I is for Identity: Leadership Begins Within.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Aristotle.

Leadership isn’t just what you do - it’s who you are. Yet in fast-paced, high-pressure and complex environments, leaders often lose touch with their core identity.

Research in leadership psychology shows that when leaders operate from a clear sense of self, they make better decisions, build stronger teams, and navigate change with integrity.

We worked with a founder who described feeling “fractured” after scaling their business. By reconnecting with their leadership identity - values, purpose, and personal narrative - they regained clarity and influence. Their team noticed the shift immediately.

Actionable Insight:

• Reflect on your leadership story: What shaped you? What do you stand for? 

  
  

• Use tools like Hogan or the Leadership Values Profile to explore identity drivers.

  
  

• Ask: “Am I leading from alignment - or from expectation?”

Why it matters: Identity anchors leadership. When it’s clear, your actions become purposeful. When it’s blurred, your motivation fades.

Ibarra, H. (2015). Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader. Harvard Business Review Press.  Lord, R. G., & Hall, R. J. (2005). Identity, deep structure and the development of leadership skill. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(4), 591–615.