Who’s Grounding You? Lessons from Wicked (2024) on Leadership and Defying Expectations

When I sat down to watch Wicked (2024), I expected dazzling visuals, unforgettable songs, and a nostalgic trip to Oz. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply it would resonate with the challenges and triumphs of leadership, especially in the hospitality industry.

The tale of Elphaba (the “Wicked” Witch of the West) and Glinda (the “Good” Witch) is more than a magic story—it’s a mirror reflecting the struggles leaders face daily. From breaking stereotypes to building alliances, their journeys offer timeless lessons for anyone striving to lead with courage and authenticity.

1. Are You Stuck Playing Someone Else’s Game?

Elphaba’s Defying Gravity moment—when she rejects the Wizard’s empty promises and chooses her own path—is electrifying. It made me think of those moments in my career when I had to make tough decisions, not to please others, but to stay true to my values.

In hospitality, this often means challenging the status quo. When I proposed mental health programs for my team, I heard, “We don’t have time for this—focus on customer satisfaction.” But how could we deliver world-class service if our people were burning out? Like Elphaba, I realized that “something has changed within me, something is not the same.” Leading with empathy wasn’t just the right thing to do—it was the only thing to do.

Here’s the truth: If you’re constantly following someone else’s script, you’ll never have a story worth telling.

2. Do You See the Potential in “Wicked” People?

Elphaba was labeled “wicked” from birth because she was different. How often do we, as leaders, misjudge talent based on surface-level perceptions? The reserved team member who never speaks up in meetings could be your most creative thinker. The outspoken employee who challenges you might be the one who drives innovation.

In my career, I’ve met many “Elphabas”—people whose talents were overlooked because they didn’t fit the mold. One such team member, initially dismissed as “too quiet,” later transformed our guest experience program with a brilliant new strategy. It taught me to dig deeper, to ask questions, and to create space for every voice to be heard.

Remember: “Wickedness” is often just misunderstood brilliance waiting to shine.

3. Are You Building Meaningful Alliances?

Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is a beautiful reminder that even opposites can create magic together. In the hospitality industry, collaboration is the heartbeat of success. No single leader has all the answers, but together, we can achieve incredible things.

I recall a time when I worked with a colleague whose management style was completely different from mine. I valued structure; they thrived in spontaneity. Initially, we clashed. But when we decided to focus on our shared goals instead of our differences, we turned a struggling project into one of our company’s biggest successes.

As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Are you building partnerships that amplify your strengths?

4. Are You Falling for the Emerald City Illusion?

The Wizard of Oz is a master of illusion—a leader who thrives on appearances rather than substance. Unfortunately, I’ve seen versions of the “Wizard” in real life: managers who prioritize looking good over doing good.

But trust me, in the hospitality industry (or any industry), this approach crumbles fast. Guests see through fake smiles, and employees feel the weight of inauthentic leadership. True leaders, like Elphaba, are willing to be vulnerable and own their imperfections.

As I often remind my teams: “Great leaders aren’t those who have all the answers; they’re the ones who ask the right questions.” Are you leading with honesty, or are you hiding behind a curtain of perfection?

5. Are You Defying Gravity in Your Career?

Ultimately, Wicked is a story about defying expectations—of flying higher than the limits others place on you. In leadership, this means taking risks, embracing change, and having the courage to fail forward.

One of my proudest moments as an HR executive was launching a leadership development program for entry-level staff. Many doubted the initiative’s potential, saying, “They’re not ready.” But I believed in giving people the chance to rise. Today, several graduates of that program are in managerial roles.

As Elphaba sings, “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” Are you creating opportunities for yourself and others to soar?

Wicked (2024) reminded me that leadership is rarely about following a perfect path—it’s about navigating the messy, magical, and sometimes painful journey of growth. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or just yourself, ask yourself: Are you defying gravity, or are you letting someone else ground you?        

The choice, as always, is yours.        

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