Leadership Lesson: The 5 Lessons from Pope Leo XIV
I’m still in amazement of the first American Pope.
In fact, I just recorded a podcast episode with a little more backstory to put some context on my amazement.
In the episode, which is pending release.
I delivered 5 lessons Ive learned from Pope Leo XIV, who is now the spiritual leader for 1.4+ billion catholics on the planet.
Looking ahead, I will break them apart for our weekly lessons.
For today’s first lesson?
- Leaders are trailblazers. They break the mold into uncharted territory.
By definition, leaders lead.
To provide another example that happened 71 years ago, when Roger Banister broke the 4-minute mile. Up until that point, it was deemed impossible for the human body to run at that pace.
Well, it was impossible until May 6, 1954, when Banister did it.
The wild part?
Within 24 months, another 5 people accomplished the same feat.
Given the nature and rarity of the papacy, no one knows if there will be another American Pope.
However, one thing is for certain: I had believed there never would be one, along with many American-based Catholics.
This was reinforced in my youth by my grandma, a devout Catholic, and the priests at the church where I served as an altar boy 30 years ago.
Well, it was impossible until May 8, 2025 when we watched Pope XIV, born and raised in Chicago, get anointed.
Given his impressive accomplishments, it seams to be well deserved. In hindsight, maybe not that big of a surprise.
Just remember: Leaders are trailblazers. They break the mold into uncharted territory.
