Is it just us, or does it feel like everyone is obsessed with the idea of being a founder these days? We see it everywhere: the glamour of the pitch, the chase for investment, the title on LinkedIn. But in all that noise about starting businesses, are we actually forgetting how to lead people?
That’s the big question João C. Silva, our founder, tackles in his latest opinion piece for Líder magazine. And honestly, his answer is a bit of a wake-up call.
In the article, “What Makes a Leader a Leader in 2025?”, João pushes back against the superficial stuff. He argues that we’re teaching kids how to build pitch decks before we teach them how to be decent humans. The result? A lot of “bosses” who know how to sell a vision but have no idea how to support a team.
Getting your hands dirty
João’s take is simple: the days of the distant leader sitting in a glass office are done. A real leader in 2025 is someone who is down in the trenches. If you aren’t feeling the same stress and challenges your team is feeling, you aren’t really leading them.
He also doubles down on something that often gets rolled eyes in the corporate world: Ethics. In a time where toxicity spreads fast (online and in the office), having a solid moral compass isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s the only thing that keeps a company standing.
AI, empathy, and service
He touches on the tech side, too. Yes, AI is changing everything, and a leader needs to know how to use it. But technology can’t replace empathy. João makes the case that understanding people—their fears, their burnout, their ambitions—is actually a strategic advantage, not a weakness.
But the part that sticks with us the most is his definition of success. Leadership isn’t about how many people follow you; it’s about how many people you serve. It’s about creating opportunities for others to grow, not just inflating your own ego.
Read João C. Silva’s full opinion article in Líder Magazine HERE
