As an anthropologist and entrepreneur raised in an aristocratic tradition, I’ve come to understand that true leadership is a complex interplay of innate and acquired qualities, a delicate balance that I’ll share with you.

The inherent part of leadership, I’ve come to realize, isn’t about charisma or dominance. It’s about an ingrained sense of responsibility and humbleness, qualities that not only inspire but also form the foundation upon which all other leadership qualities are built.

These form the foundation upon which all other leadership qualities are built.
The acquired aspects are the skills and wisdom gained through experience, education, and self-reflection.
Honesty, self-awareness, consistency, and emotional intelligence are honed over time.
Ethical behaviour and purpose-driven action, I believe, are not just choices we make and habits we cultivate.
They are the bedrock of effective leadership, providing us with the reassurance of the moral compass of our leaders.

Ultimately, effective leadership emerges when one’s innate sense of responsibility and humbleness intertwines with acquired skills and knowledge.
It’s about understanding the weight of power and using it judiciously to benefit others, not oneself.
This perspective bridges traditional values, such as respect, integrity, and service, with modern leadership demands, creating leaders grounded in timeless principles and adaptable to our complex, interconnected world.

But now I have to answer: What are the blueprints for systemic change?
You can find my delightful, slightly sardonic though quite well-informed opinion in my next post/column/blog.

May harmony find you,
Irena Phaedra

P.S. All this knowledge I’ve effortlessly penned down stems from a youth where duty preceded pleasure, and personal space was a luxury unknown.
My elbows were to remain firmly at my sides, my head superior to my hands.
Tardiness, even by mere minutes, resulted in the arduous task of hand-copying entire dictionaries.
Posture was paramount – sitting ramrod straight, legs uncrossed, no hint of slouching permitted.
My education was a carefully curated blend of intellectual and artistic pursuits.
The works of Rudolf Steiner and Kahlil Gibran formed the philosophical foundation of my learning. Piano lessons were non-negotiable, and gymnastics (that was for the commoners) were dismissed in favour of the rigorous discipline of classical ballet.
Social interactions, particularly with boys, were discouraged – “Are your hormones clouding your judgment?” was a common refrain.
And always, always, there was the constant reminder: “Get back on your horse.” This literal and metaphorical mantra instilled resilience and perseverance, urging me to face challenges head-on and never admit defeat.
This upbringing, while demanding, forged the anthropologist and entrepreneur I am today.
It instilled in me a thirst for knowledge, a respect for cultural traditions, and the discipline to pursue my goals relentlessly.
The strict regimen of my youth has transformed into the fuel that drives my current pursuits, allowing me to navigate the complex worlds of academia and business with confidence and insight.