There’s something about this time of year that invites honesty.
The pace slows just enough to consider not just what we achieved, but what actually made us happy.
For me, happiness looks like getting on a plane and heading somewhere warm. This year, that means Kerala in southern India, then Chennai, finishing in Dubai, with an early Christmas spent with my family. That time matters to me more now than ever.
And it raised a question I’ve been sitting with: Do you plan time with your family? Do you plan time with yourself?
Because this season gives us permission to pause and reflect. What went well? What we could improve. And what we’re ready to leave behind.
Heroes, SHeroes, and Rethinking Influence
In a recent celebratory episode of the Scale Your Sales Podcast, I asked my guests two simple questions: Who is your hero or shero? Or what personal value guides how you lead?
What came back surprised me🥳
Some guests spoke about iconic leaders. Others questioned the very idea of heroes.
Priya Lakshmi shared her admiration for Indira Nooyi, not just as a business leader but as a woman navigating leadership in male-dominated spaces. Reading My Life in Full helped Priya recognise what was possible because someone else had already walked that path.
Alina Vandenberghe 🌶️ offered a very different perspective. As a CEO, she spoke candidly about the loneliness at the top, no peers, no bosses, and everyone, in some way, being your boss. She shared that she stopped looking up to big-name entrepreneurs after becoming disillusioned with what happens when wealth and power take centre stage. Instead, she now seeks wisdom from people doing positive work, leaders focused on peace, diversity, and creating a better world. That shift matters.
Sometimes our North Star isn’t just about who we admire, but the purpose and values we stand for as leaders.
When Leadership Influence Is Quiet but Lasting
A recurring theme across conversations was that the most powerful influence is often quiet and consistent.
Elizabeth Blass 🌻 spoke about Kim Scott and how Radical Candor and Radical Respect shaped her belief that kindness and directness belong together.
JACQUES SCIAMMAS reflected on Christopher and Dana Reeve, choosing service over self even in the face of immense adversity.
LeeRon Yahalomi spoke about Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a reminder that resilience doesn’t need volume; it needs conviction.
And Kelley Hippler shared her admiration for Ellen Daley, a leader who was curious, hardworking, and humble, even when she was the smartest person in the room.
These stories reinforced a powerful truth: Lasting leadership influence doesn’t shout. It shows up.
Authenticity as a North Star
One reflection that stayed with me came from Brandi Starr ☆ .
Brandi spoke about learning early in her career to show up as her whole self, even when that meant red stiletto heels, a tongue ring, and not fitting someone else’s idea of “acceptable.” Her work would speak for itself. And if a workplace couldn’t accept that, it wasn’t the right place for her.
For Brandi, authenticity is leadership. By being comfortable in her own skin, she created space for others to do the same.
That is what I call North Star Leadership: helping others succeed while staying true to themselves and their values.
Values Shaped by People, Not Posters
When the conversation turned to personal values, one thing became clear: values are shaped by people.
Ejieme Eromosele spoke about being human-first. Hayal Koc talked about integrity and empathy, doing the right thing when no one is watching. Nick Buxton shared a mantra I try to live by: “People have got to want to work with me.”
Manoj Ramnani reminded us that building companies is a team sport. He spoke about people returning to work with him again and again, not because it’s easy, but because he pushes them to grow, treating people well while stretching what they believe is possible.
Leslie Douglas talked about taking the wheel instead of waiting for change. Lynn Hidy reminded us that we can be responsible to people, but only if they are responsible to themselves first. Nwamaka Udenigwe spoke about depth before speed, building things that last.
A Year-End Invitation
As this year comes to a close, here’s my invitation to you.
Take a moment and ask yourself:
- Who supported me this year?
- Who influenced how I think and lead?
- Who really matters to me?
And then the deeper question: How do the people that matter most shape my values?
Our values aren’t formed in isolation; they are shaped and tested by those around us.
As you look ahead, I encourage you to set aside time to reflect on your experiences, identify the values and people who truly matter to you, and decide how you will intentionally bring these lessons into the year ahead. Make a conscious list of what you want to carry forward and whom you want to take with you as you plan for the coming year.
North Star Leadership means guiding others by living your values and cultivating purposeful influence; this is what endures. Progress is guided by purpose, not the pursuit of perfection. It’s about inner, value-based direction over perfection.
Thank you for listening to the Scale Your Sales Podcast throughout 2025❤️, and a heartfelt thank you to every guest who shared their insight, wisdom, and authentic selves.
Connect with our guests:
Janice B Gordon Priya Lakshmi Alina Vandenberghe 🌶️ Elizabeth Blass 🌻 JACQUES SCIAMMAS LeeRon Yahalomi Kelley Hippler Brandi Starr ☆ Ejieme Eromosele Hayal Koc Nick Buxton Manoj Ramnani Leslie Douglas Lynn Hidy Nwamaka Udenigwe
