The Power of Intentionality when We Shape Culture as Leaders

“Intentionality is not a light switch. It's a practice. It requires thought, action, and reflection.” Brené Brown

Last month I mentioned how I often think about the intention behind my actions. I strive to instill a mindset of purpose in everything we do at Trevecca. Whether it’s through structured activities or casual conversations, the goal is to intentionally foster a culture of openness and continuous learning for my remote team.

Empowering remote and hybrid teams requires dedication and intentionality. By being thoughtful about the activities and strategies we employ, we can create an environment where every team member feels valued and connected. Thankfully we are not alone—many leaders have gone before us and have found new ways to bring teams closer together and achieve greater success.

The following stories of Satya Nadella, S. Truett Cathy, William Wilberforce, and Misty Copeland provide powerful examples of how intentionality and a purpose-driven mindset can create profound and lasting impacts. These leaders have demonstrated that success goes beyond personal achievements—it involves leveraging one’s influence to inspire and uplift others, foster inclusivity, and drive meaningful change. I hope you are inspired by their selfless actions just as I am.

A Story of Intentionality: Satya Nadella at Microsoft

One powerful example of intentional leadership comes from Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. When Nadella took over as CEO in 2014, he faced the challenge of revitalizing a company that had become isolated and complacent. Nadella’s approach to leadership was grounded in empathy and intentionality. He focused on fostering a growth mindset within the company, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Nadella introduced a series of initiatives to break down walls and encourage open communication. He implemented regular “OneWeek” hackathons, where employees from different departments collaborated on innovative projects. This not only sparked creativity but also built stronger connections across the organization. Nadella’s commitment to a growth mindset also led to a significant cultural shift at Microsoft, with employees feeling more empowered to take risks and learn from failures.

By being intentional in his leadership approach, Nadella transformed Microsoft’s culture, driving the company to new heights of innovation and success. His example underscores the importance of purpose-driven leadership and the impact it can have on a team’s cohesion and performance. This video shows the journey of the hackathon and how it is still going strong. What an inspiration!

A Story of Faith: S. Truett Cathy and Chick-fil-A

S. Truett Cathy founded Chick-fil-A with a clear set of values and principles based on his Christian faith. His intentional approach to leadership and business operations has left a lasting impact on the company’s culture and success.

One of the most distinctive practices at Chick-fil-A is that all its restaurants are closed on Sundays. Cathy made this decision based on his belief in the importance of rest and worship. This intentional choice reflects his commitment to prioritizing faith and family over profits, setting a strong cultural foundation for the company.

Cathy emphasized the importance of caring for his employees and customers. He believed in leading by example, treating everyone with respect and kindness, and investing in his employees’ growth and development. He established programs to train and mentor future leaders within the company. This intentional focus on leadership development has helped Chick-fil-A maintain a strong company culture and a positive and supportive work environment, contributing to high employee satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Cathy was also intentional about giving back to the community. Through various initiatives and the establishment of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, he ensured that the company played a significant role in supporting education, youth, and local communities. This commitment to service is a core part of the company’s mission and values.

A Story of Purposeful Leadership: William Wilberforce

?A powerful example of a leader who demonstrated a mindset of purpose in every action is William Wilberforce, a well-known Christian leader and British politician. He played a key role in the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Wilberforce’s life and work are a testament to the power of intentional, purpose-driven leadership.

Wilberforce dedicated his life to the abolition of the slave trade, driven by his deep Christian faith and conviction that slavery was morally wrong. His actions were consistently aligned with this purpose, and he pursued this goal tirelessly for over 20 years, despite facing significant opposition and numerous setbacks. He worked strategically, forming alliances with other abolitionists, gathering evidence to present to Parliament, and raising public awareness about the horrors of the slave trade. His purpose-driven strategy ensured that every action he took was directed toward achieving his ultimate goal.

Wilberforce’s commitment to his purpose came with personal sacrifices. He endured public criticism, personal health issues, and political challenges, but his unwavering focus on the greater good kept him motivated. In 1807, Wilberforce’s efforts culminated in the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which made it illegal to engage in the slave trade within the British Empire. His persistent, purpose-driven actions brought about significant social change and justice, and showed that a mindset of purpose often requires enduring hardships for the sake of a higher cause.

A Story of Purposeful Dedication: Misty Copeland

A powerful example of a female artist who embodies a mindset of purpose is Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Copeland has used her platform not only to break barriers in the world of ballet but also to inspire and uplift others. Her rise to the top of the ballet world was groundbreaking, as she shattered long-standing racial barriers in a predominantly white art form.

Copeland’s success has paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the ballet community. She works tirelessly to ensure that young dancers of color have the opportunity to pursue their dreams in ballet, emphasizing the importance of representation and visibility. Copeland also mentors young dancers, providing them with the support and inspiration they need to succeed.

Copeland has authored several books, including her memoir, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, and children’s books like Firebird. These works aim to inspire readers of all ages to dream big and work hard, reinforcing her commitment to empowering others through storytelling. Copeland is actively involved in charitable work, supporting organizations that promote arts education and provide resources to underprivileged communities. Her efforts extend beyond ballet, as she seeks to make a broader impact on society through her advocacy and philanthropy.

As Nadella, Cathy, Wilberforce, and Copeland have demonstrated, a purpose-driven mindset not only enhances our individual fulfillment but also strengthens those around us. By fostering a culture of intentionality and purpose within our teams, we can create an environment where every action is meaningful, and every team member feels empowered to contribute to a greater cause.

Take the time to reflect on your core values and the greater mission you want to achieve. Defining your purpose will guide your actions and decisions, ensuring they align with your overarching goals. Foster an environment where team members can build strong, trusting relationships. Encourage open communication, empathy, and collaboration to ensure everyone feels connected and supported. Provide opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Let’s commit to this journey of continuous improvement and purpose-driven leadership, knowing that the impact we make extends far beyond our immediate goals, touching lives and inspiring change in the world around us.

Dr. Kristin Bledsoe is a leadership educator and the Academic Dean for the School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a dual role as an Associate Professor, imparting knowledge across a spectrum of programs from associate to doctoral levels, specializing in online learning, teaching, and engagement. Dr. Bledsoe is deeply committed to enhancing student experiences and fostering academic success. She has significantly contributed to the field through her scholarly work, including co-authoring an insightful article on mentoring new online graduate teaching assistants in Taylor & Francis’ Online Journal. Her recent, co-authored publication, "Empowering Teams in Higher Education: Strategies for Success," released in April 2024, highlights her expertise in team dynamics and educational leadership. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to non-traditional teaching, Kristin was honored with the Non-Traditional Teaching Excellence Award. Her credentials are further enhanced by recent certifications as an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach, and Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach. Kristin is also a proud alumna of the Independent Colleges and Universities Association’s (TICUA) Executive Leadership Institute, marking yet another milestone in her career.