Tosh Modupe BEng AIFireE, IrIEng MIFSM GCABE MSc PG BSc Nebosh’s Post

I'm reminded that true leadership is not about seeking validation from others, but about staying committed to our values and purpose. It's easy to get caught up in the prestige and power associated with titles and positions, but this words serve as a humbling reminder that our worth and impact are not defined by external validation. Let's strive to lead with authenticity, humility, and a willingness to learn from others. By doing so, we'll create spaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background or position. #LeadershipLessons #Inspiration #AuthenticLeadership

The right exposure is absolutely critical.

I'll never forget when I had this exact same revelation. I was still in my 20s and had recently returned to technology sales after a several year detour going back to school for a second degree in Landscape Architecture (because I had hated my first door to door sales job at MCI so much). So I greatly appreciated the softer inside-outside sales job I was able to land in 1998 after door to door sales and then 2 years of hard labor leading landscape build crews. That perspective helped me quickly do enough to catch the attention of our group's leadership. After a few months I get put on an Advisory Council for our whole division and part of that was small group exposure to division Presidents and even the C-suite at a billion dollar plus telecom behemoth. And in the very first one we get to do a Q&A with a C-suite leader... the big time I thought! I was nervous and had a few questions ready to go that I'd labored over for a few days that I thought were pretty smart. But the executive we met with wasn't really prepared and struggled to come up with a substantive answer for anyone's questions. The vocabulary and presence were not at all what you'd expect, and it sure didn't sound like anything you'd read that he was quoted with in the news back then. It struck me like a lightning bolt in that room that maybe these decisions on who gets to lead billion dollar companies aren't entirely different than the all style no substance popularity rules that had governed us as high school and college kids when deciding leaders for anything we chose them for. And a lot of times in those it was how rich someone's parents were, what car they drove, or what college their parents could help them into. In work, it's often an extension of these things manifested as a "professional network". And once you strip away the awe of the title you start seeing a lot more examples of average to just plain dumb people in some pretty fancy offices. This experience sent me down a fast path of no longer assuming a title or a degree meant anyone knew more than I did. They may and I found that many did, but it wasn't because of the title they held. And in every case I realized that I also knew a lot that they didn't and that between us we could solve even bigger challenges. So if you harbor any insecurity at all about not belonging in a room full of fancy titles and degrees...stop! In fact, if you made it into that room without them you may well be the most gifted person in it.

Being exposed is the advantage….exposure teaches you how to communicate, be politicly savvy, etc.

I get asked a lot about my feelings of belonging in certain spaces. I guess because by certain standards I've "made it" to places where I "shouldn't" have, it's a valid question but it's a strange one to answer because I really believe 3 things: 1. The sooner we stop idolizing and putting people on pedestals just because of a position they occupy, the sooner we embrace our own power and limitations and allow change to happen. 2. The idea that positional leadership is the only leadership that matters and that those in positional leadership should be perfect are two myths that really only serve to limit the power of the collective and increase learned helplessness. 3. When you realize that all kinds of people occupy positions of leadership you start to wonder less and less about whether you belong and more about what you can get done before anybody decides you don't.

A complete liar and fraud of any type of ethics or human decency. Should be investigated for his actions and put out of this great country!

And in the Book of Barack it states:

The sense of belonging starts with your own personal affirmation.

I normally do not write responses, but I am in a new season of life, and this clip resonated with me. This is brilliant! I love how President Obama emphasizes: do not let people make you feel that you do not belong. His words are a powerful reminder that no matter where we sit or who we’re seated with, we each bring unique value and perspective. Exposure is essential to accessing opportunities and developing a true sense of belonging. As leaders, we have a responsibility to create environments that foster growth, where each person feels seen, valued, and encouraged. By providing those we lead with opportunities for exposure and meaningful experiences, we help build their confidence and facilitate their personal and professional development. I see my role as a leader as an opportunity to serve—to be mindful of the space we create for others, one where everyone can thrive and contribute fully. Let’s commit to lifting each other up, ensuring that no one is made to feel ‘less than’ at the table. Together, we can cultivate spaces where everyone belongs and feels empowered to bring their best forward.