Leadership as a contribution
In episode 1 of Shifting to Ethical Systems, Jules Harrison-Annear explores what happens when leadership shifts from holding power to sharing it.
“You do not need head of or manager in your job title to lead. You don’t even need a job. You lead every time you choose values over convenience, every time you create space for someone else’s voice.”
Leadership isn’t about the seat you hold. It’s about the difference you make.
Even the smallest act can ripple outward: building trust, resilience, and legacy.
When one person is tired, another can step in.
When one story ends, the learning continues.
And here are three reflections that stayed with us from this episode:
1) You don’t need a title to lead.
Leadership lives in everyday choices — choosing values over convenience and creating space for others to speak.
2) Trust grows when leadership is shared.
When people feel seen, heard, and included, they show up differently. Collaboration replaces control.
3) Small acts create big ripples.
Care builds courage. One person’s integrity can reshape the culture of a whole system.
Episode breakdown:
01:26 Shifting Mindsets: Contribution Over Control
02:52 Building Trust Through Contribution
05:13 The Ripple Effect of Contribution
06:37 Transformative Leadership Practices
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with a friend who might enjoy it too.