Leadership: Being a Leader of Leaders

There’s a profound transformation that occurs when you step into the role of leading leaders. It’s an experience both humbling and exhilarating, demanding growth from within while fostering growth in others. My three year journey in leadership at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) D9212 and my recent return as a guiding figure on the committee has given me a unique perspective on what it means to take on that responsibility—to not just lead but to inspire and elevate those who, in turn, lead others.

Taking Up the Mantle: Why It Matters

Every leadership role begins with a commitment: a commitment not only to the tasks at hand but to the potential of the people you’re entrusted with. When I took on the role of RYLA Co-chair, my vision was to create a platform where young leaders could develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills with a clear, results-oriented approach. With this responsibility, I saw the potential for positive change, but I also saw the expectations of many. Here was a role that didn’t allow me to coast or to merely observe from the sidelines. It required a hands-on approach, a personal dedication to not just take up tasks but to take them up with precision, passion, and intention.

Being a “leader of leaders” meant recognizing that my actions, my focus, and my mindset would cascade through the entire group. Taking up tasks and putting them right was about more than checking items off a list—it was about setting a standard that would empower others to replicate and build upon. In essence, every small decision or task undertaken with clarity and responsibility contributed to a larger picture of success.

Responsibility Beyond the Role

One of the heaviest yet most fulfilling aspects of this type of leadership is the responsibility it brings. In a traditional leadership role, you may have the privilege of looking up to a senior, of following someone else’s rhythm. But as a leader of leaders, the responsibility shifts. You become the rhythm, the heartbeat that others tune into. It is a privilege, yes, but one that requires deep self-accountability, resilience, and continuous personal growth. The moment you realize that everyone is looking to you, there’s an internal shift. You recognize that their success, their experience, and their growth in some way depend on the choices you make and the energy you bring.

In my time with RYLA, I encountered moments where the weight of responsibility felt daunting. There were instances where the path wasn’t always clear, and yet, showing doubt wasn’t an option. Instead, I learned to recalibrate, to look inward for strength, and to consult my team, allowing their perspectives to enrich our journey. I realized that to lead effectively meant embracing not only my responsibility but also that of my team. Leadership, then, was about being present and open, about taking ownership not just of the victories but of the setbacks and learning from both.

The Power of Inspiration: A Ripple Effect

Leadership, particularly at RYLA, isn’t about wielding authority; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels they have the tools to lead. It’s a balance of giving direction while leaving room for growth and independent thinking. In this role, I discovered that a leader of leaders must have the foresight to envision a pathway forward and the humility to let others contribute and shape that vision. The satisfaction comes not from directing every move but from inspiring a ripple effect of creativity, commitment, and accountability that echoes through each participant.

By the end of my tenure, I saw leaders emerge from all directions—young people stepping into their own, confident to face challenges head-on and eager to mentor others in the same way. This ripple effect wasn’t about one person’s influence; it was about creating a collective momentum where everyone contributed to the journey.

When the Buck Stops with You

One of the defining traits of a leader of leaders is that there’s no one else to pass the responsibility to. The buck stops with you. When things go well, it’s a shared victory. When they don’t, it’s a lesson you take on yourself. This level of accountability has taught me that leadership isn’t a title or a set of duties—it’s a mindset and a calling. The essence of leading leaders lies in this responsibility: to model resilience, to remain steady in the face of challenge, and to act with integrity even when it feels like the world is watching.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment

As I look back on my journey with RYLA, the moments I hold most dearly are those where young leaders took charge, where ideas blossomed into actions, and where I saw potential evolve into achievement. The essence of this role, of being a leader of leaders, is in the legacy you build. It’s the ripple of inspiration that encourages others to not only follow but to lead in their own right.

In the end, true leadership is about creating more leaders, not more followers. It’s about fostering a space where everyone is empowered to bring their best, to learn, and to pass that gift forward. Leading leaders isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about guiding others to find them within themselves. And as they do, you witness the growth of a generation of leaders—leaders who are ready to take up the mantle, to put things right, and to carry the legacy forward with courage, passion, and grit.