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The Power of Stewardship: How Ethical Leadership Lasts
Heather Soderquist
Head of Growth & Business Development at MBA Protocol and Happy At Work
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a professional need to know my exact role in any company or project–was I the business leader, confidently making decisions and setting the course, or the follower, the strategic team player, diligently supporting the vision of someone else? I truly enjoy both and we generally have to flow in and out of each role, leading or supporting as needed, as we advance to managing, directing, and C-level roles. But the thing is, I always felt that I needed to know where I stood in that interplay of business strategy, direction, and team collaboration.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that the most profound roles don’t fit neatly into either category. Instead, they exist in the quiet space of stewardship in business—a role that transcends titles and allows for more dynamic, sustainable business growth, and a greater impact from each contributor.
The hidden power of stewardship
In a world where business is often equated with relentless ambition and cutthroat competition, there is a quieter, more profound way to lead—one rooted in stewardship, in ethical leadership, and responsibility. It is not the way of the spotlight-seeking visionary, but the steady, intentional path and sustainable leadership of a shepherd, a transformational leader who values long-term success over short-term gains. A steward’s work is grounded in care, humility, and the belief that success is not measured merely by profit, but by the well-being of people and communities.
Why stewardship drives organizational success
Imagine being part of such a team. Together, not just managing assets or ticking off KPIs, but nurturing the potential—of individuals, of ideas, of business ecosystems. Approaching every decision with strategic foresight and reverence for its ripple effects; treating each project as a thread in a larger tapestry of long-term value, purpose, and organizational legacy.
So I want to ask you a few questions. Beyond, “What can you achieve when you enter the workforce? What role do you want to play, and in what industry?” Also ask:
- What can you protect and nurture?
- What can you bring to life with your training, education, and passion, to help a greater good thrive?
- What do you value more, collaboration or competition?
- Does your leadership approach value resilience or gains?
- How does integrity or expediency shape your decision-making process?
- What can you build that adds long-term success for the business and beyond?
Embracing stewardship: It’s a both / and proposition
I’m not saying you don’t have to be competitive or have profits be a primary focus. Trust me, I am. And, they are. But what I am saying is that we can all benefit from embracing ethical leadership, sustainable business models, and stewardship-driven innovation. In a stewardship-based model team, my skillset, which is inherently different from the person sitting next to me, becomes part of a more dynamic model of change, innovation and growth.
The subtle shift from leader to shepherd–from traditional leadership to steward leadership– , aligns my actions in a way that complements each member of the team and effortlessly allows others’ skills to peer through, creating a much brighter and more comprehensive force–almost taking on a life of its own–as my partners are shepherds too.
How stewardship transforms business and culture
The impact of such a model is nothing short of transformative. Stewardship in leadership can restore trust in industries where cynicism runs deep and the working culture feels broken. It can cultivate workplaces where employees thrive, not just survive. It can challenge and inspire entire sectors to prioritize long-term well-being over fleeting wins.
But stewardship isn’t always easy. Shepherding requires patience when others rush ahead, courage when values are tested, and an unshakeable belief that tending the “flock” will yield fruits far richer than those born of exploitation. Yet, the rewards are unparalleled—a leadership legacy that transcends individual achievement, creating a business world that is kinder, more just, and infinitely more sustainable.
A challenge: Nurture what matters most
My challenge to you, regardless of where you sit in the corporate, start-up, classroom, or organizational heirarchy, is to take on the role of a steward and nurture what matters most the rest of today, this week, or the year. Make sure to include yourself in that stewardship.
Yes, you will make decisions. You will be a boss. You will be a supporter, too. But, shift your focus beyond your title and role in the company toward the intention of nurturing growth, cultivating impact-driven leadership, and serving the end goal–whether that is the launch of a new project or business or something more personal. And in doing so, you’ll likely transform not just the way you work but the nature of your world.
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