It’s my Dad’s birthday today, and I can’t help but reflect on the role he’s played in my life, not just as my father, but as one of my first and most important leaders.
Before we ever have a title, a team, or a leadership program, we’re led by someone.
For most of us, it starts at home.
Mum and Dad always guided me on right and wrong. They planted seeds that shaped my life, my values, and the decisions I’ve made along the way. Our values and beliefs are formed so young that the role our parents play is both quietly powerful and deeply enduring.
As I grew up, Dad continued to guide my way and model what great leadership looks like, at home and at work. He played a significant role in my career too, as a coach, mentor, and advisor. And over the years I’ve asked him directly about his view on leadership and what he believes contributes to being a great leader.
His answer has always stuck with me.
Dad believes leadership started for him when he was a child, within his family, and in particular with his mother being a strong leader. He was one of 11 kids. A family where teamwork wasn’t a nice idea, it was survival. Love and respect weren’t optional. You learned early that it wasn’t all about you. You had to listen to people. You had to contribute.
And to this day our very big, gorgeous and loving family are no different!
Dad is a natural leader. What I admire most is his honesty and openness. His ability to respect and listen to others’ points of view. The way he gives people the opportunity to participate. And his willingness to roll up his sleeves and be one of the team.
And that always reminds me of something I talk about often with senior leaders: your leadership is always teaching. Even when you think you’re not “leading” in a formal sense. Even in the small moments. Especially in the small moments.
Like my father, I believe learning to be a great leader starts young, and becomes a lifelong journey. We learn from the good and the bad alike. We make choices. We learn formally and informally what leadership requires and why it matters. Over time, we become more intentional about the leader we’re becoming.
That’s the link I keep coming back to today.
If leadership has taught me anything, it’s this:
the impact you have on others is almost always more than you’ll ever know.
A comment you barely remember can become someone’s turning point.
A standard you hold can shape a culture.
A moment of patience, honesty, or respect can become the blueprint someone follows for years.
So, if you’re a leader reading this, take it as a gentle (and important) prompt: be intentional about how you show up. Not because you have to be perfect, but because you are shaping people, whether you mean to or not.
Today, I’m grateful that my early passion for great leadership came from my Dad.
Thank you, Dad and Happy Birthday!
#MichelleSalesLeadership #RealLeadership #RoleModels #LeadershipImpact #IntentionalLeadership