At some point in our careers, most of us ask: How can I make my work matter? How can I make a meaningful impact with my time and efforts?
These questions often arise when we reflect on our goals or consider the next step in our professional development. And one idea tends to rise to the top when we think about growth and impact: leadership.
But what exactly is leadership? Is it a title or promotion? What is the difference between a leader people want to follow and a leader people have to follow?
To explore these questions, we spoke with leadership experts from Birmingham and beyond, each of whom partners with UAB Collat Professional Education on the Elevate Leadership Academy to grow and develop leaders. Their insights did not disappoint.
Being a leader means showing vulnerability.
Joel Dobbs, PharmD, MPH, executive in residence at the UAB Collat School of Business and a former pharmaceutical executive, points to a trait that is often overlooked: humility.
"We tend to associate leadership with big personalities or bold authority," Dobbs says, "but the best leaders embody what Jim Collins described as Level 5 leadership: fierce resolve coupled with personal humility."
Archie Tew, a transformational leadership facilitator, echoed this idea.
“As soon as you demonstrate that you are a fallible human being—that you don’t have all the answers and welcome input—it will be in that moment that you discover your greatness.”
Leadership is about influence, not position.
You don’t need a title to be a leader. In fact, Sue Hengel, a leadership coach and former HR executive, believes real leadership is earned by how we choose to influence others. She encourages emerging leaders to ask themselves how they are helping others discover their strengths.
"Do you support their growth? Do you communicate clearly, even when you don’t have all the answers? Do you have the courage to give—and receive—feedback?”
According to Hengel, the role of “leader” is granted by the willingness of others to follow, not by a box on the organizational chart. By empowering those around you, your influence will grow and others will want to follow you, not because they have to, but because they choose to.
Influence begins with listening.
Jason Teter, executive advisor and former senior leader in the construction materials industry, emphasized the importance of listening.
“Leadership is about bringing out the best in the team," he says. "The best way to do that? Start by listening well, ask thoughtful questions, then listen again."
When leaders start with curiosity rather than control, they create space for better ideas and greater ownership. “You’ll be amazed at what you learn,” he adds, “and how your team steps into their own leadership.”
You can lead from wherever you are.
Whether or not you have a formal title, you can lead with purpose. Every conversation, project, and decision is an opportunity to make a difference. When you approach your work with humility, lead through influence and empowerment rather than authority, and create space for others to contribute, your impact begins to multiply.
Want to grow as a leader? Join Elevate.
UAB Collat Professional Education exists to support growing and established leaders. Learn from Dobbs, Hengel, Teter, and Tew and other subject matter experts in the Elevate Leadership Academy, an eight-month cohort program for early-career professionals from across industries.
Participants build leadership confidence, expand their professional network, and gain hands-on skills in communication, strategy, innovation, feedback, and more. The program focuses on helping individuals lead from their strengths while learning from experienced professionals who have walked the leadership journey themselves.
Interested in learning more? Complete our interest form or reach out to program manager