By Sarah Betadam, CIO & CISO
Leadership is one of those words we hear often. The more I reflect on it, the more I believe leadership isn’t defined by titles or terminology. It’s defined by actions.
We often hear phrases such as servant leadership, but when leadership becomes a buzzword, it can lose its meaning. Leadership isn’t something we announce. It’s something we demonstrate through our decisions and how we treat others every day.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that we can’t change people simply by telling them what to do. We influence people by creating an environment built on trust and respect. People pay attention to what leaders model far more than what leaders say.
For me, leadership starts with how we show up.
It looks like following through on commitments, communicating with transparency when priorities change and choosing clarity over unnecessary complexity. It means taking ownership when things don’t go as planned and learning from setbacks instead of avoiding them.
It also means treating others with respect and helping those around us succeed.
I also believe leadership isn’t synonymous with management.
Managing people is an important responsibility that requires humility and a genuine commitment to helping others grow. It’s not simply the next step on a career ladder. It’s a role that deserves thoughtful intention.
At the same time, some of the most impactful leadership comes from people who don’t have direct reports. Every organization depends on individuals who lead through their actions, support teammates, solve problems and consistently do the right thing.
That kind of leadership becomes even more important in environments where resilience and shared responsibility matter. Whether we’re strengthening cybersecurity, driving innovation or serving customers, success depends on every individual making thoughtful decisions every day.
Organizations aren’t built by policies alone. They’re built by consistent behaviors that are reinforced over time.
That’s why my challenge is simple.
Focus less on what we call leadership and more on how we practice it.
If each of us commits to showing up consistently with integrity and accountability, we’ll create stronger teams and better outcomes for everyone around us.