Why the Best Leaders Stay Humble—and How You Can Too

In a world where leadership is often equated with power, status, and self-promotion, true leaders take a different approach—they stay humble. But why is humility such a game-changer in leadership, and how can you cultivate it in your own journey?

In this episode of the Level Up Growth Lab, Coach Larry explores the paradox of leadership—why the most impactful leaders don’t seek recognition but instead serve others. Drawing wisdom from the teachings of Jesus, we’ll unpack why humility isn’t weakness—it’s the key to building trust, fostering collaboration, and leaving a lasting legacy.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why humility is a strength, not a weakness, in leadership
✅ The stark contrast between the Pharisees and Jesus—and what it teaches us about authentic leadership
✅ Real-world examples of humble leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Jacinda Ardern, Satya Nadella, and Angela Merkel
✅ How prideful leadership leads to downfall (and how today’s leaders can avoid this trap)
✅ Three pillars of humble leadership: Dependence on God, Service to Others, and Patience in Exaltation
✅ Practical steps to develop humility in your leadership style

📖 Key Biblical Insight:
"For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." – Matthew 23:12

If you want to lead with authenticity, impact, and faith-driven purpose, this episode is for you! Tune in now and discover why humility is the ultimate leadership superpower.

📢 Join the Conversation!
What’s one way humility has shaped your leadership journey? Let’s connect—share your thoughts in the comments or on LinkedIn.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast! Stay tuned for more powerful leadership insights from a faith-based perspective.

🎧 Listen now and take your leadership to the next level!

Transcript

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Level Up Growth Lab podcast! I’m your host, Coach Larry, here to help you think clearly, plan efficiently, and lead effectively. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a topic that doesn’t always make headlines but is foundational for authentic leadership: Why the Best Leaders Stay Humble—and How You Can Too

Now, I know that humility might seem counterintuitive in our fast-paced, competitive world. But let’s start with a timeless truth from the teaching of Jesus - "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." – Matthew 23:14

This verse challenges the idea that success comes from self-promotion. Instead, it calls us to embrace humility as the foundation for authentic and impactful leadership.

The Paradox of Leadership

Leadership, at its core, is often misunderstood. Society teaches us that leaders need to be strong, authoritative, and always in control. 

Yet, the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 23 flip this notion on its head. Jesus challenges the Pharisees, who were obsessed with titles, recognition, and outward appearances, and instead calls us to a different kind of leadership—one rooted in humility and service.

This is the paradox of leadership: true greatness doesn’t come from striving for recognition or power but from the courage to serve others, prioritize their needs, and lead with authenticity.

The Pharisees vs. Jesus

Let’s start by examining the Pharisees. These religious leaders of Jesus’s time were skilled at appearing righteous. They wore elaborate clothing to signify their status, demanded respect in public places, and loved being called “Rabbi” or “Teacher.” 

But their leadership was hollow—they imposed burdens on others without lifting a finger to help, and their primary concern was their own exaltation. Sound familiar?

In stark contrast, Jesus exemplified servant leadership. He washed His disciples’ feet, healed the sick, and even ate with outcasts of society. He didn’t come to be served but to serve. This kind of leadership requires a deep sense of humility—putting others’ needs above our own and finding strength in submission to God’s will.

Real-World Examples 1: Nelson Mandela

A modern-day example of this paradox is Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela could have easily sought revenge or used his newfound power to assert dominance. Instead, he chose humility and reconciliation.

Mandela worked to unite a deeply divided nation. One of the most powerful moments of his presidency was when he supported the South African rugby team, the Springboks, during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Rugby had been seen as a symbol of white supremacy, but Mandela wore the Springboks jersey and attended the final game, demonstrating his commitment to unity and forgiveness.

This act of humility and service wasn’t just symbolic—it helped heal a fractured nation. Mandela’s leadership proved that humility isn’t a weakness; it’s the strength to put the needs of others above personal grievances.

Certainly, some of our political leaders could take a page out of Mandela's leadership playbook!

Real-World Example 2: Jacinda Ardern

Another example of the paradox of leadership is Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ardern consistently led with empathy and humility, especially during times of crisis. After the Christchurch Mosque shootings in 2019, which tragically claimed 51 lives, Ardern immediately visited the Muslim community, donning a hijab as a sign of solidarity and respect.

She didn’t focus on political grandstanding or shifting blame. Instead, she listened to the grieving families, expressed genuine compassion, and took swift action to reform New Zealand’s gun laws. Her leadership demonstrated that humility—being present, empathetic, and willing to listen—can inspire trust and unity even in the darkest times.

Ardern’s approach wasn’t about asserting her authority but about serving her people and ensuring their well-being. It’s a powerful reminder that humility can be a transformative force in leadership.

