Pope Leo XIV isn’t a typical headline in the business world. But maybe he should be.
Because in a time when trust is at a premium and leadership too often boils down to quarterly targets and clickbait charisma, the election of a new pope reminds us of something deeper. Leadership is a moral act.
It’s not about titles. It’s not about shareholder returns. It’s about responsibility.
When Pope Leo stepped onto that balcony, he stepped into more than tradition. He stepped into one of the longest-running leadership roles in the world, one with 1.4 billion stakeholders, centuries of precedent, and no onboarding manual. And yet his very presence sent a message: humility, integrity, and compassion still matter.
That message resonates far beyond Vatican City.
The Soft Power of Moral Leadership
In a recent Inc. column, business strategist Bill Fotsch argues that the new pope is a timely reminder of the value of moral leadership. He’s right. Because we’re in a leadership drought, not of people with power, but of people with purpose.
Moral leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being principled.
That means:
- Saying what you stand for, and standing by it.
- Making decisions that benefit the many, not just the few.
- Leading in a way that elevates others, not just yourself.
We’ve seen this work in business before. Think Costco refusing to lay off employees during recessions. Think Patagonia giving away its profits to fight climate change. These companies win not in spite of their values, but because of them.
Employees notice. Customers notice. The market notices.
A Better Way to Lead
The pope doesn’t manage a P&L sheet. But he does manage expectations, hope, and legacy, all things that great business leaders should be thinking about, too.
If you want to lead well today, skip the command-and-control playbook. Lead like a steward, not a star. Here’s what that looks like:
1. Tell the Truth, Even When It’s Inconvenient
People can smell spin a mile away. Trust is built in the hard moments, owning mistakes, acknowledging uncertainty, and being clear about your intent.
2. Serve First, Lead Second
The best leaders ask, “How can I help?” not “What’s in it for me?” The moment your people know you’re in their corner, they’ll go to the mat for you.
3. Make Your Values Visible
Culture isn’t what you write on the wall. It’s what you reward, celebrate, and repeat. Want a more collaborative team? Highlight collaboration. Want a more innovative one? Make space for bold ideas.
This doesn’t require a sweeping reorg or a thousand-dollar retreat. Sometimes, a well-timed thank you or a thoughtful little gesture that says “You matter” is more than enough. (Need ideas? Our shop is a good place to start.)
4. Stay Human
People don’t expect perfection. But they do want leaders who are present, real, and willing to listen. Show up. Ask questions. Admit you don’t have all the answers.
The Bottom Line
The world isn’t short on bosses. But it is short on leaders.
Real leadership means showing people what you believe, through your actions, your words, and your impact. It means understanding that authority is temporary, but influence is earned.
Pope Leo XIV may not be writing memos to HR. But he’s walking into a role that requires vision, courage, and the kind of integrity that transcends job descriptions.
That’s the kind of leadership we all need a little more of, whether we’re managing a team, a business, or just trying to lead ourselves better every day.