Bryce Henson

In life—and in leadership—it’s not the strongest that thrive.

It’s the most adaptable.

Darwin proved it. Life tests it. And leadership demands it.

Which brings me to Pope Leo’s 4th leadership lesson, given that he modeled this life approach. 

His story isn’t just global—it’s gritty.

He spent his first 30 years in North America. Then invested the next few decades across South America and Europe.

That’s not tourism. That’s transformation.

Because leadership isn’t just about tools and tactics—it’s about perspective.

And perspective is earned through discomfort.

Through fumbling in a foreign language. Through navigating customs, cultures, and conversations that stretch your understanding of the world—and yourself.

You see, the same leadership challenge can carry multiple truths, depending on the lens you use. Travel sharpens that lens.

It humbles you and builds confidence. 

A dichotomy?  

Absolutely!

But it’s also a prescription.

That’s why I challenge myself to explore a new culture or country every year. Not for the passport stamp. 

For the perspective.

Is it uncomfortable? Yes.

Is it worth it? Always.

Because discomfort develops your leadership muscles.

It teaches adaptability. Builds resilience. Fuels creativity.

Lesson #4 from Pope Leo is this:

Get uncomfortable on purpose.

Put yourself in new environments.

Challenge your perspective.

Lead with more humility, strength, and vision.

The world is the ultimate leadership classroom—if you’re willing to sit in the front row.

Let’s talk about the power of curiosity—and how it creates connection.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, speaks five languages fluently.

That’s right—five.

Meanwhile, some days I struggle with just English. (Kidding… mostly.)

But jokes aside, there’s a leadership lesson here.

Yes, language is a practical tool. With English and Spanish, Pope Leo can speak to the masses. With Italian, he connects deeply with the Vatican.

But beyond utility? It signals something far more powerful: curiosity and care.

This hit home for me while living in Brazil and throughout my world travels. Even saying just one phrase in someone’s native language, like “thank you,” can light them up.

Brazilians & Filipinos lose their mind! 🙂

Why? Because it shows effort. It shows you’re curious. It shows you care.

It reminds me of a classic Zig Ziglar quote:

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

That’s what curiosity does—it creates influence.

So here’s today’s challenge:

Take the trip.

Get uncomfortable.

Learn “thank you” in five new languages.

Use it. Often.

Do that, and like Pope Leo, you won’t just connect. You’ll lead.

I am here today with the 2nd Leadership lesson from the first American Pope Leo XIV, which is:

Lead with Empathy vs. the Ivory Tower.

This is a dichotomy of leadership. 

As a leader, you have to be on top and in front, casting vision and leading your people far into the horizon. 

While that’s true and at the same time.

You must get in the trenches to build relationships, connect with, and listen to your people’s feedback and needs. 

Pope Leo XIV has lived his life in this manner.

He has plenty of leadership training in his first 3 decades of life in the States. However, in his early 30’s, he went off on a mission and lived in both Peru and Italy for decades.

In fact, the people of Peru claim them to be their own, which is a testament to their connection and his impact. 

Today’s lesson:

Connect with your team on a human and personal level.

You have to have a big vision as a leader! 

Just never forget to lead with empathy and get down from your ivory tower to be present in the service of your people.

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?

1. 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.