What does it truly mean to lead?
Is it about securing a seat among decision-makers, innovators, and global influencers? Or is it about knowing when to listen, when to contribute, and—most importantly—what to bring?
At a pivotal gathering with board members of the Pan Afrikan Design Institute (PADI), the International Council of Design (ICoD), and the iF Design Foundation—where we explored the future of design education (a project led by Prof. Dr. René Spitz)—I found myself at a table with leaders who have shaped industries, influenced policies, and redefined design itself.
It wasn’t just a meeting. It was an opportunity to observe, reflect, and challenge my understanding of leadership.
I listened. I observed. I learned.
And I realized something profound: Leadership is not a privilege. It is a sacrifice.
Impact does not come from simply being present in the right rooms. It comes from the willingness to bear the cost of transformation, to give rather than take, to commit rather than merely attend.
The people at that table had spent decades building, advocating, and pushing boundaries. Their wisdom wasn’t handed to them—it was earned through failures, patience, persistence, and an unrelenting commitment to something greater than themselves.
It made me ask myself: What am I willing to give up to create lasting impact?
Too often, we fight for a seat at the table for validation, status, or recognition. But true leadership demands more. It demands stepping beyond personal ambition, embracing discomfort, and shouldering responsibilities that others shy away from.
That night, I saw with greater clarity why leadership—real leadership—is so rare. Because it requires sacrifice. The willingness to prepare, to endure, and to contribute meaningfully is the price of influence.
Change does not happen from the sidelines. It happens when we commit to bringing something valuable to the table.
What price are you willing to pay for your seat at the table? What are you willing to sacrifice for real impact?