Leadership in business is the cornerstone of growth, innovation, and long-term success. While many executives and directors excel at keeping the wheels turning, only a select few rise above to become truly great leaders. These are the individuals who redefine industries, inspire their teams to achieve unprecedented goals, and leave legacies that stand the test of time.

Understanding what distinguishes great leaders from the rest isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. Whether you’re striving to lead your team through complex challenges, scale your business, or leave a lasting impact, studying the habits and strategies of exceptional leaders is a game-changing investment in your future.

We explore what separates great business leaders from the rest. By examining their habits, mindset, and approaches, we uncover actionable insights for CEOs, directors, and partners seeking to elevate their leadership game and scale their businesses.

3 great business leaders you can learn from (and why)

Throughout history, exceptional business leaders have paved the way for others to follow. Their visionary thinking, bold decisions, and ability to inspire others set the gold standard for leadership. 

Here are three iconic leaders whose achievements continue to serve as a source of inspiration:

1. Steve Jobs, Visionary innovator

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, transformed the tech industry with his visionary approach to product design and marketing. Jobs’ insistence on simplicity, user-centric design, and relentless innovation gave the world groundbreaking products like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook. 

His leadership helped Apple evolve from a struggling company into one of the most valuable and influential brands in the world.

What made him a great leader:

• Focus on excellence: Jobs demanded perfection and was unrelenting in his pursuit of superior quality. He often pushed boundaries to create products that weren’t just functional but revolutionary.
• Storytelling: He had an unparalleled ability to communicate a compelling vision. His keynote presentations, or “Stevenotes,” were legendary for their ability to captivate audiences and make them believe in Apple’s mission.
• Customer-first mindset: Jobs understood that great products start with the customer experience, designing solutions that addressed real-world needs and desires.

Lessons for leaders: Be clear on your vision, communicate it effectively, and never settle for mediocrity. By aligning your team around a shared purpose, you can achieve extraordinary results.

2. Indra Nooyi, Strategic thinker

As the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi led the company through a transformational journey that balanced financial success with sustainability. Under her leadership, PepsiCo introduced healthier product lines and focused on reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining profitability.

What made her a great leader:

• Strategic foresight: Nooyi positioned the company for sustainable growth by focusing on emerging consumer trends, such as the demand for healthier food and beverages.
• Empathy and authenticity: Her ability to connect with people—whether employees, customers, or stakeholders—set her apart. She often spoke about the importance of balancing work and family life, resonating deeply with her team.
• Courage to innovate: Nooyi made bold decisions, like acquiring Tropicana and Quaker Oats, to diversify PepsiCo’s portfolio and reduce reliance on sugary drinks.

Lessons for leaders: Balance bold decisions with genuine care for people and the planet. A long-term perspective can help align business goals with societal needs, ensuring lasting success.

3. Richard Branson, Bold risk-taker

Founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson is synonymous with entrepreneurial daring and resilience. From launching Virgin Records to disrupting the airline industry with Virgin Atlantic, Branson’s ventures span across industries, showing the power of diversification and adaptability.

What made him a great leader:

• Empowerment: Branson trusted his team to take risks and encouraged innovation. He famously said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
• Personal branding: Branson’s approachable, adventurous persona became a key asset for the Virgin brand, making it relatable and memorable.
• Resilience: He embraced failure as part of the journey, learning from setbacks and using them as opportunities to grow.

Lessons for leaders: Foster a culture of creativity and take calculated risks to stay ahead of the competition. By embracing challenges with optimism and determination, you can inspire your team to push boundaries and achieve the extraordinary.

How to identify a “regular leader” in business

Not all leaders are created equal, and many business executives fall into patterns that hinder their potential for greatness. While being a “regular leader” isn’t inherently bad, understanding these traits can highlight areas for growth.

Common traits of regular leaders:

1. Micromanagement: Instead of empowering their staff, they tend to control every detail, stifling creativity and initiative.
2. Reactive decision-making: Regular leaders often wait for problems to arise rather than anticipating challenges and planning proactively.
3. Lack of emotional intelligence: They may struggle to connect with their team on a human level, leading to disengagement.
4. Resistance to change: Fear of failure or loss of control can make them hesitant to adopt new technologies or strategies.

What this means for businesses: While these leaders maintain stability, they rarely inspire exponential growth. The good news? Leadership is a skill that can be learned and developed. With the right mindset and tools, anyone can evolve into a great leader. 

How great business leaders are defined when compared to regular leaders

So, what sets great leaders apart from the rest? Here are key practices and habits that distinguish them:

1. They prioritise scalability

Great leaders think beyond the immediate and plan for long-term growth. They design systems and processes that allow their businesses to expand without becoming chaotic.

2. They develop future leaders

Rather than hoarding knowledge or power, great leaders mentor and empower their teams. They understand that a business’s success is tied to the strength of its people.

3. They act with decisiveness

While regular leaders may waver, great leaders make confident, informed decisions. They assess risks but understand that inaction can often be more damaging than a wrong move.

4. They seek continuous improvement

The best leaders never stop learning. Whether through reading, networking, or working with executive coaches, they actively seek ways to enhance their skills and perspectives. 

5. They value culture

A great leader understands the power of a strong company culture. They foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and innovation, ensuring their teams feel valued and motivated.

The difference between regular and great leaders often lies in small, intentional actions that compound over time. 

By prioritising scalability, developing future leaders, and cultivating a culture of trust and innovation, you can set yourself apart as a leader who inspires, empowers, and drives lasting growth.Want to become the great leader you know you can be? Book a call with us today and discover how we can transform your business and leadership journey.