Leadership, Voting, and the Power of Choosing Who Truly Matters
Leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about making choices—hard ones, intentional ones—and knowing who truly matters.
On Election Day, as millions of us head to the polls, I’m reminded of the weight of a single vote. It’s a symbol of voice, power, and choice.
For me, voting carries a deeply personal significance, one that’s tied to my journey of becoming an American citizen—a choice that wasn’t easy but has profoundly shaped my life.
The Weight of a Vote
Becoming an American citizen wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It meant giving up my Indian citizenship, a piece of my identity so intertwined with who I am that it felt like letting go of part of my soul.
In India, I was raised in a family that believed deeply in the responsibility of citizenship. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents returning from the polling booth, black ink proudly stamped on their fingers. That simple mark was more than a symbol of participation—it was a declaration of their voice, their choice.
When I moved to the U.S. at 22, the decision to pursue American citizenship wasn’t just practical—though a U.S. passport undeniably opened more doors than my Indian passport could. It was also deeply idealistic.
I wanted to vote. I wanted to have a say in the country where I was building my life.
My parents, though fiercely proud of their Indian heritage, understood my decision. They accepted my choice, even as it created a subtle yet profound shift in my identity.
And ever since that day, I’ve honored that decision by voting. Every time. No matter what.
The Power of Choice in Leadership and Life
Voting is a powerful reminder of how choices shape our lives. In leadership, the parallels are striking.
As a leader, every decision feels like casting a vote. You choose what to prioritize, whose voices to elevate, and how to guide your team or organization. But here’s the thing:
Not every voice deserves a vote.
Guarding Your Inner Perimeter
In life and leadership, opinions are everywhere. People will have thoughts about your decisions, your approach, even your worth.
But just like at the polls, where you cast your vote with care and intention, you must be equally discerning about whose opinions hold weight in your life.
So, who actually gets a vote?
The People Who Truly Matter
Your truth-tellers.
These are the people who’ve shown up for you, time and time again. They’re the ones who:
Hold you accountable, even when silence would be easier.
Give you tough love without tearing you down.
Have your back, no matter what.
Leadership isn’t about pleasing the masses. You could lead 20,000 people and still have only a handful of voices that matter. Those few? They’re the only votes that count.
For me, that number is three. Of all the people I know and interact with, only three have earned the right to truly influence my decisions.
The Dangers of Trying to Please Everyone
When you allow too many voices to influence you, you dilute your own. You lose clarity, confidence, and direction.
Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. It’s about making tough calls, even when they’re unpopular.
If you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one—and you lose yourself in the process.
The Courage to Choose Wisely
Choosing who gets a vote in your life takes courage. It means setting boundaries, even with people you care about. It means standing firm in your values and being selective about whose feedback you take to heart.
It also means being honest with yourself: Are you giving too much weight to voices that don’t align with your vision? Are you letting criticism from the sidelines affect how you show up?
Leadership Lessons From the Ballot Box
Every time I vote, I’m reminded of the intentionality it requires. The same principle applies to leadership and personal growth.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Be Deliberate
Just as you research candidates before casting your vote, take the time to evaluate who deserves influence in your life. Ask yourself:
Has this person earned my trust?
Do they align with my values?
Are they invested in my success?
2. Value Quality Over Quantity
It’s not about how many people are in your corner—it’s about the depth of those relationships. A small circle of trusted truth-tellers is far more valuable than a large group of surface-level supporters.
3. Stay True to Your Voice
Leadership requires clarity. When you surround yourself with the right voices, you can lead with confidence and authenticity, without getting lost in the noise.
4. Honor the Power of Choice
Every decision you make is a vote for the life and leadership style you want to create. Be intentional.
Your Call to Action
This Election Day, if you haven’t already cast your vote, you know what to do.
And when you’re done, take five minutes to reflect on this:
Who truly gets a vote in your life?
Think about the people who’ve earned that right. It’s not about numbers—it’s about impact.
Final Thoughts: Protecting What Matters
Leadership isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about choosing whose voices truly matter and letting them guide you, not define you.
Just as you cast your vote with care and intention, guard your inner circle with the same level of discernment.
Being smart with your vote—both at the polls and in your life—is a game-changer. It allows you to lead with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about how many opinions you listen to. It’s about having the courage to trust the right ones.