BSP 148: Identity Leadership by Stedman Graham

Stedman Graham, author of Identity Leadership: To Lead Others
You Must Lead Yourself First, is an accomplished businessman and
best-selling author of twelve books, the latest taking a closer
look at the importance of understanding who we are as human beings
first, before reaching out to help others. Graham wrote the book
because he is passionate about self-development, self-empowerment
and efficacy, and helping people find their own personal sense of
identity. As someone who spent most of his life searching for an
identity, Graham wants to create awareness about all of the
external factors that affect our sense of self. He states that
while most people focus on the external and feel defined by the
color of their skin, money, title, or religion, “the power is
really in the internal.” In order to thrive nowadays, it’s
essential to understand the definition of “identity leadership.” He
defines it as “self-leadership based on the philosophy that you
can’t lead anybody else until you first lead yourself.” He adds,
“Leadership starts with the premise of being the best possible
person you can, so that you can create value and serve the world
with that value.” Graham’s goal is to “teach people how to work on
themselves, teach them to self-actualize their potential based on
who they are.” He argues that one thing this pandemic has taught us
is how we need to do things for ourselves, not rely on anyone else
for our own socio-economic development. “This is a ‘you economy.’”
In fact, identity leadership is perfectly suited for the current
marketplace because it teaches us to redefine our own existence. He
admits that defining yourself is an evolving process. Graham said,
“It’s a process of consciousness. You have to be aware of what you
don’t have.” It’s about evolving into better versions of ourselves.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices