Iconic Leaders and the Legacy of Memorial Day
Leading with Courage, Vision, and Worthiness Across Borders
Watch the Replay of our Substack Live
Thank you to everyone who tuned into our Substack Live video!
Please join us on Thursday at 12 PM EST for our next Substack Live.
Let’s Build a Worthy Community Together.
Leading with Legacy: A Memorial Day Reflection
Let’s be real—Memorial Day isn’t just another holiday. It’s a powerful reminder of what true courage and sacrifice look like. It’s about honoring those who gave everything so we could have a future worth fighting for. And here’s the thing: those same qualities—courage, service, and a commitment to something bigger than oneself—are exactly what define iconic leaders, both on the battlefield and in the boardroom.
But iconic leadership? It’s not just an American thing or a once-a-year moment. It’s happening all over the world, every day. Leaders in every community are stepping up with vision and heart, shaking things up, and building legacies that will outlive them. They’re leading with the same spirit of service and sacrifice that we honor on Memorial Day.
In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really means to lead like an icon. We’ll explore the qualities that define these leaders—from the courage of war heroes to the vision of innovators like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney. We'll share insights from our experiences and expertise, focusing on building a worthy mindset that fuels lasting impact.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand how to lead with guts, authenticity, and a legacy mindset—a mindset rooted in the same values we celebrate on Memorial Day. No matter where you are or what you’re facing, you’ll be ready to step into your power and lead like the icon you were born to be.
Subscribe now to unlock exclusive frameworks, coaching tools, and community support to lead your iconic legacy.
Inside The Worthy Leader
First Look: Starter Insights
What It Means to Lead Like an Iconic Leader
Emotional Storytelling: The Universal Language of Iconic Leadership
Iconic Leaders Beyond Borders: A Global Tapestry
Deeper Dive: Premium Insights
The Iconic Leadership Framework: 5 Steps to Build Your Enduring Impact
Hands-On Exercise: Craft Your Leadership Story That Moves and Monetizes
Common Pitfalls: How Leaders Lose Their Way and How to Stay Worthy
AI-Powered Tools: Amplify Your Leadership Voice Authentically
What It Means to Lead Like an Iconic Leader
Iconic leaders are remembered not just for what they achieve but for how they inspire, serve, and uplift those around them. Their impact goes far beyond personal success—they build legacies that outlast them, shaping cultures, communities, and generations to come.
Leading like an icon means embracing a mindset where purpose drives every decision and people always come first. It’s about showing up with courage, humility, and a relentless commitment to something greater than yourself.
Consider Steve Jobs, whose visionary leadership transformed Apple from a struggling startup into one of the most influential companies in the world. Jobs was relentless about innovation, but he also understood the importance of building a team that shared his passion and commitment. He pushed his staff to think differently, to challenge the status quo, and to create products that changed lives. His leadership was not just about technology—it was about inspiring people to believe in a shared vision and to give their best every day.
Walt Disney, another iconic leader, built an empire on imagination and storytelling, but he also prioritized his employees, famously calling them “cast members” to emphasize their role in creating magical experiences. Disney’s leadership was rooted in creating a culture where creativity thrived, and every person felt valued and part of something bigger than themselves.
On the battlefield, iconic leadership takes on a different but equally profound form. Take Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. Despite his youth and the unimaginable horrors he faced, Murphy led with courage and selflessness, inspiring his fellow soldiers through his actions and unwavering resolve. His legacy is a testament to the power of leading by example, even in the darkest of times.
Similarly, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who commanded the Pacific Fleet during World War II, demonstrated strategic brilliance combined with deep care for his sailors. His leadership helped turn the tide of the war and ensured the safety and morale of thousands under his command.
Memorial Day reminds us of these ultimate sacrifices—those who gave their lives so others could live freely. As leaders, we honor that spirit not just once a year, but every day. We lead with courage, service, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our teams and communities.
Your legacy is more than your achievements. It’s the soul of your brand, the inspiration that fuels your team, and the hope that your community carries forward. When you lead like an icon, you create a ripple effect that transforms lives and builds a future worth remembering.
Whether you’re leading a company, a community, or a cause, the principles remain the same: lead with purpose, serve with humility, and inspire with vision. That is what it means to lead like an iconic leader.
Emotional Storytelling:
The Universal Language of Iconic Leadership
Iconic brands like Apple, Disney, and Google don’t just sell products—they tell stories that connect deeply with human emotions. These stories create bonds that go beyond features or services—they speak to our shared values, struggles, and aspirations. Storytelling is the universal language of leadership because it taps into what makes us human: the need to feel seen, understood, and inspired.
Throughout my career—from leading technology upgrades at DaVita to managing complex projects at Motorola, AIG, and Comcast—I’ve seen firsthand how powerful storytelling can transform leadership and organizational culture.
At DaVita, for example, when we transformed the patient call center into a 24/7 emergency support hub, it wasn’t just about the technology. It was about the stories of patients and caregivers relying on us during major weather events and life-or-death moments. Sharing those stories with the team created a deep emotional connection to the mission, inspiring everyone to go above and beyond.
Similarly, at Motorola and AIG, communicating the “why” behind complex projects helped teams stay motivated and aligned. When leaders share authentic stories of challenge, perseverance, and breakthrough, they build trust and inspire action.
No matter where you are in the world, stories are the currency of connection. Iconic leaders use storytelling to build trust, inspire action, and grow loyal communities. They don’t just communicate facts—they share values in action.
If you want to lead like an icon, start your next leadership message with a story that shows your values in action. Share a moment of challenge, a lesson learned, or a vision for the future. This is the fastest way to build emotional resonance and create a leadership presence that moves people, not just intellectually, but in their hearts.
Iconic Leaders Beyond Borders:
A Global Tapestry
Leadership is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and eras. Around the world and throughout history, iconic leaders have risen—leaders whose courage, sacrifice, and vision embody the very spirit Memorial Day honors.
Consider Winston Churchill, whose steadfast leadership during World War II galvanized a nation facing an existential threat. His resolve and unyielding spirit inspired millions to stand firm in the face of adversity.
Across the Atlantic, Nelson Mandela’s journey from prisoner to president symbolizes the power of forgiveness, resilience, and visionary leadership. Mandela’s legacy teaches us that true leaders build bridges, heal divisions, and create lasting change through courage and compassion.
Closer to home, Harriet Tubman’s fearless leadership on the Underground Railroad saved countless lives and challenged the very foundations of injustice. Her story is a testament to the power of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to freedom.
In Asia, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated that iconic leadership can be rooted in nonviolence and moral courage, inspiring movements that reshaped nations and inspired the world.
These leaders, and many others—from Joan of Arc to Malala Yousafzai—show us that iconic leadership is not about titles or power, but about serving a cause greater than oneself. They remind us that leadership is about sacrifice, vision, and the courage to stand for what is right, even when the cost is high.
Memorial Day is a moment to honor such legacies—those who gave everything for freedom and justice. Their stories are threads in the global tapestry of leadership, inspiring us to lead with heart, purpose, and unwavering worthiness.
Your leadership journey is part of this rich, diverse legacy. Wherever you are in the world, you stand on the shoulders of giants who dared to lead with courage and conviction.
Deeper Dive: Premium Insights
Unlock Your Iconic Leadership Legacy
The rest of this in-depth guide is for our paid subscribers. By upgrading, you will immediately unlock:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Worthy Mindset: Lead. Write. Growth. & Pride. to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.