Why I Strive to Become Expendable?

Lately, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what it means to be a leader—what kind of leader I truly am, and what kind I aspire to be. This introspection has been shaped by a tapestry of experiences, each thread woven into my understanding of leadership and purpose.

A pivotal moment arrived when I found myself some time ago standing before a board of directors, the air thick with anticipation. As I looked around the room, I felt a mix of excitement and vulnerability, knowing that this was my chance. The question posed was one that would define my path: "What kind of leader are you?"

Taking a deep breath, I replied, "I am committed to becoming expendable." In that instant, the room fell silent, and I could see the intrigue in their eyes. I continued, "My purpose is to foster a culture of lasting success by empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential while making myself expendable."

That statement was more than a mere answer; it was a heartfelt declaration of my belief that true leadership isn’t about personal accolades or creating dependency, but about nurturing independence and resilience in others. It’s about building a legacy where success is woven into the very fabric of the organization, celebrated collectively rather than tied to any single individual.

Throughout my journey, I’ve discovered one of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to connect deeply with people. Despite being an introvert, I leaned into my social skills, building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration. This blend of introspection and social awareness allowed me to understand the dreams and aspirations of my team, guiding them toward their own paths of success.

Reflecting on my career, I think of the milestones I achieved at a relatively young age. Each success was driven by an unyielding pursuit of excellence and a passion for continuous learning. I’ve always believed that age should never limit leadership; instead, it should be seen as a springboard for fresh ideas and innovative perspectives.

One defining chapter of my journey unfolded while I was living and working in the UK, where I was tasked with leading a critical M&A project in Africa. Drawing from my experiences in Latin America, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, diving in to ensure every detail was meticulously managed—even if it meant the accolades would ultimately belong to my boss. Those weeks were grueling; I survived on just three or four hours of sleep each night, driven by determination and a desire to excel.

What I didn’t expect was the unwavering support of our Global CEO, a remarkable leader who chose to stay by my side throughout this intense period. Initially, I worried that her presence signified my shortcomings—that I wasn’t performing well enough, and she had to step in to save me. Mustering my courage, I eventually asked her why she was dedicating so much time to someone as junior as me. Her response changed everything: "I’m doing it for me, not for you. You’re doing fantastic work, but how am I going to lead you properly if I don’t deeply know what you are doing?"

That moment was transformative. It illuminated the essence of leadership for me—not as a hierarchy, but as a partnership grounded in understanding and support. I realized that true leadership is about being present, deeply involved, and genuinely invested in the growth of others.

As I continued on my journey, my commitment to empowering those around me deepened. I strived to create an environment where every team member felt valued, heard, and inspired to give their best. By fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, I aimed to build a resilient organization, one that could thrive even in my absence.

Thus, my journey is woven from a tapestry of challenges and triumphs, all centered on a simple yet profound principle: empowering others. I am dedicated to creating a legacy of lasting success, where the true measure of my leadership is found not in my presence, but in the strength and capability of the teams I leave behind. Together, we can rise, learn, and build something extraordinary—something that will endure long after I am gone.