Cut! Let’s retake your Leadership Approach

I was never the class monitor. Never the one leading school assemblies or organizing group activities. Leadership wasn’t really my thing. I was perfectly comfortable in the background until I joined college.  

Out of nowhere, I found myself directing a short film. Yes, me! the one who never craved the spotlight was suddenly steering a 10-member crew. It may not sound like much now, but for a college student with zero leadership history, it was intense. 

If you’ve ever been on a movie set, you’ll know it’s madness. People buzzing around like caffeinated bees, tripods clanking, last-minute changes being yelled over walkie-talkies, and in the middle of all this chaos, was that one person – the director. 

Like any cinema-obsessed soul, I naturally, gravitated toward the director’s chair, though a part of me always wondered why go through all that stress?
I could’ve chosen an easier path.

I could have been an actress and ride the fame wave (with a fancy launch, of course)  or as a writer just do my part at the writers’ table and walk away before the chaos hits, or as a cinematographer contribute, earn the credit, and avoid the trolling if things flop. 

With all due respect, all these job roles have their own struggles and journey, but I think a director’s role has double the responsibilities and accountability, than the others.  

But nope. I chose the seat with the most eyes on it, the seat that everyone wants, the seat where all the complaints are directed to, the one where you’re answerable to everyone, the producer, the audience, even the hero with last-minute “creative suggestions.” 

Directors are called captain of the ship for a reason, them being the leader, they don’t get to pick just one role, they play all of them. They become visible not by doing everything, but by being accountable for everything. And visibility is the key here. 

In any industry, visibility equals value. For years, the credit often went to the loudest voices or most public-facing roles, while real leadership stayed behind the curtain. Leaders today aren’t just leading teams, they’re showing up, sharing perspectives, owning their stories.  

Whether you’re an executive with decades of expertise or someone just starting to lead, leadership branding is no longer optional. If you want to grow, influence, and make your work matter, you need to be seen, not just for what you do, but for how you think.  

So, here’s the takeaway, leadership is etched when you step up. Visibility starts when you show up. You don’t have to be born a leader to own your spotlight, just find your set, pick your role, and direct your own story. 

Storyteller