Are leaders born or made? Why mindset matters more than ever

When you look at some of the world’s most influential and respected leaders, it’s easy to assume they were destined for the role.

Great leaders often appear to have an effortless presence, commanding attention, inspiring others, and making decisive choices with confidence. Their ability to navigate complexity and drive change can make leadership seem like an innate gift rather than a learned skill. This raises the question: is leadership something you’re born with, or can it be developed?

Leadership is in the eye of the led

At Achieve Breakthrough, we know that leadership a skill that can be cultivated. While it would be misleading to say that natural disposition plays no role at all, in many cases, what we perceive as ‘natural’ leadership ability is deeply cultural. The qualities we admire in leaders evolve over time. If you transported a highly respected leader from the 1980s into today’s workplace, their style might seem out of touch, or even ineffective.

Leadership norms are constantly shifting. Whereas decisiveness and top-down authority may have been the decisive traits for leaders in the recent past, in 2025 emotional intelligence and adaptability are just as important. Tomorrow, new qualities may rise to the forefront. Those who seem ‘born to lead’ often happen to have a style and approach that aligns with the leadership expectations of their era and their organisation. In other words, a style that suits the context they are operating in.

But personality alone is not enough. Leadership is about inspiring, empowering, and enabling others to achieve more than they thought possible. And, crucially, that can be learned.

Cultivating a transformational mindset

While technical expertise and management skills are important, we believe mindset is the real differentiator in great leadership.

To lead effectively, you must understand what your people value most and align it authentically with your own values. When this alignment is in place, it creates a ripple effect, shaping the culture and energy of your team.

This requires deep self-awareness and an understanding of your values, biases, and blind spots. Learning to lead is a transformative process. It demands that you confront your ingrained assumptions, challenge your own thinking, and develop the agility to lead in ever-changing contexts.

Shifting your mindset isn’t about overnight change. It’s about becoming more aware of how you interpret situations and making deliberate choices about how you respond. The best leaders continually refine their thinking, cultivate curiosity, and remain open to growth.

Employees want to work in environments where they feel valued, empowered, and aligned with a strong purpose. Leaders who foster a culture of trust, recognition, and development create teams that are not only high-performing but also committed for the long term. This naturally plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent – a subject we’ve covered extensively in a recent blog.

The leadership challenge: Embracing change

Unlike machines that can simply install a software update, humans must consciously work to evolve their thinking. But the good news is, we have agency over our actions and interactions. Great leadership begins with curiosity about your environment, your impact, and how you can best serve others. It’s about bridging the gap between who you are and what your team needs.

Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. It’s about listening deeply, fostering trust, and creating space for others to thrive. The most effective leaders are those who embrace change, continually refine their perspectives, and empower others to do the same.

Rebuilding leadership foundations in a changing world

Leadership is not a fixed trait, it’s a dynamic skill that must be continually honed to remain relevant. As the demands on leaders shift, so too must their capabilities. Context is decisive; what made a leader successful a decade ago may no longer be sufficient today. The best leaders recognise that growth is ongoing, requiring them to adapt, unlearn, and refine their approach to meet the evolving needs of their teams and organisations.

As workplaces evolve, shaped by AI, hybrid work, and new expectations, leaders must balance innovation with timeless coaching principles (a theme we’ve written about in more detail in a recent blog). The fundamentals of leadership haven’t changed: connection, trust, and the ability to inspire. But in a fast-paced, technology-driven world, those basics become even more critical.

At Achieve Breakthrough, we help leaders reconnect with these foundational skills while equipping them with modern tools. If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership team’s ability to navigate the future, now is the time to invest in their growth.

Want to explore how we can support your leadership development? Get in touch today.