About 28 years ago, a boss taught me one of the greatest lessons of my career. He was the CIO of a Fortune 100 company — the kind of leader who led quietly but inspired deeply.

Every six months, he’d move another infrastructure group under my leadership. Networking. Servers. Databases. Security. Each time, I’d push back. “I don’t know this technology,” I’d admit. And every time, he’d respond:   “You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to lead your people.”

1️⃣ The Lesson That Changed Everything

That single conversation shifted how I saw leadership forever. It taught me that leadership isn’t built on knowing more — it’s built on trusting more. When leaders empower others to own their expertise, they build confidence, loyalty, and innovation that can’t be manufactured through control.

2️⃣ From Expert to Empowerer

Earlier in my career, I believed the leader’s job was to have all the answers. Now, I know it’s to ask the right questions — and to create clarity in uncertainty. That’s where the real growth happens.

3️⃣ Humility as Strength

The moment you admit “I don’t know,” you invite collaboration, creativity, and honest dialogue. Humility doesn’t weaken leadership — it refines it.

4️⃣ Building a Culture of Confidence

When teams see leaders who listen and learn alongside them, it gives permission for everyone else to do the same. The result? A culture of shared ownership and continuous growth.

5️⃣ Final Reflection

You don’t have to know it all to lead well. You just need to know your people — and believe in their ability to rise. Leadership isn’t about being the hero. It’s about helping others realize they can be heroes too.