How to become a stand-out leader and changemaker with practical tips and examples from visionary leaders like Howard Schultz, Steve Jobs, and Oprah Winfrey. Discover the traits and strategies that drive success and transformation.
In the year 1994, a young man named Howard Schultz made a bold decision that changed the trajectory of Starbucks. The company was struggling, and Schultz envisioned transforming it into more than just a coffee shop. Schultz believed that Starbucks could be a “third place” — a welcoming space between work and home where people could connect, relax, and feel a sense of belonging. This vision was inspired by Schultz’s trip to Italy, where he observed the unique role coffeehouses played in fostering community and culture.
Despite facing skepticism from investors, resistance from within the company, and financial challenges, Schultz remained steadfast. He focused on creating an unparalleled customer experience by investing in employee training, introducing innovative products, and fostering a culture of connection. Schultz also made the groundbreaking decision to offer healthcare benefits to part-time employees, highlighting his belief that leadership is about taking care of people.
His bold approach not only turned Starbucks into a global phenomenon, but also redefined what it meant to be a purpose-driven leader. Today, Starbucks operates in over 80 countries, serving as a testament to Schultz’s visionary thinking, empathy, and courage to take risks—the hallmarks of a stand-out leader and changemaker.
The World Desperately Needs Stand-out Leaders and Changemakers
Now more than ever, the world requires more leaders to step up. Below are three key reasons why the world desperately needs stand-out leaders and changemakers:
- Rapidly evolving business environment:
The world of business is evolving at an extremely fast pace. Technology is rapidly advancing and there are new developments daily. The revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business environment and the way in which we conduct business. Businesses are pressurised to “keep up” else they stand the risk of becoming inefficient as compared to competitors. Stand-out leaders and changemakers navigate through times like these and embrace these changes.
- Driving improvement and transformation:
Managing tasks and maintaining the status quo is no longer good enough. If businesses are to survive and to thrive, leaders will need to consistently drive improvement and transformation through an agile approach. There needs to be a constant focus on innovation, new products and developing skills of the workforce to ensure businesses remain relevant. If this is not done, businesses will fail to remain relevant and fail to stay active.
- Creating change, not just adapting to it:
The world needs leaders who do not just adapt to change, but also create change themselves. With rapid advancements in technology, globalization and sustainability challenges that present themselves, leaders are to strategically align the vision and mission of the organisation to position the business for growth. Leaders are to be change agents, driving their teams to think in the same manner. Stand-out leaders and changemakers are at the forefront of change and innovation.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
How to Become a Stand-out Leader and a Changemaker
Becoming a stand-out leader and a changemaker is possible for anyone with the right level of focus and dedication. These leaders possess the below six traits, and is accompanied by an example from a successful leader for each:
Become a Visionary Leader
Steve Jobs is an excellent example of a visionary leader and thinker, redefining entire industries. When Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. Jobs envisioned a future where technology was not just functional, but well designed and intuitive to use. His commitment to simplicity and user experience led to revolutionary products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad. The iPhone created a new category altogether, transforming how people communicate, work and live. Jobs’ ability to anticipate what consumers needed—before they even realized it themselves— combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, solidified Apple’s position as one of the most valuable companies in the world. Being a visionary thinker can disrupt norms and drive unparalleled success, making one a stand-out leader and a changemaker.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Stand-out leaders and changemakers never give up. They push through the toughest of challenges, obstacles and difficulties. When faced with these challenges, they display an intense sense of resilience, not only enduring and emerging from tough situations, but also learning from failures. Consider the story of Oprah Winfrey. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi and enduring numerous personal struggles, Oprah faced significant obstacles in her early life. Despite these challenges, she persevered and built a media empire that redefined television and inspired millions. Her journey illustrates how overcoming hardships with determination and purpose can lead to extraordinary leadership.
Commitment to Continuous Learning
In the year 2014, Microsoft was struggling to keep up with competitors in the rapidly evolving tech world. Their market share was slipping, innovation had stagnated, and many wondered if the once-mighty tech giant could remain relevant in a highly competitive industry. Then came Satya Nadella. When he stepped into the role of CEO, Nadella’s priority was not launching a new product or cutting costs as would be expected – rather, it was fostering a culture of continuous learning. Microsoft’s share price in 2014 was a mere $47. Today, it costs $415 per share, indicating an 800% growth rate. Microsoft’s transformation highlights a lesson every leader can apply; continuous learning is not just a business strategy—it is the cornerstone of organisational success. Stand-out leaders and changemakers never stop learning.
Displaying Courage to Make Tough Decisions
In order to identify and be effective as a stand-out leader and a changemaker, you need to be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone, and to make tough and bold decisions for the success of the business. These decisions may be unpopular, but they are necessary for the future of the business. You must be willing to be misunderstood, criticized, opposed, accused, and even rejected. Consider the example of Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. In 2019, following the Christchurch Mosque shootings, Ardern displayed remarkable courage by introducing swift and controversial gun reform laws. Her ability to act decisively during a time of national grief demonstrated her commitment to safety and her resolve to make tough decisions, even in the face of potential political backlash.
Have Empathy and Be a People-Centric Leader
Stand-out leaders and changemakers display strong people management skills. A powerful example is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. Nooyi was known for her “Performance with Purpose” vision, which emphasized sustainable growth and societal impact. Her people-centric approach extended to handwritten thank-you notes she sent to employees and their families, recognizing their contributions. Nooyi’s genuine care for her team fostered loyalty and a shared sense of purpose, proving that empathy is a cornerstone of impactful leadership.
Strive for the Highest Standard of Excellence
Consider Serena Williams, the tennis legend known for her relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the court. Serena not only broke records, but also transformed the sport through her work ethic, resilience and determination to be the best. Her rigorous training, unmatched focus and commitment to raising the standards in her sport inspired countless athletes and fans around the world. To be a stand-out leader and a changemaker in your industry, you will be required to pursue excellence in all you do, and encourage your teams to do the same. Accepting mediocrity and tolerating a sub-standard level of performance will not work well for the business.
Becoming a stand-out leader and a changemaker starts with small, meaningful actions. Begin by challenging the status quo each day, setting goals to make improvements and driving change consistently. Lead by example, and demonstrate the behaviours and values you want to inspire in others. Collaboration and inclusion should also be at the heart of your approach, as diverse perspectives drive stronger, more creative solutions. By embodying these principles, you can cultivate a culture of stand-out leadership and inspire others to be changemakers.
Challenges of Being a Stand-out Leader and Changemaker
Being a stand-out leader and changemaker comes with its challenges. Resistance to change is often the first obstacle, as teams or organizations may hesitate to embrace new ideas or disrupt established routines. This can create friction and test your ability to persevere. Additionally, the role can be demanding, leading to burnout if personal well-being is not prioritized. Changemakers also face internal struggles, such as self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which can undermine confidence and decision-making. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is key to sustaining your impact and driving meaningful transformation.
Taking the First Step
Taking the first step toward becoming a stand-out leader and changemaker begins with introspection. Reflect on your leadership style and identify areas for growth. Determine one impactful change you want to create and set a clear, actionable plan to achieve it. Additionally, seek guidance through mentorship or leadership development programmes to sharpen your skills and broaden your perspective. By committing to these actions, you can begin your journey of being a stand-out leader and a changemaker.
You must ask yourself – What kind of legacy will your leadership leave behind? Will you be known as a stand-out leader and a changemaker, or will you be remembered as an average leader who did nothing to stand-out, and brought about little to no change? The world needs more leaders willing to challenge the status quo and step into the role of changemakers. Will you take the call to be one of them?
