The Leaders Who Changed Everything: What I Learned About Real Leadership

Early in my tax career, I had the privilege of working alongside senior executives who completely changed how I saw leadership. Looking back now, I realize they all had something remarkable in common—and it went way beyond just their technical expertise.

They actually listened.

And I don't mean the kind of listening where someone's just waiting for their turn to talk. These leaders actually leaned in, asked real questions, and genuinely wanted to understand what I was dealing with. In our world of complex tax regulations and strategic planning, they somehow always found time to truly hear their people.

Leadership Is About Making Time

One of the most striking patterns I noticed was how these leaders treated their time. Despite packed schedules and their own mountain of responsibilities, they shared their time generously. They didn't see mentoring as a distraction from their "real work"—they understood it was fundamental to their role.

I remember sitting in meetings where a senior executive would stop mid-discussion to make sure I understood not just the what, but the why. They taught me to think through problems, not just execute tasks.

Lead with Empathy

You might think tax is all about numbers and regulations—and sure, it is. But the best leaders I worked with understood something crucial: technical excellence and human connection go hand in hand.

They could tell when I was struggling with a complex technical issue or trying to figure out how to approach a tricky situation. Instead of just handing me the answer (which would've been faster, let's be honest), they'd ask: "What's making this difficult for you?"

They wanted to understand the real obstacle first. And that created something powerful—I wasn't afraid to admit when I was stuck or didn't know something. That openness? That's where real growth happens.

They Taught Me to Think (Not Just What to Think)

Here's maybe the most valuable thing these leaders did: they resisted the urge to just tell me what to do. Instead, they made me think.

When I'd bring them a problem, they'd hit me with questions: "What have you considered so far? What are your options? What would happen if you tried this approach?"

Were they being difficult? Nope. They were teaching me a process—not just fixing my immediate problem, but building my ability to tackle the next one on my own.

They Actually Wanted Me to Win

Above all else? These leaders genuinely wanted to see me succeed. Not because it made them look good (though I'm sure it did), but because they actually cared about my development and where my career was heading.

They celebrated when I got things right. They pushed for my growth. And when I messed up? They turned it into a learning moment instead of making me feel terrible about it.

The Leadership I Choose

I think about these leaders all the time now. They set a standard that's shaped how I work with my own team and colleagues today.

Here's what I've learned: true leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room or having all the answers. It's about creating space for others to grow, really listening, teaching with patience, and genuinely caring about the success of the people around you.

That's leadership with heart. And that's the example I've chosen to follow.

Want to share your own leadership story? Email me at liza@elitewithheart.com—I'd love to hear what qualities made the biggest difference for you.

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