🌍 Leading with Intention: My Personal Leadership Principles

Over the years, across countries, roles, family milestones, and countless hours in the air, I’ve come to believe that leadership isn’t something we turn on at work and off at home. It’s how we show up in every part of life.

Whether I’m on a family trip to Sardinia, navigating city streets with my son in Chicago, or sitting in a meeting room in Vienna, the core principles that guide me remain the same. They’re not fixed rules, but a compass. One I return to when things move fast, or when things get quiet.

Here’s what that compass looks like for me:

1. Lead with Presence and Purpose

Leadership begins by showing up. Not to perform, but to pay attention. Purpose isn’t a mission statement, it’s being clear on what matters and being fully there for it.

2. Observe, Learn as You Go, and Adapt

No journey ever goes exactly as planned. The key is to stay curious, take in your surroundings, and let experience shape your response. Flexibility isn’t a lack of direction, it’s intelligence in motion.

3. Honor Identity, Culture, and Belonging

Where we come from informs how we lead. I’ve learned to value the stories, languages, and perspectives we all bring, and how diversity, in every sense, makes teams stronger and more resilient.

4. Clarity Over Complexity

Simplicity isn’t simplistic, it’s strategic. Whether planning a family trip or leading a team, I’ve seen the power of focus, clean structures, and just enough space for others to think.

5. Lead with Empathy—Across Generations

Leadership is legacy. It’s in how we treat others when no one’s watching. It’s in what we model for those coming after us. Whether parenting or mentoring, empathy is the through line that connects.

These principles aren’t something I memorized, they’re something I’ve practiced, often imperfectly, across borders and roles. They remind me that leadership isn’t a title. It’s a way of moving through the world. With clarity, curiosity, and care.

If any of these resonate with you, I’d love to hear what’s on your leadership compass.

Let’s keep the conversation going.