The Imperative For Modern Leadership

The Imperative for Modern Leaders: Mastering the Art of Self-Leadership

Ryan Sheppard

Japan Healthcare Headhunter | Author of Sell Yourself Like a CEO

November 11, 2024

Picture this: It’s Friday afternoon, and the office is buzzing as everyone wraps up for the week. Your company’s head of global strategy—a respected leader who has steered the ship through crises, mergers, and growth phases for over 25 years—is packing up his office.

He’s retiring, taking with him decades of hard-earned insights, countless industry connections, and a vision that’s been pivotal to the company’s success.

When he closes that door for the last time, a heavy silence falls. This isn’t just a single retirement; it’s the quiet exit of a living legacy, and a new, untested leader is about to step into those shoes.

The transition is far from smooth. Within weeks, issues start to crop up. The new leader is skilled but inexperienced, caught off guard by the nuanced relationships and unwritten rules that only years in the role could teach.

Key stakeholders express concerns, employees feel the shift in direction, and small cracks start to form in projects that used to run seamlessly. The unspoken question lingers in every meeting:

"Are we equipped to handle this change?"

This scenario is playing out across industries today. As seasoned leaders retire, they’re leaving behind knowledge gaps that can’t simply be filled with enthusiasm or technical know-how. Emerging leaders must be prepared to step up, make sound decisions, build trust, and communicate effectively to bridge that gap and maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The global population is aging, with countries like Japan projected to have 36% of their population over 65 by 2050 (Wikipedia). This demographic shift presents significant challenges as experienced professionals exit the workforce, leaving a vacuum that demands immediate and capable leadership.

Are the emerging leaders in your organization prepared to rise to the occasion?

The Importance of Self-Leadership

Given these challenges, mastering self-leadership becomes essential for success. It starts with understanding your values and aligning your actions with what energizes you.

When leaders excel in self-leadership, they can effectively communicate their unique value in a competitive landscape and inspire their teams to do the same.

Self-leadership is exemplified by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. Driven by a vision for a sustainable future, Musk relentlessly pursues innovation in electric vehicles and space travel, transforming entire industries. He often claims that he doesn't care about money or power (link), yet he is the richest man in the world. This shows how a purpose-driven approach attracts wealth and fosters success.

Similarly, Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca , demonstrates purpose-driven leadership in the pharmaceutical industry. His commitment to public health led to the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with the University of Oxford. Soriot's focus on accessibility and breakthrough medicines positions AstraZeneca for projected earnings of $80 billion by 2030 (AstraZeneca). His ability to connect the company's goals with broader societal needs showcases how purpose can drive financial success.

In Japan, Koji Sato, the new CEO of Toyota, is reshaping the company's future by transitioning from a traditional automaker to a comprehensive mobility provider. Since taking charge in April 2023, Sato has prioritized the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and innovative mobility solutions. His focus on sustainability and alignment with consumer demands for greener options positions Toyota to thrive in a changing automotive landscape, reinforcing the connection between vision, leadership, and profitability.

Sure, they are extreme examples. But imagine what we can do if we point our compasses in the direction of purpose a little more, a little more often.

Navigating the Challenges

As organizations adapt to an aging workforce, emerging leaders must confront the knowledge gap left by retiring professionals. The 2024 Manpower Global Talent Shortage report reveals that 77% of employers in healthcare and life sciences struggle to find qualified candidates, with 85% of employers in Japan facing similar challenges (ManpowerGroup). This reality underscores the urgency for leaders to invest in their own development and that of their teams.

According to LinkedIn Chief Economic Opportunity Officer Aneesh Raman, people skills will become increasingly central to individual career growth, with communication already recognized as the #1 most in-demand soft skill in 2024 (LinkedIn). This emphasis on soft skills highlights the importance of fostering effective communication and collaboration within teams. If we fail to prioritize teaching these essential skills, we risk leaving our future leaders ill-equipped to succeed.

Take Joaquin Duato, CEO of Johnson & Johnson , as an example. He champions a culture of collaboration within his organization, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely and diverse voices are valued. This approach not only empowers employees but also enhances the company's ability to innovate and respond to market demands swiftly.

