Leadership Development: Insights from Tech to Wellness

Posted on October 08, 2024 by Mayim Vega, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

When we think of great leaders, we often picture visionaries in history—people who have led revolutions, inspired movements, or built monumental companies. But leadership is also developed in quieter moments, in everyday decisions, and in how we manage both ourselves and those around us.

A Lesson from NASA: The Apollo 13 Mission

Having worked at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA, I’ve seen the incredible leadership and teamwork that NASA cultivates in action. One of the most famous examples of leadership development under immense pressure is the Apollo 13 mission at NASA. Many of you have likely heard of this event—often dubbed as NASA’s most successful failure. During Apollo 13’s mission to the moon, an oxygen tank exploded, and the astronauts’ lives were in grave danger. It was supposed to be a mission of exploration, but it quickly turned into a fight for survival.

At that moment, it wasn’t the most senior leader who saved the day, but rather the collective leadership demonstrated by engineers, flight directors, and astronauts themselves. They had no blueprint for how to solve the problem they were facing, but their ability to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and work together as a team was what saved them. The leadership at NASA, from Gene Kranz to the engineers on the ground, had been preparing for this—not for a failure, but for the mindset and resilience to deal with crises.

What this teaches us is that leadership isn’t always about knowing the answers; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to find the answers. It’s about bringing out the best in your team, especially when the stakes are high.

The Power of Brave, Servant Leadership

Shifting from the high-tech world of NASA to the more personal realm of wellness, leadership takes on another dimension—one rooted in service. After converting to Judaism, I found that one concept that deeply resonates with me is that of servant leadership, a leadership philosophy found both in Jewish wisdom and modern business. This approach emphasizes humility, bravery, empathy, and the commitment to serve others, whether in a professional or personal context.

In Judaism, the Torah tells the story of Moses, arguably one of the most influential leaders in history. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and toward the Promised Land. But what made Moses a great leader wasn’t just his ability to give orders or guide people; it was his willingness to serve and his bravery in the face of overwhelming challenges. He never sought power for himself and often doubted whether he was worthy of the task. And, if Moses teaches us anything about leadership, it’s that if you’re going to lead, you’d better be ready to handle complaints! From parting the Red Sea to hearing constant grumbles about food, Moses showed incredible courage, leading with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of duty to his people, even when facing great adversity.

Whether you’re leading a team, coaching clients, or running a wellness business—the most powerful leaders are those who put the well-being of others at the center of their work. They don’t lead with ego but with bravery and empathy. Whether it’s empowering someone to take control of their health or guiding a team to achieve a shared vision, great leadership in this field means serving others with integrity, courage, and heart.

A Business Story: The Leadership of Howard Schultz

Now, let’s look at the business world. A leader who exemplifies the balance between vision and service is Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. Schultz didn’t just create a brand—he created a movement that transformed the way people experience coffee, but his journey wasn’t without challenges.

In the early 2000s, Starbucks began expanding rapidly, and Schultz stepped down from his leadership role. However, by 2008, the company was struggling, and Schultz was asked to return. His approach to leadership upon returning wasn’t just about fixing numbers—it was about returning to the core mission of the company. He visited stores, spoke with baristas, and listened to his team on the ground to understand the challenges they were facing. He knew that in order to rebuild Starbucks, he had to rebuild trust and morale among his people.

Schultz’s success in turning Starbucks around wasn’t just about making tough business decisions—it was about empathy, listening, and returning to the roots of why Starbucks existed in the first place. He refocused on the core mission of creating an exceptional customer experience, fostering a sense of community, and making Starbucks a welcoming “third place” between home and work. His leadership emphasized the power of relationships, culture, and vision, proving that great leaders don’t just dictate from above but engage deeply with their team and customers, reigniting passion for the brand and its values.

Developing Your Leadership

Whether we’re talking about NASA, Moses, or Howard Schultz, the key takeaway is that leadership is developed over time and under pressure. Leadership is not about always having the right answers, but rather about fostering resilience, cultivating trust, and empowering others to rise to the occasion.

So, how do you develop your own leadership?

1) Cultivate Empathy: Learn to listen deeply—whether it’s to your team, your clients, or yourself. Empathy builds trust, and trust builds strong teams.

2) Embrace Challenges: True leadership is tested in times of crisis. Like the Apollo 13 mission, it’s how you lead under pressure that defines your strength as a leader.

3) Serve First: Leadership is about serving others. Whether you’re leading in tech, wellness, or business, the best leaders put the needs of their team and clients first.

4) Vision & Strategy: Like Howard Schultz, always return to your “why.” What is the vision that drives you, and how can you guide others toward that vision?

In your own journey, you will encounter obstacles, uncertainties, and challenges. But remember that leadership is a skill that can be developed. You may not have all the answers right now, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re willing to listen, learn, and grow—not just for yourself, but for the benefit of everyone around you.

In closing, leadership is about creating a legacy—not through titles or accolades, but through the people whose lives you’ve touched and the positive change you’ve inspired. Whether you lead in a boardroom, a wellness center, or in your home, the principles of leadership remain the same. Serve, empower, and lead with integrity, and you’ll find that leadership isn’t a role you step into—it’s a way of life.