Leadership is Everywhere: A Young Leader’s Perspective

My name is Reagan Wiese, and I am an upcoming sophomore at American University pursuing dual degrees in Legal Studies and Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Leadership has played a significant role in shaping who I am, beginning when I was 16 years old. From leading student organizations to taking on responsibilities that required collaboration, organization, and initiative, I have consistently sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

My experiences in leadership have helped me recognize that effective leadership is not simply about being in charge. It is about listening to others, building relationships, taking responsibility, and motivating people toward a shared goal. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong sense of confidence, accountability, communication, and adaptability—qualities that continue to shape both my academic and professional goals. Leadership Lancaster, a place where leadership is the mission, the value, and the goal, has evolved my perspective of leadership.

My core values as a leader are vulnerability, initiative, accountability, and empathy. Vulnerability fosters personal growth and allows leaders to recognize their strengths while remaining open to learning. I believe the best leaders understand that there is always more to learn and that growth comes from being willing to listen and reflect.

Initiative drives success and encourages proactivity. Taking initiative not only benefits the individual but can inspire others to solve problems and take ownership. This creates accountability, credibility, and trust among colleagues while demonstrating reliability and commitment.

Empathy is equally important because it encourages diverse perspectives, creates a sense of safety, and helps people feel valued. Leaders with strong emotional intelligence understand the people around them, build stronger relationships, and are better equipped to motivate their teams and improve overall performance.

These values reflect the qualities I admire in leaders such as Malala Yousafzai and Princess Diana. I am still growing and learning as a person, and I have realized that leadership is not about reaching a certain timeline or becoming perfect. It is about continuing to grow, learning from others, and using my values to positively influence the people around me.

Leadership is everywhere, all the time, in every nook and cranny of our lives. It is truly impactful in which is shapes our lives as people, personally or professionally. I think one thing that people my age need to understand is how important we are as a generation. I find that often people take for granted the opportunities that are at our fingertips. Be advantageous, use what you have and seek what you can get. The only limitation is our willingness.