Leadership and Legacy: What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?

By Vera Tsolaridou

Every leader aspires to leave a lasting impact, but legacy goes far beyond business results or job titles. It is not just about the success of a project or the profits earned during one’s tenure. Legacy lives in the mark you leave on the people you lead and the culture you help shape: the values you pass on, the trust you build, and the example you set for those who follow.

Jack Welch, one of the most prominent CEOs in recent history, said in Winning, ‘I would like to be remembered for it is that I helped people understand that leadership is helping other people grow and succeed.’ That perspective shifts the focus of leadership from personal advancement to a deeper responsibility: supporting others.

In the sections that follow, we will explore what legacy truly means in leadership, why it matters today, and how it can be cultivated through everyday actions.

Defining Legacy

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, legacy is ‘something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time.’ In leadership, however, legacy carries a more personal weight. It is the lasting influence of your actions, behaviours, and values. It is the mark you leave on people and culture long after you have moved on. As Jack Welch put it, ‘Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.’ This evolution from personal achievement to fostering the growth and empowerment of others lies at the heart of leadership legacy.

Leaders who are mindful of their legacy tend to prioritise values like integrity, mentorship, and empowerment. These are more than admirable traits; they are intentional and consistent behaviours that leave a deep and lasting imprint. When leaders commit to guiding, supporting, and uplifting others, they create a ripple effect that extends well beyond their immediate role or tenure.

Ultimately, legacy is not measured by personal milestones alone. It is defined by the lasting impact we have on the people we lead. The true test of leadership is not what we leave behind but who we lift up along the way.

Why Legacy Matters Today

In a world driven by speed and the pursuit of the short term, it is easy to lose sight of the long-term impact of our leadership. The pace of daily operations can be relentless, pulling our attention toward immediate tasks and urgent demands. But legacy invites a different kind of thinking. It calls us to pause and reflect on the bigger picture. What are we building, and who are we building it for?

Reflecting on my own journey, I have found that the moments that mattered most were not always the ones tied to metrics or milestones. They were the quiet conversations, the decisions guided by values, and the time taken to nurture growth in others. In moments of pressure, it is easy to default to what is efficient rather than what is meaningful. Yet the leaders we remember, the ones who truly leave a mark, are those who took the time to invest in people, principles, and purpose.

I still remember a conversation I had with the maître d’ during my internship at the restaurant of a luxury resort. He sat down and spoke to me about the importance of making the most of every situation and finding opportunities to grow. He shared a story from his time in the army to emphasise how giving your best to any task, no matter how small, prepares you for the next stage in life. That lesson stayed with me. Doing my best as a waitress played a key role in my later promotion to restaurant supervisor. I often refer to his words in conversations with my own teams, always crediting him for teaching me this valuable principle.

The measure of influence then lies not in quick successes, but in the lasting inspiration we create. When we step back and lead with this perspective, we begin to shape a culture that outlasts our presence and continues to grow in our absence.

Cultivating Legacy Through Everyday Leadership

Legacy is not created in grand moments alone. It is built through consistent, everyday actions. The way a leader listens, challenges, and acknowledges effort can leave a lasting imprint. Taking time to ask thoughtful questions, offer genuine feedback, or simply be present has the power to influence someone’s growth. Delegating with trust gives others space to rise. Modelling accountability shows that doing the right thing matters, even when no one is watching.
These seemingly ordinary moments often become the blueprint others follow. A single conversation, a moment of belief, or a shared goal can echo long after the work is done. Leadership is often felt most deeply in how we make others feel; not just empowered, but seen and valued. 

Here are some meaningful ways to make an impact that lasts:

◉ Lead by Example: Show integrity and accountability in your actions. Your team watches how you handle challenges and decisions. Consistency builds respect and trust. Scheduling a team meeting to openly discuss setbacks and taking responsibility for what went wrong sets a powerful tone. It encourages everyone to own their roles and fosters a culture where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than reasons for blame.

◉ Invest in People’s Growth: Prioritise coaching, mentoring, and providing opportunities for your team to develop new skills. Help others succeed, and your legacy will be reflected in their achievements. Holding regular one-on-one sessions focused on career development or assigning stretch projects that push employees beyond their comfort zones transforms potential into performance. When team members grow under your leadership, they carry forward your influence long after you’ve moved on.

◉ Make Tough Decisions with Purpose: Sometimes leadership means making unpopular choices that benefit the long-term health of the team and organisation. These decisions show courage and commitment to the bigger picture. Take, for example, a leader who decides to cut a popular benefit to reallocate resources for vital training programmes. While initially met with resistance, the decision strengthens the team’s capabilities over time, proving that leadership often involves balancing immediate discomfort with lasting gain.

◉ Champion Candor and Fairness: Keep communication open, reward achievement, and never underestimate the power of believing in someone’s potential. Jack Welch conveyed this perfectly when he said, ‘I would also like to be remembered as a huge advocate of candor and meritocracy, and believing everyone deserves a chance.’ True leadership creates an environment where honesty and opportunity come together, allowing people to grow beyond what they thought possible.

Looking Ahead

Legacy is not something we craft at the end of our careers. It is something we shape every single day in how we show up, how we lead, and how we treat others. The quiet choices, the tough conversations, the people we invest in, and the values we uphold. All these moments add up. They become the story others tell long after we have moved on. So as you lead today, ask yourself not just what you are achieving, but who you are becoming, and who you are helping others become. And that is a legacy worth striving for.

Call to Action

Here is a simple way to start: take a moment this week to ask someone on your team what they value most in your leadership. You might be surprised by how much your quiet actions already matter.

I want to thank all the managers who took the time to coach, guide, and believe in me. Their commitment to helping others grow has shaped not only my career but also who I am as a leader today.