🧭 Why Letting Go of ‘Expert’ Ego Makes Us Better Leaders

Early in my career, I worked with a portfolio manager who did something unexpected. Instead of only showcasing his winning calls, he recounted the investment mistakes he had made.

It struck me. Here was someone accomplished, respected, and senior—yet he wasn’t clinging to being the smartest person in the room. He was choosing to be a guide, not just an expert.

That humility was powerful. By naming his mistakes, he gave the rest of us permission to take risks, to learn openly, and to grow without fear of being wrong.

Ego often whispers: “Stay the expert. Don’t let them see your cracks.” But real leadership is often about outgrowing that identity. It’s about shifting from proving yourself to guiding others.

Sometimes the hardest part of growth isn’t learning something new—it’s letting go of the roles and identities we’ve outgrown.

As you reflect on your year, consider this:
✨ Where are you still clinging to being the expert?
✨ What might open up if you embraced being the guide instead?

Because influence doesn’t come from flawless expertise. It comes from modeling the courage to grow.

#Leadership #Humility #Ego #Mentorship #Growth