Leadership today is no longer confined to the C-suite. In an era defined by disruption, digital acceleration, and human complexity, the question is no longer “Who is the leader?” but rather “How can we all lead?”
According to the Global Leadership Forecast 2023 by DDI, only 14% of CEOs believe they have the leadership talent to navigate future challenges (DDI, 2023). This is not just a pipeline problem. It is a mindset challenge—a call to redefine leadership as a shared responsibility rather than a positional privilege.
In this article, I invite professionals, CIOs, and entrepreneurs alike to embrace a new leadership paradigm one that begins with inner command, is rooted in service, and is led with what I call a Royal Attitude.
From Reaction to Reign: The Crisis of Passive Leadership
The Gallup Global Workplace Report (2022) reveals that only 20% of adults feel actively engaged and intentional in their daily lives (Gallup, 2022). This means the vast majority are operating in “reaction mode”—responding to deadlines, demands, and external stressors rather than leading their own time, energy, or vision.
But empires—whether business empires or personal legacies—are not built on reactivity. They are architected by individuals who rise with clarity, take ownership, and act from an anchored sense of purpose.
The Royal Attitude: A New Framework for Leadership
Leadership begins long before you manage people or budgets. It begins with how you manage your mind, your momentum, and your mission. I call this mindset the Royal Attitude—a daily decision to live, lead, and serve with intentional power.
Drawing from my work at Hanan Empire, I developed the Royal L.E.A.D. Pillars—a four-part framework for self-leadership:
| Pillar | Description | Reflective Prompt |
| L – Legacy | Build with the end in mind. Leadership is about shaping a future worth inheriting. | What will the future version of me thank me for doing today? |
| E – Example | Model the mindset and behavior you want others to emulate. | Where can I be the standard I wish to see? |
| A – Authority | Own your power. Make clear decisions instead of outsourcing responsibility. | What choice have I been avoiding? |
| D – Direction | Anchor yourself in vision, not pressure. | Is my daily focus aligned with my highest priorities? |
This framework is not just philosophical—it’s practical. It helps CIOs and leaders recalibrate their inner compass, especially during uncertain times.
Case Studies: Diverse Models of Leadership in Action
To bring this model to life, let’s look at real-world examples of leadership that embody these principles:
| Leader | Key Trait Exhibited | Royal Attitude Lens | Source |
| Nelson Mandela | Forgiveness & Vision | Legacy through unity and purpose | Sampson, A. (1999). Mandela |
| Malala Yousafzai | Brave Youth Leadership | Example of speaking truth to power, despite risk | Yousafzai, M. (2013). UN Speech |
| Elon Musk | Visionary Innovation | Authority in betting on disruptive ideas | Vance, A. (2015). Elon Musk |
| Jacinda Ardern | Empathy & Decisiveness | Direction rooted in compassion and inclusivity | Roy, E. (2019). The Guardian |
These figures demonstrate that leadership is not one-size-fits-all. From boardrooms to battlefields, from classrooms to crisis centers—leadership wears many robes.
Leading with Reflection: The Mirror Test
In a world driven by metrics and performance indicators, leaders often forget to pause and ask:
Do I like the person I’m becoming?
During a reflective stay at Raffles The Palm Jumeirah, I found myself standing before a grand mirror. It struck me that before we command teams, markets, or enterprises, we must first command our own presence.
Ask yourself:
- Are my decisions aligned with my values?
- Am I showing up as the kind of leader I would admire?
- Is my ambition anchored in contribution, or just competition?
True leadership begins with the courage to lead yourself when no one is watching.
5 Ways You Can Lead Without a Title
Whether you’re a CIO managing a digital transformation or an entry-level analyst navigating your first job, here are five powerful ways to lead immediately:
- Lead Yourself First – Start your day with intentional self-reflection. Journal your top 3 priorities based on long-term goals.
- Take Ownership – Instead of saying, “It’s not my responsibility,” ask, “What can I contribute here?”
- Serve Others – Leadership is about value creation. Ask: Who can I empower, mentor, or support today?
- Communicate with Purpose – Speak with clarity. Listen deeply. Words shape energy.
- Hold the Vision – Don’t abandon the goal when challenges arise. Leadership means carrying the torch in the dark.
A Metaphor for Leadership: The Grand Lobby
While walking through the opulent corridors of Raffles Dubai, I was struck by this idea: A lobby is a first impression a tone-setter for everything that follows. Great leaders are like great lobbies—welcoming, clear, structured, and aspirational.
Let your leadership presence be like that: a space that inspires trust, direction, and legacy before you even speak.
Final Reflection: Reclaiming the Crown
Leadership today demands more than technical expertise—it demands emotional resonance, self-command, and ethical clarity.
You don’t need a badge, a board vote, or a bestselling book to be a leader. You need the courage to embody your own truth. You need to hold your posture, your power, and your purpose like royalty.
👑 Lead not to be seen, but to make others feel seen.
👑 Build not to impress, but to impact.
👑 Reign not from fear, but from fierce love for your mission, your people, and your future.
Let this be the call: Not just to lead companies—but to lead lives that leave a legacy.
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri
Multi Award-Winning Mindset & Life Expert
CEO & Founder, Hanan Empire
Email: support@hananempire.com
