Building a legacy: How purpose-driven leadership leads to lasting success
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Posted: Thu 6th Feb 2025
6 min read
When it comes to the business world, few names stir up as much buzz as Elon Musk.
Musk has earned a reputation as a visionary genius from Tesla and rockets to underground tunnels. But there's another side to this story.
The myth of the 'untouchable genius'
Elon Musk’s story is one of ambition without limits, breaking boundaries across industries. And sure, brilliance is part of his success.
But there’s a dangerous myth lurking beneath that story – that being a genius somehow excuses poor behaviour. His rise has seen tales of people fired on a whim and workplaces that are hard to thrive in.
The truth is that treating people poorly has consequences, no matter how talented or successful you are. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if no one wants to work with you, that genius only goes so far.
Maverick or misstep?
The world loves a maverick, but let’s be real – there’s a fine line between breaking the mould and just being unpredictable.
Elon might think he gets away with it, but that’s partly because he’s surrounded by a coterie of yes-people. He’s at a level where people often tell him what he wants to hear rather than what he should be hearing.
And that’s where the real danger lies – not just for Elon, but for any of us as business owners.
Believing our own PR, letting our egos go unchecked. Forgetting that no matter how brilliant we think we are – or even actually are – being a good human being still counts. Manners maketh man.
Positive leadership: Building the right legacy
Now, compare Elon’s approach to someone like Simon Squibb.
Simon is an entrepreneur and advocate for purpose-driven business. His work with HelpBnk, a platform designed to empower people through acts of kindness and community support, shows how aligning profit with purpose can create a real positive impact.
Simon's leadership style emphasises integrity, collaboration and using business as a force for good, proving that real success isn’t just about numbers – it’s about the positive legacy you leave behind.
VIDEO: What's your dream?
Watch Simon Squibb's inspiring keynote stage presentation from Enterprise NationStartUp Show 2025:
Purpose drives success
The difference between entrepreneurs like Elon and Simon often boils down to clarity of purpose.
Simon shows that aligning your business with your values is a powerful way to grow sustainably. A clear mission resonates not just with customers but also with employees who believe in what you’re doing.
That kind of clarity is magnetic. It guides your decisions, helps you stay consistent and ultimately makes your business about more than just profits.
Respect and kindness matter
There’s an old saying – don’t mistreat people on your way up, because they’re the same ones who might be there when you’re on the way down. In business, this couldn’t be more true.
Treating your team, your partners and your customers with respect isn’t just an ethical choice – it’s good business.
A positive work environment isn’t just about making people feel good; it drives creativity, loyalty and resilience.
It’s about building a culture where people feel valued and want to stay and contribute.
Leadership has a ripple effect
Leadership isn’t just about the immediate results – it’s about the ripple effects of your actions.
Leaders like Simon Squibb prove that a positive leadership style doesn’t just benefit the team – it attracts customers, partners and even investors who align with those values.
On the flip side, a leader who puts their ego above all else ends up with increased turnover, poor morale and a damaged reputation.
It’s not just what you achieve that matters, but how you achieve it.
Intentional leadership
Intentionality is key. Every action you take, whether it’s a small decision like how you word an email or a big one like deciding on your next product launch, should reflect your mission and values.
This kind of alignment creates consistency and trust. It means you’re always walking the talk – and that’s something that inspires others to do the same.
Redefining success
We can redefine what success means in today’s business world.
It’s not about building a persona, pumping up your ego, or grabbing short-term gains. It’s about integrity, respect and making a meaningful impact.
We’ve seen the cautionary tales, and we know that real success isn’t just about making it big – it’s about making it better for everyone around us.
As business owners, we have the power to shape not just our companies, but our communities, through empathy, purpose and genuine connection.
The way we lead and the way we connect with others shape the legacy we leave behind.
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