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She Had No Title, No Team, and Changed the World Anyway
Why true leadership often comes from unexpected places—and how you can do it too
Nikola Ilic
April 08, 2025
In partnership with
One Friday in August 2018, a 15-year-old student decided enough was enough. Greta Thunberg sat alone outside the Swedish Parliament with a hand-painted sign: “School Strike for Climate.” She had no official title, no staff, no power – just determination. At first, people walked by; some smiled, some shrugged. But day after day, Greta returned. Her solitary protest struck a chord. Within weeks, other students, then teachers and parents, joined her. The movement spread across schools and countries. By the next year, millions of young people in 135 countries were skipping class on Fridays to demand climate action. A shy teen with Asperger’s, Greta became a global leader – all without any formal authority or power. Her story sparks a compelling question: How is it possible to lead without the traditional markers of authority & power?
🤔 Rethinking Leadership
My fellow Changemakers, take a moment to consider: Who do you consider a leader? Is leadership something granted by a higher position or by the number of people reporting to you? We often conflate leadership with authority and power. But are they truly the same?
➡️ Authority vs. leadership: Does your title (CEO, President, Manager) automatically make you a leader? How many of you had an ineffective, bad boss? Is he/she a leader? History and experience show that holding authority can be very different from exercising leadership. You might have a fancy title and the corner office, yet fail to inspire or guide anyone. Conversely, you might be the youngest, lowest-ranked person in a room and still galvanize others to action – like Greta did.
➡️ Power vs. leadership: How many of you have witnessed people abusing power? Power refers to your ability to influence others' actions—often through control, coercion, or rewards. Leadership, however, is fundamentally different; it’s about mobilizing people through vision, motivation, trust, and influence, rather than force or coercion. True leaders create willingness and enthusiasm in others, guiding them toward shared goals. Greta Thunberg didn't wield any official power, yet she mobilized millions globally because of her inspirational leadership.
“Leadership is a practice (action) of enabling others to achieve their purpose in the face of uncertainty”
😳 A Murderer or a Chef?
When you see a stranger holding a knife, what's your first thought? Are they a murderer, or could they be a chef? It depends on what they do with it, right? Are they chopping vegetables for a salad, or attacking another person? It's the same with power and authority—they're simply tools that can be used either to lead or to disempower.
These distinctions challenge the conventional wisdom that equates leadership with authority or power. At its core, leadership is about action — not just titles, control or dominance. And here’s the truth: no single person can solve our most complex problems. When we separate leadership from power & authority, we open up leadership opportunities for everyone, regardless of their position. That is the path to individual and collective empowerment, a path to systemic change!
Here are some practical ways to lead from wherever you are:
1️⃣ Develop Your Leadership Foundation
Adopt a leadership mindset by seeing yourself as someone who drives positive change. Show up prepared and on time to meetings as if you expect to make a difference. Practice emotional regulation by staying grounded under pressure, maintaining consistency even in high-stakes situations.
2️⃣ Demonstrate Value Through Action
Build credibility by excelling in your work and developing expertise. Don't wait to be asked—identify opportunities where your skills can help and volunteer. Start with small actions to address broken processes or ignored opportunities. Leadership isn't about grand gestures; it's doing what needs to be done, even when no one's watching.
3️⃣ Foster Trust Through Meaningful Connections
Leadership without authority runs on trust and goodwill. Invest time in building genuine relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Listen mindfully—often the most influential person is the one who understands others, not just the one who talks the most. Ask thoughtful questions rather than rushing to provide answers.
4️⃣ Provide Vision and Clarity
Connect day-to-day work to bigger purposes. When your team gets lost in details, remind them how their efforts benefit customers or improve the company. Have the courage to name what others are thinking but won't voice. Ask: "What's the truth that's being avoided here?" and speak it with care and curiosity.
The world changes not when those with titles decide, but when those without titles refuse to wait.
💥 Action for the Week
Reflection Prompt:
When was the last time you led without a title?
What did you do—and what held you back?
Habit Challenge:
Choose one meeting or moment this week where you’ll lead without being asked. Speak up. Ask a bold question. Take initiative.
Want to go deeper?
👉 Forward this newsletter to one person who inspires you with their title-free leadership. Let them know how they’ve made a difference.
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📚 Recommended Resources
📖 Book - Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz: The foundational book on Adaptive Leadership, this classic explores how real leadership often requires disrupting the status quo, engaging people in tough conversations, and mobilizing change without relying on authority alone.
🎥 Video - How to Lead in a Crisis” by Amy C. Edmondson: Harvard professor Amy Edmondson shares how real leadership—especially in uncertainty—is about learning, adapting, and creating psychological safety. Watch it here
🎧 Podcast - Coaching for Leaders – Episode “How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge” with Clay Scroggins: This episode dives into what it means to lead from the middle and how to influence up, down, and across your organization. Listen here
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