Leadership: A Legacy Beyond Titles

In the 40th year of my career, a journey that began in 1985 in the United States Air Force, I find myself reflecting not on job titles or corporate achievements, but on the legacy I hope to leave behind. Recently, a mentor of mine, Joe Bruhin , retired. (Congratulations, Joe!) His departure from the professional world has given me pause to consider what truly defines success in leadership and life.

When I was 17, just months before heading off to Air Force Basic Training, I came across a poem in "The Daily Review," a column by Ann Landers. The poem, written in 1904 by Bessie Anderson Stanley, was titled "Success," and it struck a chord with me. It reads:

He achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;

Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;

Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;

Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;

Who has left the world better than he found it,

Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;

Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;

Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.

When I reflect on leadership, I see the values in this poem embodied in Joe Bruhin. Joe was not a leader who ruled with an iron fist; instead, he led through personal integrity, a clear vision, and—most importantly—the ability to inspire and empower others.

• Living Well and Laughing Often – Joe maintained a balance between professionalism and humanity. He understood that leadership was not just about results, but about the relationships built along the way.

• Trust and Respect – He gained the trust of colleagues and subordinates alike through honesty and consistency. His leadership was never about exerting control but about earning respect.

• Accomplishing His Task – In every role he held, Joe left a lasting impact, ensuring that processes, teams, and individuals were better because of his presence.

• Leaving the World Better Than He Found It – Whether mentoring a young professional or leading an organization through transformation, Joe focused on lasting change that improved both business outcomes and personal growth.

• Seeing the Best in Others and Giving His Best – Perhaps the most defining trait of Joe’s leadership was his ability to lift others up. He didn’t hoard knowledge or power—he shared it, ensuring that those around him had the tools and confidence to succeed.

My Own Leadership Legacy

Joe’s retirement has led me to reconsider my own goals. Early in my career, my aspirations revolved around climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating titles, and achieving professional milestones. Now, my focus has shifted to something deeper—legacy. How will I be remembered? What impact will I leave on the people I work with?

The leadership characteristics that Joe exemplified align perfectly with the vision I now hold for myself:

• To lead with integrity and authenticity.

• To mentor and uplift others, ensuring that their successes outlive my tenure.

• To create environments where people feel valued, empowered, and capable of achieving their own greatness.

• To leave a workplace—and hopefully, the world—a little better than I found it.

Conclusion

Leadership is not about titles, power, or accolades—it is about impact. It is about the lives we touch, the trust we build, and the inspiration we leave behind. Joe Bruhin’s leadership exemplifies what it means to truly succeed, not just in business but in life.

As I continue on my own career journey, I do so with a renewed purpose—not to chase titles, but to embody the principles that make a leader truly great. If, at the end of my career, I am remembered in the way Joe is remembered, then I will have truly achieved success.

To Joe, and to all great leaders—thank you for showing us the way.