Again, so many of the political conflict we face in North American politics could be radically changed if our leaders would focus their actions on serving the needs of those who elected them rather than their own political future!

Real-World Example 3: Satya Nadella

In the business world, Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, exemplifies this paradox. When he took the helm in 2014, Microsoft was seen as a company that had lost its innovative edge. The culture had become rigid and competitive, stifling creativity and collaboration.

Nadella approached leadership differently. Instead of asserting his authority or trying to dominate the market, he focused on fostering a growth mindset within the organization. He encouraged employees to embrace learning and collaboration, even admitting his own mistakes along the way. In one interview, Nadella said, 

“Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about bringing out the best in everyone.”

Under his humble leadership, Microsoft not only regained its position as a tech leader but also transformed its culture. Nadella’s emphasis on service, empathy, and humility proved that putting others first leads to lasting success.

Why the Paradox Matters

The paradox of leadership is that humility doesn’t make you weaker—it makes you stronger. When leaders focus on serving others instead of exalting themselves, they build trust, foster collaboration, and inspire loyalty. In contrast, leaders who seek power, recognition, or control often find themselves isolated, ineffective, and ultimately humbled by their own shortcomings.

Here’s the takeaway:
 True leadership isn’t about titles or applause. It’s about the quiet, consistent work of serving others, creating opportunities for their success, and finding joy in lifting others up. This is the kind of leadership that Jesus modeled, and it’s just as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

The Modern Leadership Crisis: A Contrast

Let’s take this timeless principle and apply it to today’s world. Leadership across politics, business, and even ministry often reveals the consequences of pride and the power of humility.

1. Political Leadership

In politics, we frequently see leaders prioritize their own image over the needs of their people. This kind of prideful leadership appears to be dominate right now and leads to division, mistrust, and ultimately harms the very people they are intended to serve!

Now, let’s look at a leader who exemplified humility: 

Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany. Merkel was often described as unassuming and pragmatic. She led with quiet competence, putting the welfare of her country above her personal ambition. Merkel consistently avoided grandstanding and focused on building consensus, even during times of significant challenge like the European debt crisis and the Syrian refugee crisis. Her humility earned her respect both at home and abroad.

Contrast this with leaders who center their campaigns around ego or personal fame. Their legacies often crumble under the weight of their own self-promotion. Even as I say that you might disagree in light of leaders like Donald T. Trump and other billionaires who seem able to 'buy' their way out of seeming defeat. I'm no prophet but the word of God is clear 'pride goes before a fall' so only time will tell if money really can buy happiness and prosperity for all!

2. Business Leadership

In business, the “alpha leader” is often glorified. But unchecked ambition can lead to toxic workplaces and short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.

Think again of Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, when he took over, the company was seen as stagnant and overly competitive internally. But he led with humility, fostering a culture of collaboration and learning. Nadella encouraged employees to adopt a growth mindset, and he prioritized empathy in leadership. Under his guidance, Microsoft regained its position as one of the most valuable companies in the world—not just through profits but by creating a positive and innovative culture. In fact it has grown over 1000 percent since 2014 to be the and most valuable company in the world valued at 3 trillion dollars US, neat to Apple at 3.5 trillion.

On the flip side, we’ve all seen companies implode under leaders who focus solely on their own ambition, ignoring the well-being of their employees or customers. Just to mention ones like Lehman Brothers, AIG, Bernard Madoff Investment, and Silicon Valley Bank.

3. Church and Ministry Leadership

To be fair even within Christian ministry, the temptation of pride is real. Some leaders fall into the trap of building personal empires rather than serving their congregations. But there are also powerful examples of humble leaders who prioritize their communities over their own fame.

Consider Mother Teresa. She could have easily capitalized on her global recognition to elevate herself, but she chose to remain focused on serving the poorest of the poor. She famously said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” 

Her humility and dedication inspired millions and embodied the heart of servant leadership.

In contrast, we’ve all seen examples of celebrity pastors whose focus on personal fame or megachurch empires detracts from the true mission of the church. These stories remind us that pride can quickly derail even the most well-intentioned leaders.

Leadership Lessons from Jesus

I need to share with you I am biased when it comes to choosing the greatest leader of all time. You will not be surprised when I say Jesus Christ, son of God and Son of Man is my choice. This choice is based on his character not his competence in business. Leadership is not a skill as much as it is an art. 

A way to think of Art in relation to leadership as something that stimulates an individual's thoughts, emotions, beliefs,  and ideas through the senses. Jesus lived out his role as a leader by being with his followers in lifestyle and in their day-to-day struggles. This is the kind of leadership that We need now more than ever in human history!

Philippians 2:5-11 provides one of the most profound teachings on humility in leadership, offering a divine blueprint for servant leadership. In this passage, Paul calls us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, whose life and actions reflect the highest standard of humility and selflessness.

