What Mufasa Taught Me About Leadership

What do a legendary lion king and a galactic Sith Lord have in common with your business? More than you think. Monday, we lost the iconic voice of James Earl Jones, but his wisdom lives on—and it’s time we bring it to the boardroom.

Today, I want to share some valuable lessons from a legend we lost on Monday—James Earl Jones. His unforgettable voice shaped many of our lives, and the wisdom behind his iconic roles changed how we led and grew our businesses.

His portrayal of Mufasa in The Lion King wasn’t just one of my favorite movies—I think of it as a guidebook on leadership, balance, and respect. So, grab your favorite productivity-boosting beverage, and let’s explore how the timeless lessons from James Earl Jones can resonate with our professional lives.

The Voice That Shaped My Leadership

I’ve been captivated by James Earl Jones’ voice for as long as I can remember. Something about his deep, commanding tone always stops me in my tracks. I’d watch The Lion King repeatedly, mesmerized by Mufasa’s words. But it wasn’t until I became a leader and entrepreneur that I realized how deeply his wisdom influenced my business approach.

I still remember a pivotal moment in my life when I felt lost. During a lamenting session with an elder from my church, she listened patiently before offering a simple but profound advice: “Remember who you are.” Now, she was referring to the fact that I’m God’s daughter, but it also echoed Mufasa’s famous line and helped me reconnect with my values and vision as a leader.

Fast forward to today, and James Earl Jones’s voice still resonates, whether through Mufasa’s calm strength or Darth Vader’s intimidating presence. Both characters, though vastly different, carry lessons for leadership and decision-making. And as I reflect on his passing, I can’t help but think of the wisdom he left behind—not just in his roles, but in the lessons they teach us.

From Pride Rock to Your Boardroom: Business Lessons from Mufasa

Let’s talk about Pride Rock. In The Lion King, it’s the symbolic heart of Mufasa’s kingdom, where he teaches Simba about leadership responsibilities. And while we may not rule over lions and antelope, the wisdom he shares applies directly to the challenges we face in business.

Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.

Here’s how you can take that advice from Pride Rock to your boardroom:

1. Respect the Little Things (Yes, Even Those TPS Reports)

In business, it’s easy to focus on the big, exciting projects—the “leaping antelope” moments. But Mufasa reminds us that the “crawling ant” tasks are just as important. The small, everyday details form the backbone of your company’s success.

Your Action Step: This week, identify one “crawling ant” task in your organization that often goes unnoticed. Whether it’s an administrative process or routine maintenance, tackle it head-on or acknowledge the team member who keeps it running. Remember, everything you see exists in balance.

2. Find Your Balance (And I Don’t Mean Work-Life Balance… Yet)

We’ve all been guilty of focusing too much on one area of our business while neglecting others. Maybe you’re pushing product development but overlooking customer service. Or focusing on marketing while operations fall behind. Mufasa’s advice about balance is a crucial reminder: every part of your business plays a role in its overall health.

Your Action Step: Create a “business ecosystem map.” Divide a circle into sections representing different areas of your business (finance, marketing, operations, etc.). Rate your current attention to each area on a scale of 1-10.

Where are you out of balance?

What needs more focus to restore equilibrium?

3. Everything’s Connected (It’s Not Just a Catchphrase from Avatar)

Mufasa understood that every creature in the Pride Lands plays a part in the circle of life. The same applies to your business—every department, process, and client interaction is interconnected. Neglect one part and the whole ecosystem suffers.

Your Action Step: Host a “cross-pollination” day in your organization. Have team members from different departments shadow each other to gain fresh insights. It could revolutionize your processes and boost collaboration across the board.

Bringing the James Earl Jones Effect to Your Leadership

James Earl Jones didn’t just voice characters—he breathed life into them. His delivery was always filled with gravitas, authority, and empathy. As leaders, we can learn from this. How we communicate with our teams, clients, and stakeholders matters. Speaking with clarity and conviction not only earns respect but fosters trust.

The next time you present to your team or share your vision, perhaps channel some of that James Earl Jones energy. Don’t just talk—command attention with your words. Lead with wisdom, and like Mufasa, remember the importance of balance in your organization.

Final Thought: Carrying Forward James Earl Jones’ Legacy

As we reflect on the passing of James Earl Jones, let’s remember that his legacy extends far beyond the screen. He showed us that authentic leadership isn’t just about power or authority—it’s about understanding, balance, and respect.

Your Final Mission: Take one lesson from this article and put it into practice today. Whether tackling a small but essential task or realigning the balance in your business, let the wisdom of James Earl Jones guide you.

You have everything you need to succeed right inside you.

What unexpected places have you found leadership wisdom? How has a movie quote or character inspired you professionally?