In the biotech sector, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, former FDA Commissioner, has emphasized teamwork in regulatory processes, helping speed up the approval of life-saving drugs. Her commitment to collaboration streamlined processes that ultimately saved lives, illustrating the transformative power of effective teamwork.

But let’s get real about the challenges we face:

You meet a candidate with a stellar CV, but they stumble when it’s time to articulate their contributions and ambitions. You’re left wondering if they’re really the right fit, costing you time and missing potential impact.

Then, you apply for the opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, you walk in unprepared, replaying everything you could have done better in sleepless nights afterward.

The frustration peaks as you scroll through job ads, wishing you had access to that hidden market where the best roles actually are.

You want someone to teach these skills so you can march into interviews as your best self, ready to sell yourself like a CEO.

You want candidates who show up sharp, with clear aspirations and real success stories, so you can hit that hire button with confidence.

And most of all, you want the right opportunities coming to you—not the other way around.

Taking Action

To overcome these challenges and build the skills necessary for success, consider these actionable strategies for enhancing self-leadership:

1. Reflect Regularly: Stack this habit onto something you already do daily. For example, after brushing your teeth at night, take a moment to jot down your wins, challenges, and lessons from the day. This one simple act done consistently for just 30 days can yield remarkable results.

3. Seek Feedback: After completing a major project, ask two colleagues or mentors for feedback. You could say, “I’d welcome your perspective on what I did well and where I could improve. Is there anything specific you think I should focus on?” Implement one suggestion right away, and check back in a few weeks to see if they notice any progress.

5. Invest in Learning: Use your company’s self-education allowance or resources to learn something you’re curious about. Pick a trending skill, such as ChatGPT prompts or cross-functional collaboration. Then, spend just 15 minutes a day learning it at a time in your routine that feels natural and sustainable. Small, consistent efforts compound over time and can make you a more indispensable asset.

7. Network Actively: Set a goal to connect with one new person in your industry each month. After connecting, use the “I Saw This and Thought of You” (ISTATOY) approach: share an article or resource with them, saying, “I saw this and thought of you.” This personal touch builds rapport and opens doors for future opportunities.

9. Lead by Example: As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see.” Choose one behavior you’d like to see more of in your team—whether it’s punctuality, positivity, or resourcefulness. Embody this trait daily, and acknowledge others who display it as well, creating a ripple effect within your team.

You’ve heard all of this before, but what exactly does this look like in action?

How do CEOs find time for this when our inboxes are overflowing and it’s hard just to keep up?

How can we be truly prepared to communicate our value with confidence when opportunity finally knocks?

How can we make these principles a part of everything we do and pass them on to the next generation, building a legacy of empowered leaders?

These are the questions that inspired me to create something tangible—a practical resource to help aspiring global leaders take their potential to the next level, even amid the demands and noise of everyday life.

Imagine having the tools to confidently:

• Articulate your unique contributions

• Access hidden job markets and exclusive opportunities

• Lead with purpose and inspire those around you

That's why I wrote Sell Yourself Like a CEO, a step-by-step playbook for anyone looking to accelerate their career breakthrough with confidence and purpose but doesn't know where to start.

Conclusion

As we stand on the brink of 2025, with the horizon of 2030 fast approaching, the imperative for leaders is clear: we must embrace self-leadership as the cornerstone of our approach to navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Self-leadership acts as our compass, guiding us through uncharted waters, allowing us to stay true to our values while steering our organization toward success.

In this evolving landscape, where collaboration and communication reign supreme, the call to action is louder than ever. The future belongs to those who not only recognize their potential but also take decisive steps to harness it.

Just as visionary leaders like Elon Musk, Pascal Soriot, and Koji Sato harness their strengths to create positive change and drive significant wealth, we too have the power to discover our potential and make a lasting impact.

The world is ready for your unique contribution. You already have it in you.

Are you ready to Claim Your Path?

Pre-order now and get my 15-step workbook: www.sellyourselflikeaceo.com