Written by: Robin Who, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In today's world, we often associate the concept of success or building a legacy with grandiose visions of creating the next tech giant like Apple or achieving immense financial success. While these aspirations are admirable, the reality is that legacy can be something much simpler and closer to home. It can be about making a local impact, influencing the lives of those around you, and fostering connections that extend beyond business.
There is a common denominator for creating your own success though: leadership. True leadership, whether in your personal life, as a business owner, or as a human being, is about believing in wanting more for yourself and understanding how it affects your relationships with yourself, others, and the natural world. Leadership takes different shades as humans, business owners/careers, and in life.
The three faces…
The essence of leadership as a human
Leadership, at its core, begins with our own selves. To be an effective leader as a human being, one must first embody the qualities and values one wishes to inspire in others.
This means self-awareness, self-improvement, and a commitment to personal growth. The concept of building a legacy starts with the belief that we can create positive change within ourselves. It's about striving to become the best version of ourselves, not for external validation or success, but for our own well-being and personal fulfillment.
This pursuit of self-improvement, whether through education, self-reflection, or seeking experiences that challenge us, is the foundation of leadership in our lives. Leadership as a human also involves fostering empathy and compassion for others. It's about being a source of support, inspiration, and understanding to those around us.
Impacting others positively doesn't always require grand gestures; sometimes, it's the small acts of kindness, a lending ear, or a caring gesture that can make a profound difference.
In the context of leadership as a human, building a legacy means leaving a lasting mark through our interactions, influence, and the values we embody.
Leadership as a business owner
As a business owner, the concept of leadership and legacy takes on a different dimension. While financial success is often the primary goal, true leadership transcends mere profits. It's about creating a sustainable business that not only benefits the owner but also has a positive impact on employees, customers, and the community. It’s about deciding to work on yourself and step into the person you want to become through your work. A legacy in business is about the culture you create. It's about treating employees with respect, fostering a workplace where innovation and creativity thrive, and giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility initiatives. This is also why it's essential to ensure that your business aligns with your personal values and vision. Building a legacy in business means striving for authenticity and staying true to your mission, even in the face of challenges. By doing so, you can create a sense of purpose and passion that resonates with both your team and your customers. In this context, leadership as a business owner involves recognizing that success is not solely measured by profits but by the positive impact you make on the world, near and further from where you are.
Leadership in life: Making an impact beyond
Leadership in life encompasses the understanding of your interconnectedness with nature and recognizing the responsibility you bear in preserving it for future generations. It is the inner journey. And by recognizing the ripple effect our actions have on our social networks and communities, we can leave a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and positive change. The concept of building a legacy in life encourages us to explore the world and experience the richness of diverse cultures, environments, and perspectives.
It's about stepping out of our comfort zones, broadening our horizons, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also become better global citizens, promoting unity and understanding.
Last reflections
The idea of building a legacy is not limited to becoming the next tech giant or amassing immense wealth. True leadership is about striving to be the best version of yourself and believing in growth throughout the journey.
Sometimes, the most significant leaps in life can be achieved through many small steps, and the legacy you build may simply be about feeling alive and creating a world that aligns with your values and the freedom you seek. And for all this, you need to step into your leadership.
That is the inner journey. It is how you redefine your own success, creating a life that sets your soul on fire.
Robin Who, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Robin is a Travel Lifestyle Coach and the CEO of Our Connected World. With a background in Psychology and over 5 years of Marketing and Mentoring experience, she empowers women in life transitions to embrace a travel lifestyle of time, location, and financial freedom. As an educator and speaker, Robin draws upon her extensive knowledge to guide clients towards boundless possibilities. With a decade of experience as a student abroad, expat, nomad, backpacker, and immigrant, they understand the challenges and joys of a nomadic life. Through coaching, workshops, and speeches, Robin inspires others to break free from conventional living and create a life of adventure and fulfillment.
