7 Pillars of Inspired Leadership

Introduction: The Seven Pillars of Leadership What if I told you that the strength of your leadership—your ability to inspire, guide, and create lasting impact—could be measured by the number of pillars supporting it? Imagine a structure like a bridge or a tower. The more pillars that hold it up, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. But take away a pillar or two, and while the structure might still stand, it’s far more vulnerable when the storms of life inevitably come. Leadership works the same way. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading organizations, mentoring teams, and learning from some of the greatest leaders in action. Through these experiences, I’ve noticed something: the most effective and enduring leaders build their leadership on a solid foundation of multiple pillars. These leaders don’t just excel in one area—they’re strong in several. They understand that true leadership is multifaceted, requiring a balance of vision, communication, team building, investing in people, cultivating loyalty, strategically using capital, and making tough decisions. This book is about those pillars—the seven essential elements every leader needs to master to create something that lasts and truly makes an impact. Whether you’re leading a Fortune 500 company, a small startup, a nonprofit, or even your own family, these pillars are foundational. They’re the key to navigating the complexities and challenges that every leader faces. As you journey through this book, you’ll see how these seven pillars work together to create a leadership structure that’s not just strong but unshakeable. You’ll discover how each pillar reinforces the others, building a balanced, resilient foundation that can withstand challenges and seize opportunities. But more than that, you’ll learn how to expand your skills as a leader, embrace these pillars fully, and build something that lasts. Because at the end of the day, great leadership isn’t just about success—it’s about leaving a legacy that continues to inspire, influence, and impact long after you’re gone. In this book, we’re going to embark on a transformative journey through the seven pillars of inspired leadership, looking at them through three distinct lenses. First, we’ll dive into the wisdom of some of the world’s greatest leaders and business icons, uncovering how they’ve embodied these pillars on their paths to success. Then, I’ll share personal stories from my own entrepreneurial journey, taking you through the challenges of startup life, the process of taking a company public, and the eventual sale of that business. These experiences will not only provide leadership insights but also offer a practical blueprint for successfully scaling up a business. Finally, we’ll turn to someone you might not initially think of when you consider the hall of fame of great leaders but I will argue, he is clearly the greatest leader of all time—that leader is Jesus. We’ll examine how His teachings and approach to leadership have shaped one of the world’s most enduring and impactful organizations, offering timeless lessons that can elevate your own leadership journey. This book offers a comprehensive guide to becoming a more effective and purposeful leader and an entrepreneurial roadmap to consider. So, whether you’re a seasoned leader looking to refine your approach or someone stepping into leadership for the first time, this book is for you. It’s a guide, a roadmap, and a source of inspiration all rolled into one. Let’s build something great together—starting with the seven pillars that make all the difference. Chapter 1: What Is Leadership? Everything rises and falls on leadership. It is no trivial matter. Business, governments, sports teams and families, they all succeed or fail based on leadership. So, what is leadership, really? At its core, leadership is influence. It’s the ability to guide, shape, and inspire others toward a shared goal. It’s not just about a title or position; it’s about the impact you have on those around you. If leadership is about influence, the real question is, how are you developing your ability to influence others? And how are you using that influence to guide others toward your goals and dreams? If someone were to ask you, "What’s your style of leadership?" how would you answer? Are you a visionary leader, inspiring others with big ideas? Maybe you’re more of a servant leader, focused on empowering your team. Perhaps you lean toward a more directive, authoritative style, taking charge and setting clear expectations. Or maybe you’re a collaborative leader, believing in bringing everyone to the table to make decisions together. We all have a default style that fits our personality and experiences, but here’s the truth: no single style guarantees success in the wide range of situations and the various types of people that leaders must influence. This book is here to share insights that will empower you to become a better leader, whether you’re leading a large organization, building an entrepreneurial startup, running a nonprofit, guiding a church, or even leading your family. Leadership isn’t confined to a boardroom or an office; it’s a calling that touches every part of our lives. My hope is that these pages will equip you with the tools and perspectives to lead with purpose, wherever you are, and to influence others to do more than they ever thought possible. So no matter where you currently lean in your personal leadership style and approach, here’s the truth: great leaders embody elements of all leadership styles throughout their journey. They adapt, shifting their approach to meet the needs of the situation and the diverse individuals they lead. If we accept this idea—that leadership does not have to be a fixed style for your career but a dynamic blend of approaches—then everyone has the potential to grow and evolve as a leader. This book is built on that foundation. By exploring the seven pillars of inspired leadership, you’ll gain insights that will help you navigate different scenarios and connect with various team members more effectively. My goal is that, through this journey, you will emerge as a better leader and entrepreneur than when you started. So, let’s begin this journey together.