top of page

Words To Lead By
Words To Lead By is a curated blog featuring concise, powerful lessons from accomplished leaders across diverse fields. Each post begins with a single insight and unfolds into a thoughtful reflection that explores its meaning and real-world application. By distilling complex ideas into intentionally brief and actionable principles, the blog offers guiding truths that readers can not only live by, but lead by.


Putting People Over Power
“Leadership from good-hearted individuals brings life to the land and the communities they serve. They bring healing, life, and goodness as they lead with integrity. Good leaders realize that their role has been given to them to steward from God in order to bless others and to make our world more like He intended it: on earth as it is in heaven. As Proverbs 29:2 says, 'When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.'" John
Lead Forward
Dec 1, 2025


True Leadership Grows People, Not Ego
“ The most valuable lesson in leadership is that it’s not about you, but about the growth and empowerment of your team. " Anton Wiryawan MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Anton Wiryawan for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By Harriet Tubman led more than seventy enslaved people to freedom, yet she rarely drew attention to herself. She based her leadership not on her own strengths and skills
Lead Forward
Nov 1, 2025


When Integrity Speaks Without Words
“Action speaks louder than words. It is tough to expect integrity if the leader does not show it himself." Charlie Ongking Portfolio Manager, Jarislowsky Fraser MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Charlie Ongking for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By In 1783, George Washington was at a crossroads that could well have decided the fate of the young United States. Many of his frustrated officer
Lead Forward
Oct 1, 2025


Listen First, Lead Better
“Leadership is about understanding your team members, sharing your knowledge together, then negotiating solutions to get to your shared goals and mission." Bill Tsang Co-President and Director of Research, Youth Global Network Ed.D., Harvard University Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Bill Tsang for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By The first time a tired high school robotics team meets after a long day, one thing becomes clear: the robot is not a
Lead Forward
Sep 1, 2025


Before the Title Comes the Depth
“ Striving to become a worthy leader is to demand oneself: 有质 (a person of content), 有量 (a person of depth), and 又多闻 (a person of broad learning). " Jerry Wu Founder, JLT Capital Senior Vice President, Lehman Brothers Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Jerry Wu for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By Many people chase leadership titles before developing the inner qualities required to support the responsibility. Jerry Wu's idea reminds us that leaders
Lead Forward
Aug 1, 2025


The Power of Simplicity
“Leadership is not about complexity but about keeping things simple so that others can follow and replicate." Craig Chong President and Founder, Fresh Leadership Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Craig Chong for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By Some leaders try to impress others by complicating everything. They make long explanations, overstuffed plans, and confusing directions, hoping their intelligence will shine through in the complexity. But r
Lead Forward
Jul 1, 2025


The 80% Most Leaders Forget
“Making the right decision and taking the right direction is about 20% of the game, and 80% is actually doing it. So good decisions and great execution are better than great decisions and poor execution." Alan Doane Former CEO, Alexander & Baldwin Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Alan Doane for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By Florence Nightingale felt that hospitals could be cleaner, safer, and better organized. But that belief alone would not s
Lead Forward
Jun 1, 2025


The Leaders Who Last
“Leadership is not a sprint but a marathon. Time reveals character, so build values strong enough to last the journey." Vivian Ling Former Fortune 500 executive MBA, Stanford University Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Vivian Ling for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By The start of a leadership role is usually invigorating because you are full of ideas, excitement, and confidence in what you hope to achieve. But after some time has passed, leadersh
Lead Forward
May 1, 2025


Why People Rise When Leaders Believe
“Never underestimate those who follow you. You will be amazed at what your followers can accomplish if they are properly led." Bob Takao Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Written by: Luke Abernathy Reflecting on a quote contributed by Bob Takao for Lead Forward's Words To Lead By In 1944, Dwight Eisenhower commanded the largest military operation in history. Yet he knew that the success of D Day would not rest on his own skill alone; it would depend upon thousands of ordinary peop
Lead Forward
Apr 1, 2025
bottom of page
