Think back to the best leaders you’ve worked with. The ones who truly left a lasting impression.
What made them stand out?
If you’re like me, the most memorable leaders weren’t the ones hyper-focused on hitting numbers, tracking OKRs, or climbing the corporate ladder. They were the ones who led with intention, empathy, and a willingness to make a real difference. They didn’t just manage people—they created impact in ways that extended far beyond the bottom line.
Looking back on my own career, a few experiences stand out—not because of my leaders' achievements, but because of the way they showed up for others.
At the start of my career, I was fortunate to work for a manager who didn’t just see me as an intern—she saw potential. When my internship ended, instead of sending me on my way, she found a way to keep me on board. She brought me in as a long-term temp while she worked behind the scenes to create a full-time role for me on her team.
She always pushed me, but never without providing opportunities to grow. She introduced me to new challenges, broadened my professional network, and made me feel like I belonged. Decades later, we still stay in touch.
She didn’t just give me a job—she invested in me. And that investment changed the trajectory of my career.
During my time in film publicity, I was responsible for escorting costumed characters through the talk show circuit in NYC to promote movies. One morning outside The Today Show, I was with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when a mother stopped me. She told me about her critically ill son and asked if the Turtles could visit him and other children at Sloan-Kettering.
I wanted to say yes. But I also knew how much red tape came with corporate approvals, talent scheduling, and logistical barriers. I didn’t know how to make it happen.
But my leader did.
Rather than dismissing the idea as too complicated, she moved mountains. She got the approvals, coordinated the actors, and arranged for the costumes to be available beyond the original schedule. Thanks to her, the Turtles made a special visit to bring joy to kids who needed it most.
A simple yes turned company resources into something deeply human.
Years later, I worked for a CEO who didn’t just talk about a people-first culture—he lived it.
When my child was unexpectedly admitted to the ICU, I was overwhelmed. Before I could even think about how to manage my workload, he stepped in. He personally called my clients, reassigned my work, and told me to focus 100% on my family for as long as I needed.
No hesitation. No questions. Just unwavering support.
That moment set the tone for the kind of leader he was—one who understood that businesses don’t thrive unless their people do. And because of that, loyalty and goodwill ran deep throughout the company.
None of these leaders made an impact on me because of their ability to hit quarterly goals or execute flawless business strategies. They made an impact because they led with intention. They saw people as more than employees. They created opportunities, opened doors, and showed up in ways that mattered.
And the effect was lasting.
It’s easy to get caught up in metrics, deadlines, and growth strategies. But at the end of the day, leadership is about the moments that people remember—the ones that make them feel valued, supported, and empowered.
So ask yourself: What would it take for you to be the kind of leader people remember—not just for what you achieved, but for how you made them feel?
I’d love to hear from you—what leadership moments have stuck with you?