The Lion’s Roar: Grit, Growth, and Why Being a Good Human Beats Any Leadership Playbook

About 10 days ago, I started The Daily Burn, a newsletter where I throw out these short, capsule-like thoughts—sometimes controversial, sometimes self-provocating—on business, culture, leadership, and everything in between. And as I was writing this piece, wouldn’t you know it? The lion thing came up again. It seems to be a recurring theme for me, like my spirit animal keeps reminding me it's there, roaring in the background.

But here’s the twist: I think people often see the lion as this symbol of power and dominance, but the truth is, lions don’t have it that easy. There’s struggle, survival, and constant battles they face—things we don’t immediately associate with the “king of the jungle.” And in many ways, that’s where I find the connection.

So yeah, it’s fitting that this is called The Lion’s Roar, but maybe for a different reason than people expect. It’s not about being on top—it’s about resilience, grit, and figuring out how to navigate the challenges life throws at you. And that’s what this daily burn process feels like too. You start writing, and somewhere along the way, it cracks you open. You think you’re just reflecting on a topic, and suddenly it becomes deeper. It’s almost like you’re pulling ideas out of places you didn’t even know were there.

Which brings me to the point of all this...

I won’t stop talking about business leadership. I mean, that’s my bread and butter, my daily grind, and—dare I say—my calling. But sometimes, I wonder if we’re missing the point. We obsess over leadership traits like they’re some secret sauce, but what if it’s not just about being a great leader? What if it’s about being a great human first?

I know what you’re thinking: "Roman, aren't you the guy who builds marketing strategies, not some self-help guru?" And you’re right. But after years of working with teams, building brands, and managing growth, I’ve noticed that the best people I’ve worked with aren’t just leaders—they’re good people. And that makes a bigger difference than any leadership hack ever could.

Grit – Not just for the Power Players

We love to talk about grit, especially in business. You know, the classic “overcome adversity and thrive” stories. But here’s the kicker—grit isn’t just about surviving the corporate battlefield. It’s the trait that helps anyone, in any situation, keep going. Whether it’s your child refusing to quit on a difficult hobby or a colleague navigating a tough project, grit gets you through.

And yes, grit plays a role in leadership, but it’s not just for the corner office. It’s a human trait we all need, regardless of titles.

Resourcefulness – It’s Not Just For Fixing Marketing Gaps

In my world, being resourceful is a must. You’ve got tight deadlines, impossible asks, and everyone wanting something yesterday. Sound familiar? But resourcefulness isn’t exclusive to marketers (though, hey, we’ve perfected it). It’s that ability to make things happen when the odds are stacked against you. It’s the survival skill we all need, whether we’re MacGyvering a campaign or figuring out how to get a late-night snack with three ingredients.

Resourcefulness is about creativity and perseverance, traits that transcend any job title. It’s something I hope to pass on—not just to my team, but also to the next generation.

Being Fun to Be Around – The Underappreciated Trait

Okay, hear me out on this one. We never talk about this in business, but being fun to be around actually matters. If people enjoy working with you, they’re more likely to want to collaborate, innovate, and just... show up. And in life? Yeah, that matters too. Humor, positive energy, and a bit of lightness go a long way in making both work and life more enjoyable.

I’m not saying every meeting should feel like a stand-up special (though some could use a bit of levity), but don’t underestimate the power of a little laughter.

Integrity – More Than Just A Business Buzzword

Ah yes, integrity. The golden child of corporate values. But let’s be real, it’s more than just a word we throw around during performance reviews. Integrity is doing the right thing, especially when no one’s watching. Whether it's owning up to a mistake at work or keeping a promise to a friend, integrity is about trust. It’s not just for leaders—it’s for anyone who wants to build meaningful relationships.

And believe me, in marketing (and in life), relationships are everything. If people don’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how good your strategy is—nothing’s going to stick.

So, What’s the Real Point Here?

Look, I’m still going to keep talking about business, growth, and yes, even leadership. It’s my world, after all. But I’m starting to wonder if we’ve overcomplicated things. If we’re teaching future leaders all these traits without realizing they’re just traits that make someone a good human.

Think about it. The people we admire most aren’t just good at their jobs—they’re good at life. They show grit in tough times, they find creative solutions when things get tricky, they’re fun to be around, and they live with integrity. And whether or not they end up running a company? Well, that’s just a bonus.

So here’s my takeaway (and feel free to steal it): if you’re focusing on becoming a better leader, you might be aiming too small. Focus on being a better human first. The rest tends to follow.

And hey, if you’re doing that? Maybe you’ll inspire a few people along the way.

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