Roots of Leadership: the hidden stories that shape leaders of change

Before you lead change, understand what changed you

Behind our every decision, every vision, every moment of courage or doubt, lies a hidden story—an early wound, a formative lesson, a person who changed everything, a challenge that rewired how we see the world.

The hidden stories behind leadership

In this anthology, leaders across industries and backgrounds share the deeply personal experiences that shaped not just what they do, but who they are when they lead—experiences that pull back the curtain on leadership itself.

These aren’t polished success stories or step-by-step frameworks. They’re raw, human accounts of the moments that formed these leaders’ values and instincts and taught them how to navigate uncertainty. These stories also reveal the invisible roots of leadership that textbooks don’t mention: childhood patterns that still surface in boardrooms, unseen privileges that open doors closed to others, losses that shatter and rebuild, and quiet voices that give permission to lead differently.

This anthology is curated by executive coach Erica L. Kaufman, Psy.D., who has spent years working with leaders to uncover and understand their stories. The selected stories reflect a deep truth: The leaders who create lasting impact are those who know where their leadership really comes from. Through her coaching work, Erica has witnessed how excavating these formative experiences unlocks not just self-awareness, but the authentic presence that builds trust, inspires followership, and drives meaningful change.

Because the most powerful leaders aren’t just skilled—they’re conscious of what made them.