Three Main Things We Lack in Leadership: Spoiler Alert: It's NOT Empathy

June 27, 2025•2 min read

In today's critical moment for humanity, leadership is more essential than ever. Yet, many leaders fall short not due to a lack of empathy but because of three fundamental deficiencies: knowledge, courage, and heart-centeredness.

1. Knowledge: Many leaders restrict their sources of information to the mainstream, limiting their perspectives. This often stems from busy schedules and a lack of curiosity. They become too conditioned to look only in one direction, driven by a need to be right and an unwillingness to admit they might be wrong or insufficiently informed. This mindset prevents them from exploring diverse viewpoints and adapting to new information, sometimes out of fear that it may contradict past decisions or threaten their positions, which in some cases are maintained by current political agendas.

2. Courage: True leadership requires the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. Unfortunately, many leaders prefer to adhere to established rules, regardless of their logic or foundation. They fear risking their position or job, choosing compliance over challenge. This lack of courage is partly a result of insufficient knowledge (see point 1) and a reluctance to invest time in research or reflection. Over the past few years, this behavior has become increasingly evident.

3. Heart-Centeredness: Well-intentioned leaders must be heart-centered, focusing on the people who drive results rather than solely on the goals themselves. Many leaders lack compassion, prioritizing their own goals and benefits over the interests of those they lead. Courage, too, stems from the heart. Leaders who are not heart-centered often fail to inspire and support their teams, missing the opportunity to help individuals realize their unique potential.

However, I know there are many exceptional leaders out there! Those who are bold, courageous, heart-centered, and committed to staying informed about the world by consulting multiple sources daily and discerning truth from falsehood. You are the ones who stand up for humanity, whether in corporate settings, business ownership, or as influencers. You recognize the greatness in each individual and strive to help them live it, supporting them in stepping into their unique brilliance.

That's why I created my podcast, RISE TO LEAD. Listen to the first few episodes on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-to-lead/id155539127

https://open.spotify.com/show/2p4AZukhopnUmwSI4WnSSE

https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/dbd3a1df-aca8-4fe3-b348-902907947a29/rise-to-lead

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Regina Huber

As the CEO of TRANSFORM YOUR PERFORMANCE, Regina Huber drives bold, heart-centered leadership. She helps her clients accelerate their careers and become thriving leaders by leveling up their leadership of self & others. Her eclectic experience on five continents started in Germany and includes leadership roles at BCG as well as ownership of businesses in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S. This experience shaped her into a multicultural Transformational Leadership Coach, International Inspirational Speaker, and Author of Speak up, Stand out and Shine. She created five signature coaching frameworks and is the host of RISE TO LEAD Podcast. She also co-authored three other books and speaks five languages. Over the years, she has spoken at events and taught workshops in the U.S., Africa, Latin America, Asia/Middle East, and Australia. For several years, she was an active Member of the Leadership Team of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA), where she co-chaired two committees, and she has collaborated with numerous organizations in Africa. She is a Member of Innovation Women. She was also the host of the What’s Your Spark TV show. She has a passion for travel, adventure, and dance.

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