Lessons in Leadership:

The Power of Giving People a Chance

There is a saying that has always resonated with me: “An employee never forgets the leader that gave them a chance.” Over the course of my career, I have seen this truth come alive time and again.

When I reflect on the many teams I have had the privilege to lead—across continents, cultures, and industries—what stands out most are not only the business results, but the people. Some of today’s brightest leaders were once individuals I hired into their first leadership roles, trusted with major responsibilities, or encouraged to take a step they were not sure they were ready for.

Why Giving a Chance Matters

For many organizations, talent is treated as a fixed resource—you hire it, you deploy it, and you hope it performs. But I have always believed that leadership is about unlocking potential. Often, the difference between a good performer and a great leader is not skill—it is opportunity.

" When you give someone a chance, you do more than test their capabilities:

You create trust. People rise to challenges when they know their leader believes in them.

You build loyalty. Employees rarely forget who opened the first door for them.

You grow the organization. By investing in people early, you create a pipeline of leaders who can scale with the business."

My Experience in Practice

Early in my tenure leading large, multinational businesses, I learned that betting on people pays dividends. I remember situations where promoting an ambitious but untested manager seemed risky on paper. But with the right support, mentorship, and clear expectations, these individuals not only succeeded—they thrived. Many went on to lead critical divisions, expand into new markets, or even take executive roles at global firms.

What made the difference was not perfection; it was the willingness to learn and the chance to prove themselves.

Leadership as a Multiplier

Great leaders multiply their impact not by how much they personally achieve, but by how many others they enable to succeed. This mindset requires humility—you must accept that some of your team members may one day surpass you. For me, that is not a threat; it is the ultimate measure of success.

A Call to Action for Leaders

As leaders, we often focus on results, targets, and strategies. But behind every business win is a person who was trusted, empowered, and given an opportunity. If you want to leave a lasting legacy in your organization, do not just focus on what you build—focus on who you build.

The leaders of tomorrow are in our teams today. They are waiting for someone to see their potential, believe in them, and take the risk of giving them a chance.