GLS Ongata Rongai

Being a leader is a journey made up of choices, routines, and the small decisions we make every day; it is not a title or a selfie moment. Hype and glitz, along with the deceit and shallowness that characterise leadership, were left behind at the Ongata Rongai Chapter's 2025 Global Leadership Summit. Instead, the emphasis was on genuine introspection and the straightforward realities that define leaders.

Mapping the Future and Personal Habits

The tone was set by the notion of identifying one's leadership path. Most of the time, leaders assume their roles with no clear direction or goal in mind. However, a well-crafted map can mean the difference between merely contributing and actually making a difference in other people's lives. 

The call to personal habits closely followed. It is simple to get caught up in the big plans, but the leader is impacted by the little things, the routines that are repeated over and over again. Leadership is not found in emergency situations, but rather in routines that are formed on a daily basis. The speaker asked everyone present to honestly examine how they are spending their time, where they are concentrating, and what behaviours characterise them.

Trust

The conversation regarding trust was one of the most important points. Without trust, leadership cannot function. The future belongs to those whose words are good and whose walk is steady, not to the loudest or the most self-assured. It takes years to rebuild trust after it has been damaged. Here, the lesson was straightforward: Be reliable. Be trustworthy. And don't break your word.

People First

The complex emotional landscape of leadership was examined in another vision. Remembering that people, not results, come first is what it means to lead from the heart. It is not the same as becoming mushy or losing sight. A competent leader pays attention. The capable leader arrives. Patience, presence, and empathy are not extras; they're necessities.

Legacy

One factor that encouraged participants to consider the long term was legacy. It's what people remember when you're not around, not what you say when you are. The legacy one leaves behind is a better indicator of leadership than the noise one makes at the moment. What morals are you abandoning? What sort of legacy do you intend to leave behind? These were the persistent questions.

Accessibility

Next was the divide between leaders and followers, which is often unsaid but very evident. If left unchecked, that gap may grow into mistrust or alienation. Leaders were encouraged to close that gap by being accessible and present rather than using force. After all, connection is the key to leadership.

Effective Communication

A new approach to communication was taken. Not every message is received via words, and not all leadership takes place in a meeting. People can connect in a variety of ways, including by inspiration, reasoning, tone, silence, and even action. Communication can become more effective and human by recognising and utilising these various "frequencies."

Sacrifice

Then there is the issue of price. Time, comfort, and security are all things that must be sacrificed in order to be a leader. Some choices will allow others to benefit even though they won't directly benefit the leader. They typically determine whether leadership is self-serving or not, though making those choices isn't always simple.


Vulnerability

The discussion of weakness was perhaps the most impactful. Weakness, something to be concealed, actually fosters closer intimacy. Leaders are inviting others in when they own up to their shortcomings. It makes room for mutual strength and integrity. In a society where appearances are crucial, this viewpoint was refreshing.

Embrace Change

Another important idea was to adjust to change. The world is changing quickly, and people who hold onto the past risk becoming outdated. However, adjusting to change does not mean letting go of your values; rather, it means clinging to what is important and improving your self-presentation. A day's work includes listening to others, learning new things every day, and being adaptable.

A final story about a man who went from the pulpit to the presidency encapsulated all the lessons. His leadership was characterised by service rather than authority. His legacy served as a reminder to everyone present that being a leader is about reaching across rather than rising above.

Although it ended quietly, the summit left a lasting impression. Every speaker contributed to the puzzle. Together, they created a vision of leadership that is firmly anchored in purpose, humility, and day-to-day choices rather than being ostentatious. 

It closed with a gentle but enduring question: what will your leadership leave behind, and how will you lead?

GLS Ongata Rongai Chapter is a nonprofit organization that raises leaders around the world, enabling them to lead transformation in their communities and beyond.