Reflection on death taught me more about authentic leadership than any business school ever could. From the quiet moments by my mother’s bedside in Iceland to guiding leaders toward transformative change and conscious evolution, I discovered that life’s ultimate transitions hold the key to embodying TruePower Leadership. While most leadership insights come from success stories and growth strategies, my most profound lessons emerged during moments of letting go and facing the raw realities of endings.

The Unexpected Leadership Teacher: A Personal Journey

The most powerful leadership lessons often come from our most vulnerable moments.

For the past ten days, I’ve been in my native Iceland, sitting vigil with my family as my mother transitions through the final stage of life. In Western corporate culture, vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, leaving many to question what dying could possibly teach us about leadership. Yet, through this profound experience and these reflections on death, I’ve come to understand what it truly means to lead with authenticity and resilience—what I call TruePower Leadership.

A Timeline of Transformative Losses

Throughout my life, key personal losses have stripped away the conventional notions of leadership, revealing deeper truths:

  • 1994: The loss of my husband and the sale of my Icelandic businesses
  • 2010: The passing of my father and the end of a significant relationship
  • 2024: My current journey with my mother’s transition

Each moment of profound personal change has become a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.

Four Profound Leadership Lessons from Life’s Final Transition

1. Surrendering Control: The Leader’s Greatest Strength

The experience of sitting with someone in their final days teaches an essential truth: not everything can be controlled. This mirrors the challenges leaders face in today’s unpredictable world. According to a 2023 study by Harvard Business Review, 76% of leaders feel overwhelmed by uncertainty.

Key Takeaway: True leadership power comes when leaders accept that not every outcome can be controlled. Instead, powerful leaders:

  • Embrace uncertainty with grace
  • Adapt to shifting realities
  • Trust in the process of emergence

Example: During a major company restructuring, the CEO initially attempted to micromanage every detail to ensure success. It wasn’t until she accepted the limitations of her control and allowed space for collaboration that she empowered her team and adapted strategies more effectively.

2. Acceptance and Humility: The Foundation of Authentic Leadership

There is nothing as humbling as facing the end of life, where titles and achievements lose their significance. Leaders who demonstrate humility often see stronger team engagement—Leadership Quarterly (2023) found a 29% increase in team engagement rates among leaders who embraced humility.

Practice Points:

  • Openly acknowledge your limitations.
  • Invite diverse voices and perspectives.
  • Create space for authentic connection.

Example: During a high-stakes negotiation, a leader I knew admitted not having all the answers. This moment of honesty built trust and empowered the team to contribute their insights freely.

3. Presence and Deep Listening: The Heart of Emotional Intelligence

Sitting by a loved one’s side during their final moments requires complete presence. Effective leadership demands the same kind of engagement. Leaders who practice deep listening can boost team performance by as much as 40%, according to studies.

Developing Presence:

  • Practice mindful awareness before important conversations.
  • Eliminate distractions and fully engage with the person speaking.
  • Listen to understand, not just to respond.

Example: An executive I coached once struggled with multitasking during meetings, often checking emails. When he committed to practising full presence, his team’s morale and idea-sharing significantly improved.

4. Compassion Without Judgment: Creating Inclusive Spaces

Facing life’s final transition removes the space for judgment. This lesson, especially as a reflection on death, is essential for transforming organizational culture and creating psychological safety.

Implementation Strategies:

  • Encourage open dialogue and different viewpoints.
  • Celebrate diverse approaches and backgrounds.
  • Support your team members’ personal growth journeys.

Example: A CEO implemented a “failure sharing” session, where team members could discuss their mistakes without fear of repercussions. This practice fostered a culture of openness, learning, and innovation.

From Insight to Action: Your TruePower Leadership Evolution

In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in deadlines, meetings, and the pressure of immediate decisions. However, true leadership evolution stems from intentional reflection; in my case, it was a reflection on death. Taking time to pause and ask yourself meaningful questions is like clearing out a cluttered garage: it creates space for what’s valuable and functional.

Reflection Questions:

  • What outdated leadership patterns are you ready to release?
  • How might embracing uncertainty make you a more effective leader?
  • Where can you practice deeper presence with your team?

Practical Steps for Implementation:

  • Schedule Weekly Reflection Time: Dedicate time to reflect on your leadership approach and identify areas for growth.
  • Practice Mindful Listening in Meetings: Set an intention to be fully present in discussions.
  • Create Safe Spaces: Encourage vulnerability and authentic connection within your team.
  • Document Insights: Keep a journal to capture lessons learned and how they shape your leadership.

Your Invitation to Deeper Leadership

Final Thought: Endings are not merely closures; they are powerful teachers that pave the way for new beginnings. The lessons learned at these intersections enrich the leadership journey, making it more authentic and resonant with TruePower. Embrace these insights and step into the path of conscious, compassionate leadership that inspires and uplifts those you lead.

Take the Next Step: Start your journey toward TruePower Leadership. Dedicate time to reflection, practice presence, and transform your leadership from the inside out. If you need guidance and support, CONTACT ME.

  • About the Author
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Rúna Bouius is a dynamic visionary and thought leader who empowers forward-thinking leaders and organizations to excel amidst the complexities of our rapidly evolving world.

Drawing upon her extensive experience as a CEO and serial entrepreneur from Iceland, Rúna combines sharp business acumen with profound wisdom and an unwavering passion for redefining power and leadership. She expertly guides her clients through transformative journeys, unlocking their deepest purpose and potential for growth and positive impact.

As the founder of the True Power Institute, host of the TruePower Executive Roundtable, and co-founder of social impact initiatives, Rúna sparks transformative possibilities through coaching, facilitation, and speaking engagements. Co-author of the international bestseller “The Successful Mind,” Rúna is also a member of the AcornOak platform for Fractional Executive Women, dedicated to empowering leaders worldwide.

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