Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now: Leadership Lessons from Dr. King

When I graduated with my bachelor’s in Pan-African Studies and English, my mother gave me a framed artwork of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It has hung in my office ever since, a constant reminder of the principles he lived by and the legacy he left behind. For over 20 years, that piece has been more than decoration—it’s been a guiding light, a call to action, and a challenge to rise to the occasion as a servant leader.

Dr. King’s words and deeds have left an indelible mark on my mindset. When I speak his name, I honor his lessons. I, too, feel as though I have glimpsed the mountaintop. Like Dr. King, I’ve seen the promised land, and my goal as a leader is to guide us there—not just as individuals but as a collective human race.

As we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, I reflect on a sentiment that resonates deeply with his life’s work and my own: “Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.” This idea, popularized by Maya Angelou’s book title and black churches around the country, captures the essence of transformational leadership. It’s about embracing every step of the journey—joyful or challenging—because each step shapes who we are and where we’re going.

The Mountaintop Mindset

Dr. King’s final speech, delivered in Memphis, Tennessee, resonates deeply with anyone who has dared to dream beyond their immediate reality. He said, “I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land.”

I've always appreciated Dr. King's ability to envision a country (scratch that, a world) that deleted the senses of otherness, better-than-ness, or any type of phobia that plagues us still today. Reaching the mountaintop requires not just courage but a willingness to embrace discomfort, uncertainty, and change. It demands a mindset of openness and resilience—a willingness to go where you’re led, even when the destination is unclear.

Embracing Transformation

Transformation, as I’ve come to understand it and discuss frequently with my #LinkedIn family, is messy, beautiful, and vital. Dr. King’s life was a testament to this. He didn’t conform to the expectations of others; he followed a calling, one that required him to grow, adapt, and lead with unwavering purpose.

Dr. King taught us that transformation begins with the self but doesn’t end there. It must extend outward, touching the lives of those we lead, serve, and inspire. It’s a reminder that leadership is less about titles and more about service.

As I reflect on his teachings, I’m reminded of three principles that help me embrace this process:

1. Let Go of Control: Dr. King walked a path filled with opposition and uncertainty, yet he trusted the process. As leaders, we must let go of the need to control every outcome and trust that our efforts are part of a larger plan.
2. Stay Open to Learning: King’s journey was one of constant learning, from his studies in theology to the lessons he drew from Gandhi. As leaders, we must remain open to growth, even when it challenges our preconceived notions.
3. Lead with Love: At the heart of Dr. King’s philosophy was love—love for humanity, justice, and the promise of a better future. Love is what sustains us through the hardest battles and reminds us why we fight.

Building the Promised Land

Dr. King’s vision of the promised land wasn’t just about civil rights—it was about human rights. It was about a world where dignity, respect, and opportunity are extended to all.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to build that promised land in our own spaces. Whether you’re leading a team, a community, or a classroom, the principles of love, courage, and transformation must guide your actions.

• Are you willing to challenge the status quo?
• Are you creating spaces where others can grow and thrive?
• Are you leading with the same audacity and hope that Dr. King exemplified?

Dr. King’s life reminds us that the journey is just as important as the destination. His mountaintop vision wasn’t just for himself—it was for all of us. Today, as we reflect on his legacy, let’s commit to embodying his teachings in our own lives.

Let’s embrace the art of going where we’re led, knowing that every step—whether planting, blooming, or pruning—is part of the larger picture. Let’s lead with love, courage, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

Because the world doesn’t just need more leaders—it needs more people willing to grow, serve, and transform.

Be Courageous. Be Loving. Be Transformed.

Be Healed.

Dr. Golden