Leadership Matters: 3 Insights to Grow as a Leader

Leadership Matters: 3 Insights to Grow as a Leader
By Pete Kane

Leadership matters. Not just on the big stages or in boardrooms, but in everyday life, in our communities, and in how we show up for others. That’s why I created Saturday Leadership on the podcast—to give you real, practical insights you can apply right now to grow as a leader and a person of impact.

Today, I want to share three leadership principles that have made a significant difference in my own life. These aren’t theories. These are lived lessons.

1. Serve in the Community

If you want to become a better leader, put yourself where leaders serve.

One of the most powerful decisions I made was getting involved in my local Rotary. When you’re surrounded by people who are actively serving—people leading projects, solving problems, and making an impact—you grow naturally. Leadership is contagious in the right environment.

True leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about stepping up, taking responsibility, and leading something that matters. You don’t just “become” a leader overnight. You grow into leadership by serving consistently and learning from those already doing the work.

If you want to lead, find a project. Lead it. Learn from it.

2. Learn From Leaders—Intentionally

There’s no shortage of content today. The problem isn’t access—it’s focus.

Instead of trying to learn everything, I choose five skills each year that I want to improve. Leadership is always one of them. Then I intentionally focus my reading, listening, and learning around those skills.

Books, podcasts, and videos from great leaders are one of the best investments you can make. Think about it—someone pours decades of experience into a book you can buy for the cost of dinner. But here’s the key: don’t consume just to be entertained. Consume to grow.

Focused learning moves you forward. Random consumption keeps you stuck.

3. Invest in Yourself (and Activate It)

You are the best investment you will ever make.

Personal growth is not optional if you want to lead well. That means investing time, energy, and yes—sometimes money—into becoming better. Whether it’s a book, a program, a seminar, or a community, growth requires commitment.

But here’s where most people miss it: buying isn’t enough. You have to activate what you invest in.

Read the book. Apply the idea. Journal your thoughts. Practice critical thinking. Take what you learn and put it into play. Leadership grows through action, not intention alone.

We live in a world driven by passive consumption—TV, social media, endless scrolling. Imagine what would happen if you redirected even a fraction of that time toward your personal growth.

Leadership Is Developed, Not Discovered

You’re not born a leader. Leadership is built—day by day, choice by choice.

That’s why on the podcast we focus on growth throughout the week: motivation, marketing, community, relationships, mindset, and leadership. Growth is one of the core drivers of a meaningful life, and when you commit to it, everything changes.

Your future gets brighter when you invest in yourself.
Your influence grows when you surround yourself with leaders.
Your impact expands when you serve others intentionally.

So be bold. Make a difference. Make an impact.
Leadership matters—and so do you.