–AUTHOR: ÖZKAN KIVANÇ–
Reflections on Leadership as We Enter 2025
As we step into the early days of 2025, I decided it was time to share the leadership lessons I have observed, learned, and experienced over the years. Perhaps they might touch someone else’s life, inspire them… Having been involved in the operations of a family business, worked both abroad and in Turkey, and seen numerous institutions, I often looked back and thought, “I probably wasn’t complete,” “Something was missing.” And instead of sharing my experiences, I kept postponing it. I must admit, there was also a bit of procrastination.
Then, my hero, my father came to my mind…
A Master’s Leadership Journey
My father, the youngest of eight children, arrived in Istanbul at the age of eight. He first worked in a biscuit factory, then in a tin factory. Eventually, he discovered his passion for tailoring, a profession that still brings a sparkle to his eyes when he talks about it. His journey, which began in a tiny tailor shop, eventually led him to open a clothing store and expand into international exports. Side by side with my mother, they worked tirelessly to give my brother and me a beautiful life.
Although he never had the chance to complete the third grade due to the circumstances of the time, and sometimes expressed that he felt “incomplete” because of it, he never saw it as a barrier. Instead, he embraced life as it came. From this incredible man, I learned invaluable lessons about leadership and life. And I realized that none of us are ever truly “complete,” and that sharing should not be delayed—it should be done now.
True Leadership: Inspiring Others
The stories my father told and the events I witnessed left a profound impact on my understanding of leadership. He was a leader who influenced those around him, gained their trust, and kept them focused on a goal. It has been nearly twenty years since my father retired, yet I still see the fruits of his natural leadership abilities. His old friends still call him, and when he walks by his former workplace, the local shopkeepers invite him in with joy, competing to offer him something. Witnessing this not only fills me with pride as his son but also serves as a live leadership lesson for me.
Transformational Leadership: Striving to Be Better Every Day
Through my years of working, I have come to define myself as a leader in transformation. Every day, I strive to be a better person, shaped by my rights and wrongs. What I share here is NYA (Not Management Advice) because leadership experiences can yield different results for each individual and in every era.
Leadership: A Journey of Continuous Learning and Growth
The world is like a huge school with its 8 billion unique students. There is so much we can learn from each other, share, and contribute to one another. As I share my insights and realizations, I strive to take a step forward while remembering that the purpose of words is to heal one another.
True leadership is about choosing to be better every day. And the path to that is through continuous learning and self-improvement. That’s why I remind myself: Keep learning, Özkan. Be “Better!”
Özkan Kıvanç
Professional Certified Coach, ICF, Former PwC Partner
okivanc@theintegralinstitute.com