Why Leadership is About More Than Titles

Unlock the mindset shift that real "Leadership Game Changers" understand.

I want to start today’s conversation by addressing something I’ve seen time and time again in my career working with leaders across various industries. You see, we often get caught up in thinking that leadership is about titles—CEO, Founder, Director. But let me tell you, that’s not where the real power of leadership lies. In fact, some of the most ineffective leaders I’ve ever met had impressive titles but made very little impact. Meanwhile, some of the most effective leaders didn’t even have a formal leadership title—they just had the right mindset.

If you’ve read my book, Leadership Game Changers, you’ll know that one of the core messages I share is that leadership is not about the position you hold, but about the influence you have. Titles can be given, but leadership must be earned.

The Illusion of the Title

Think about it: How many times have you encountered someone with a big title but little ability to inspire, lead, or drive meaningful change? It’s a common scenario, and yet we keep assigning value to leadership based on status and hierarchy.

What’s interesting is that in today’s fast-paced world, where industries are being disrupted daily and change is the only constant, leadership based purely on title or authority is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Leaders who rely on their titles alone to get things done are missing out on the real essence of what leadership should be about—impact, influence, and innovation.

Take, for example, some of the leaders I discuss in Leadership Game Changers. People like Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Richard Branson didn’t rely on their titles to push boundaries. They relied on their vision, their ability to inspire others, and their relentless drive to innovate. Titles are static, but leadership is dynamic—it’s about moving people, organizations, and industries forward.

Leadership is About Influence, Not Authority

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, both in my own journey and from mentoring others, is that real leadership is about influence, not authority. Influence is earned through trust, respect, and the ability to inspire action in others. And influence doesn’t come from a title—it comes from the way you show up every day, how you handle challenges, and how you treat the people around you.

Let me share a personal story here. Early in my career, I worked under a manager who was obsessed with titles. He believed that being in a position of authority meant people should automatically respect him and follow his instructions. But there was a disconnect. While people did what he asked, they did it out of obligation, not out of respect or inspiration. There was no real loyalty, no passion in the work.

In contrast, I later had the opportunity to work with someone who didn’t have a fancy title but was able to lead the entire team through influence alone. He was the type of leader who rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside us. He listened, offered guidance, and most importantly, he cared about our growth. People followed him because they wanted to, not because they had to. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be and the kind of leader I discuss in Leadership Game Changers—someone who leads with impact and influence rather than authority.

The Power of Impact Over Image

One of the biggest shifts in leadership today is the move from image-based leadership to impact-driven leadership. People no longer care as much about how impressive your title sounds; they care about the results you deliver, the change you inspire, and the way you make them feel.

I’ve seen many leaders fall into the trap of thinking that once they’ve reached a certain level in their career, the work is done. They assume that the title itself gives them power. But here’s the truth: The real work of leadership begins after you earn that title. It’s not the destination; it’s just the starting point. The journey that follows is what defines whether you’ll make an impact or simply hold a title.

What sets apart the leaders I highlight in Leadership Game Changers is their focus on driving change. Whether it’s Oprah building her media empire and using her platform to inspire millions or Elon Musk disrupting industries with his vision for a better future, their leadership wasn’t about their title. It was about their ability to change the game.

What Real Leaders Do Differently

So, what do real leaders—the ones who are true game-changers—do differently?

1. They Lead by Example: Leaders who make a real impact lead by example. They don’t sit on the sidelines giving orders; they get into the trenches with their teams. When people see you working hard, staying committed to your vision, and handling challenges with grace, they are far more likely to follow your lead.
2. They Build Trust and Respect: Titles might command authority, but they don’t automatically earn respect. Great leaders build trust through transparency, authenticity, and consistency. People want to follow leaders who they believe in and who they feel are honest and fair. In Leadership Game Changers, I emphasize how trust is the foundation of leadership. Without it, your title is meaningless.
3. They Inspire, Not Instruct: The most effective leaders inspire their teams to take action rather than simply instructing them. They know that inspired people perform better, are more creative, and are more loyal. Instead of focusing on managing tasks, real leaders focus on motivating their teams, aligning them with a shared vision, and empowering them to take ownership of their roles.
4. They Prioritize People Over Processes: I’m a big believer that leadership is, at its core, about people. Yes, processes and systems are important, but they won’t matter if the people behind them aren’t engaged and empowered. Game-changing leaders focus on building strong relationships, understanding their teams’ strengths and weaknesses, and creating environments where people can thrive.
5. They Embrace Change and Innovation: In today’s fast-evolving world, standing still is not an option. Leaders who are game-changers are constantly looking for ways to innovate, disrupt, and adapt. They know that what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, and they embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Leadership is a Mindset, Not a Title

If there’s one takeaway I want you to have from today’s conversation, it’s this: Leadership is a mindset, not a title. It’s about how you think, how you act, and how you make others feel. Titles may give you authority, but only your actions will earn you influence.

Ask yourself today: Am I leading based on my title, or am I leading based on the impact I’m having? Am I focused on the image of leadership, or am I focused on actually making a difference?

The leaders I work with and mentor—many of whom I highlight in Leadership Game Changers—understand that leadership is not static. It’s something you have to work at every day. You don’t get to sit back once you have a title. In fact, that’s when the real work begins.

How to Shift Your Leadership Mindset Today

Now, let’s talk about what you can do today to start leading with impact rather than relying on your title. It’s easier than you might think, and it starts with a mindset shift.

1. Shift Your Focus from Tasks to People: If you’ve been managing tasks and focusing solely on results, start shifting your focus to the people around you. Ask your team members how they’re feeling, what challenges they’re facing, and how you can support them. When you prioritize people, the results will follow.
2. Lead by Example: Instead of instructing, demonstrate. Whether it’s through your work ethic, your attitude, or the way you handle setbacks, show your team how it’s done. Be the example of the behavior and mindset you want to see in others.
3. Communicate the “Why”: Don’t just tell people what to do—explain why it matters. When your team understands the bigger picture and the purpose behind their work, they’ll be far more motivated and engaged.
4. Embrace Change: As a leader, you have to be comfortable with change. Instead of resisting it, look for ways to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Encourage your team to do the same.

In Closing

Leadership is not a title. It’s a responsibility. It’s a daily commitment to serve, inspire, and make a positive impact on those around you. The most successful leaders—the true Leadership Game Changers—are the ones who recognize that their title is only as powerful as the influence they’ve earned.

Until next time, remember: Lead with intention, lead with authenticity, and lead with the goal of making a lasting impact.

Moe Nawaz

Author of "Leadership Game Changers" available on Amazon.com