Vs 6 - 7 – Who (Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Jesus, fully divine and possessing all the authority of God, willingly relinquished His heavenly privileges to take on the limitations of humanity. This act of “emptying Himself” (Greek: kenosis) demonstrates unparalleled humility. He did not cling to His rightful status but chose instead to identify with us in our weakness.

For leaders, this teaches the importance of relinquishing ego and power of position to connect authentically with those we serve. True leadership is not about status or entitlement but about stepping down from the pedestal to engage with others at their level. Leaders who embody this principle foster trust, relatability, and respect among their teams.

Application: Leaders should ask themselves, 

"Am I holding onto titles and privileges that separate me from those I serve?" Consider ways to practice humility by stepping into the shoes of your team or community.

Vs 8. – And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!

Jesus’s humility reached its zenith in His obedience to God, even to the point of enduring the shame and suffering of the cross. His willingness to sacrifice His life for the sake of others epitomizes servant leadership. Jesus did not demand allegiance through force; He earned it through love, sacrifice, and service.

This act challenges leaders to consider the cost of truly serving others. Leadership is not always glamorous—it often requires personal sacrifices, difficult decisions, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. The ultimate test of humility is the willingness to put others' needs above your own, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Application: Reflect on areas where you can serve sacrificially. 

Are there aspects of your leadership where you prioritize personal gain over the needs of those you lead? Seek to align your actions with a servant-hearted mindset.

Vs. 9 – Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…

Jesus’s humility was not the end of the story. Because of His selflessness, God exalted Him, giving Him “the name that is above every name”. This divine exaltation underscores an essential truth: true greatness is God-given and comes to those who lead with humility and integrity.

For leaders, this is a reminder to trust the process. Recognition and success may not come immediately, but humility and faithful service lead to lasting impact and ultimate reward. Rather than striving for self-promotion, leaders who commit to serving others with grace often find themselves lifted by those they serve and by the outcomes of their selfless actions.

Application: Trust that humility and service will yield their rewards in time. Focus on creating lasting value for others and allow recognition to come as a byproduct of your efforts rather than the goal.

Humility in Leadership: Thinking of Ourselves Less

The life of Jesus teaches us that humility is not about denying our worth or thinking less of ourselves—it is about redirecting our focus outward. It’s the practice of thinking of ourselves less and placing the needs, growth, and success of others at the forefront.

When leaders embrace humility, they create environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered. Empathy becomes second nature, grace defines their interactions, and their commitment to service becomes the foundation for transformative leadership.

Three Pillars of Humble Leadership 

To help you with Let’s take a deeper dive into the three pillars of humble leadership: Dependence on God, Service to Others, and Patience in Exaltation. These pillars aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re actionable principles that can transform your leadership.

1. Dependence on God

Humility starts with recognizing that we are not the ultimate source of our strength, wisdom, or success. Everything we have—our talents, opportunities, and even our breath—comes from God. When we embrace this truth, we shift from self-reliance to God-reliance.

Think about King David from the Bible. He was a powerful warrior, a gifted musician, and a strategic leader. Yet, time and again, David acknowledged his dependence on God. In Psalm 23, he writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This dependence allowed him to lead with confidence, knowing that his authority came from a higher source.

Modern Example:
 Consider Tim Keller, the late founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC and author of several books. Keller built a large and influential ministry, but he remained grounded by consistently pointing to God as the source of his wisdom and strength. He avoided the pitfalls of pride by focusing on the message of the Gospel rather than his personal fame.

For us as leaders, dependence on God means starting each day with prayer, seeking His guidance in decisions, and trusting His plan even when it’s unclear. It also means being willing to say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does.”

2. Service to Others

Leadership is not about being served but about serving others. Jesus modeled this when He washed His disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for the lowliest servant. He told them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).

In modern leadership, this principle translates into prioritizing the needs and growth of those you lead. A humble leader focuses on building others up, creating opportunities for their team to succeed, and celebrating their contributions.

One of my favorite human leaders is John C. Maxwell who I’ve met personally on three occasions and every time he remembered my name. He once said this about servant leadership. "A successful person finds the right place for himself. But a successful leader finds the right place for others." 

Simon Sinek, another great contemporary leader has said, "Leadership is not being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge."

Practical Application:
 Service to others can be as simple as asking your team, “How can I support you this week?” It means stepping back to let others shine, mentoring emerging leaders, and making decisions that prioritize people over profits. This kind of humility builds lasting impact.

3. Patience in Exaltation

Our culture often equates leadership with instant recognition. But true humility requires trusting God’s timing for our success. It’s about being faithful in the small things, even when no one is watching.

