the Purpose and Meaning of Leadership

How introspection and determination are unlocking new ways to lead

Rethinking the Purpose and Meaning of Leadership uncovers trends and insights from more than 300 global business leaders about how the events of the last year re-shaped leadership expectations and unlocking new ways to lead through introspection and determination.

Key Insights Include:

  • 86% of leaders say they’ve become more introspective during this time
  • 71% said articulating their personal core values and elevating their voice was more important for them now than it was a year ago
  • 69% say stakeholder engagement is one of the most important leadership behaviors for 2021

This research builds upon our survey on the dynamics of purpose and our employee engagement work guide, advancing insight and action for leaders and organizations to evolve business and communications with purpose at the center.

Dive deeper into the way forward for Singapore leaders »

Cover image of Rethinking the Purpose and Meaning of Leadership Whitepaper


Learn more about the work we do on
Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose »

Purpose Leadership Points of View and Coverage

Purpose-related blogs and news coverage by WE leadership

Your Most Strategic Investment? Your People — Debbie Badham, Sr. Account Manager, South Africa

5 Ways to Drive Collaborative Change from the Top — Annabel Kerr, Director, UK

Full Visibility: The Importance of Truly Seeing Others — Melissa Waggener Zorkin, Global CEO and Founder

Campaign US: Consumers are Ready for Takeoff — Marisa Lalli, General Manager, SVP, Consumer

Thrive Global: The New Normal for Business Leaders — Kristin Flor Perret, SVP, Global Marketing

Purpose Leadership Events

Events where WE leadership has presented on brand purpose.

Social Innovation Summit 2021: New Challenges for Purpose Leaders
Noah Keteyian, SVP, Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose
Elizabeth Herrera Smith, Executive VP, Head of DEI

Hall of Femme: Women's Leadership in an Era of Vulnerability
Stephanie Marchesi, President, WE Global Health & North America Eastern Region

PRWeek: Rethinking the Purpose and Meaning of Leadership Webinar
Noah Keteyian, SVP, Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose
Kona Barrasso, SVP, Technology, and Culture & Belonging

PRovoke: How Leaders Are Innovating in Real-Time to Lead with Purpose
Hanna Peters, Executive VP of Corporate Reputation & Brand Purpose