Leadership Is Personal

In “Leadership Is Personal”, Brad Mahon argues that lasting leadership must begin from the inside, rooted in personal values, self-awareness, and purpose. He frames leadership as a personal journey before it becomes an organizational one. To be effective, a leader has to know who they are, what they stand for, and how their inner beliefs align with the mission they pursue.

From that inner foundation, Mahon emphasizes the importance of building real connections with the community and investing in culture. He contends that leaders should actively engage with external stakeholders and forge strategic partnerships, but only when those relationships are grounded in trust and genuine care. He also warns that leadership without culture is hollow — internal norms, rituals, and shared values must be aligned, or leadership efforts will fail to take root.

Through personal stories from his career in higher education, Mahon offers practical guidance for embedding authenticity into leadership practice. He gives advice on how to lead by example, communicate transparently, and cultivate environments where people feel seen and valued. When leaders integrate personal integrity, community engagement, and a healthy internal culture, they can create organizations that thrive, not just in metrics, but in meaning.