mental or coach.
(27:16):
Share your audit with the pair, a mental or coach.
So you say things like, or you say something along the lines of, "Here's what I've seen
in myself this week.
When you reflect, based on what has happened.
Here's what I see in myself this week.
Anything you'd like to add."
You say that kind of vulnerability, that's power.
That kind of vulnerability, that's power.
(27:40):
It turns you from a title holder to a trusted leader.
That kind of vulnerability, that's power.
So here's the recap.
Leadership isn't a status.
Nah, it's a responsibility.
And the three pillars that anchor it are accountability, service and integrity.
(28:08):
Accountability, service and integrity.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain just by slowing down and
(28:31):
owning your leadership moment.
Start your responsibility audit this week.
I say again.
You'll be shocked by how much clarity and confidence you gain just by slowing down.
Emphasis on slowing down and owning your leadership moment.
It's not a rush.
You're not in a hiss.
(28:55):
It could be time bound to deliver a result.
But then, of what uses a result that has no effectiveness.
A result that has no effectiveness in the long run would point out people and then you
find yourself having to be sure for people, having to, you know, rebuild the division in
your mind, get them to, you know, run with the vision and fresh, having to teach them
(29:18):
what you're communicating about.
Because you've burnt out the ones who already know the vision.
It's not a rush.
You're not in a hiss.
You understand?
You would get how much clarity and confidence you be shocked by how much clarity and confidence
you gain just by slowing down and owning your leadership moment.
It's your leadership moment.
(29:40):
And if this helped you, don't keep it to yourself.
If this podcast has helped you, this episode has helped you.
Don't keep it to yourself.
Subscribe, leave a review.
Please leave a review.
Let me know what you've learned in the comment section, sections.
Share with someone stepping into leadership right now that you know and that these could
(30:02):
help as well.
You understand?
So, in the next episode, I'll walk you through the full P-VIAL Blueprint that I spoke about
earlier.
You understand?
I'll walk you through them.
The full P-VIAL Blueprint will unpack, propose vision, influence, authenticity and legacy and
how they walk together to elevate your leadership in any space, how they walk together to elevate
(30:26):
your leadership in any space that you are.
Until then, lead well and live on purpose.
But then don't forget, please follow us across all our social media platforms, empowered
leader at Empowered Leader podcast, empowered leader podcast on Instagram, Facebook, everywhere,
(30:52):
empowered leader podcast, empowered leader podcast.
Until then, lead well and live on purpose.
Cheers.
you
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.