5 Reasons I Love Being a Leader

I absolutely love being a leader.

I still remember the time I was promoted into a new role that came with staff – only to have the manager tell me she’d be keeping the team reporting directly to her. I was pretty clear (and vocal) that the reason I’d taken the role in the first place was to have a team I could lead and develop. Thankfully, after a few conversations, she agreed to keep the original structure. And I’m so glad she did – because leading people is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Here are my top five reasons why I love being a leader:

1. Empowering others
For me, leadership isn’t about directing – it’s about empowering people to see what they’re capable of. Watching someone grow in confidence and skill, and knowing you played a small part in that, is honestly one of the best feelings in the world.

2. Making a positive impact
The chance to make a real difference in someone’s life – whether it’s through mentoring, opening doors, or just being the person who listens – is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that leadership is as much about humanity as it is about performance.

3. Growing personally
Leadership keeps me on my toes. It pushes me to be better, to stay curious, and to keep learning. Every challenge, every tough conversation, every success – they’ve all helped shape who I am, not just as a leader but as a person.

4. Building genuine relationships
I love connecting with people – understanding what drives them, what matters to them, and how we can work together to make great things happen. The trust, laughter, and shared purpose that come from strong relationships are what make teams thrive.

5. Creating real change
At its heart, leadership is about making a difference – in your team, your organisation, and sometimes even your community. Knowing that my work can contribute to something bigger than myself gives me energy and purpose every day.

Leadership, to me, isn’t a title – it’s a journey. It’s about growing alongside others, learning from your missteps, celebrating wins (big and small), and continuing to make an impact wherever you can.

So, what about you? What do you love most about being a leader?