Biblical Example:
 Consider Joseph’s journey in the Bible. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph could have become bitter or impatient. Yet, he remained faithful, trusting that God had a plan. When the time was right, God exalted him to a position of great influence as Pharaoh’s second-in-command.

Modern Example:
 Think of Jim Collins, author of Good to Great. He highlights the concept of "Level 5 Leaders"—those who blend humility with fierce determination. Collins emphasizes that the most impactful leaders focus on long-term success rather than immediate accolades. They are patient, letting their work speak for itself.

Patience in exaltation means resisting the urge to chase recognition. It’s about staying focused on your mission, knowing that true success isn’t measured by applause but by the lives you impact.

Tying Humility to Personal Leadership Development

As we’ve explored today, humility is not just a principle for leaders in politics, business, or ministry—it’s a mindset and practice that applies to each of us, no matter where we are in our leadership journey. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or simply influencing others in your community or your family, humility is the foundation for personal and professional growth.

Let’s tie this back to your own leadership development.

Humility Begins with Self-Awareness

The first step in cultivating humility is understanding yourself. Ask:

• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• Am I open to learning from others, even when it challenges my current perspective?
• How do I respond to feedback—do I welcome it or become defensive?

True humility starts with an honest assessment of where you are and a willingness to grow. A humble leader isn’t afraid to admit, “I don’t know” or “I need help.” In fact, those admissions create space for collaboration and innovation.

Humility Creates Space for Growth

Humility opens the door to personal growth. When you approach leadership with a mindset of learning rather than proving, you gain access to a wealth of wisdom from those around you.

Think about it:

• When you seek out feedback, you gain insights you might not see on your own.
• When you celebrate others, you strengthen relationships and foster loyalty.
• When you express gratitude, you develop a deeper sense of contentment and perspective.

Leadership isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s a continual journey of growth. Humble leaders are lifelong learners who recognize that there’s always more to understand and improve.

Humility Builds Resilience

Leadership often involves facing challenges, setbacks, and criticism. Humility gives you the resilience to navigate these moments with grace. Why? Because humble leaders don’t tie their self-worth to titles or accolades. They’re grounded in their values and their purpose.

Reflection Question:

• How do you handle setbacks? Do you see them as failures, or as opportunities to learn and adapt?

When you embrace humility, you can approach challenges with an open mind, a steady heart, and a willingness to adapt. You’re less likely to take criticism personally and more likely to grow from it.

Humility Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Finally, humility isn’t just about the here and now—it’s about the legacy you leave behind. Think about the leaders who have influenced you the most. Were they the ones who sought power and recognition? Or were they the ones who invested in you, believed in you, and empowered you to succeed?

Your legacy as a leader won’t be defined by how many people served you but by how many people you served.

Story:
 One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received as a leader wasn’t about a big achievement or a title. It was from a former team member who said, “You made me feel like I mattered, like my work had purpose.” That’s the kind of impact we can have when we lead with humility.

A Personal Challenge

As we close today’s episode, the challenge today is for you to take time to examine your mindset and leadership style. 

Are you emulating Christ’s humility by focusing on service and sacrifice, or are you driven by ego and recognition? 

Take practical steps to align your leadership with the example of Jesus, prioritizing empathy, grace, and a heart for others.

In embodying the humility of Christ, leaders can achieve not just worldly success but eternal significance, leaving a legacy that reflects love, sacrifice, and servant-hearted leadership.

Remember the principle from Matthew 23:12
 "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
True leadership isn’t about climbing the ladder of success—it’s about helping others climb alongside you.

Closing Thought

Humility isn’t a leadership hack—it’s a way of life. By embracing feedback, celebrating others, practicing gratitude, and leading with empathy, you’ll not only grow as a leader but also create a lasting impact on the people you serve.

As we wrap up, let me leave you with this thought: 

Jesus provides us with a warning and a promise. Pride leads to a fall, but humility paves the way for success in this life and the next that is God honoring.

The rewards of humility aren’t just about accolades or titles. True success comes in the form of a meaningful legacy—a legacy of love, service, and integrity that impacts others long after you’re gone.

So, here’s the challenge:

• Will you exalt yourself and risk the humbling consequences of pride?
• Or will you lead with humility, trusting God to exalt you in His perfect timing?

Practical Tip:
 In your next one-on-one meeting, ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about your current workload?” or “What’s one challenge you’re facing that I can help with?” Then, listen without interrupting or offering solutions right away.

 Thank you for joining me on this episode of the Level Up Growth Lab podcast. I’d love to hear your thoughts—how has humility shaped your leadership journey? Share your reflections in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn. And don’t forget to follow my Podcast so you never miss an episode and support the Podcast to help me continue sharing Leadership insights from a faith-based perspective.

Let’s commit to being leaders who lift others up, model humility, and align with God’s principles for leadership.