It's fair to characterise me as competitive and determined, but

In the words of Irene Rosenfeld: “It’s fair to characterise me as competitive and determined, but anyone who works with me will attest to the fact I believe very strongly in the notion of servant leadership.” These words reveal a great paradox that is not contradiction, but harmony: that one may be fierce in ambition yet humble in service, strong in pursuit yet gentle in spirit. For true leadership is not domination over others, but devotion to their growth. It is to win, not by standing above, but by lifting others with you.

The ancients knew this truth well, though not all rulers lived it. Christ Himself, in the Gospels, taught that “he who would be greatest among you must be servant of all.” Likewise, Laozi in the Tao Te Ching declared that the greatest leader is barely known by his people, for he rules by humility and harmony. What Rosenfeld affirms with her words is this same ancient principle: that servant leadership is the highest form of power, for it gives rather than takes, it nurtures rather than consumes.

History gives us vivid contrasts. Alexander the Great was both competitive and determined, conquering lands with unmatched swiftness. Yet he often failed to embody servant leadership, for he burned cities and enslaved peoples, leaving behind empires that crumbled. By contrast, George Washington, when offered the chance to make himself king, refused. He led his soldiers with courage, but served his nation with humility. By laying down power rather than grasping it, he gave birth to a republic that endured. This is the model of true servant leadership: strong ambition guided by selfless service.

Rosenfeld’s words also carry meaning for our daily lives. Many believe that to succeed, one must always strive to be the loudest, the strongest, the one who takes more than others. Yet she reminds us that to be competitive and determined need not mean being selfish. A servant-leader competes fiercely, but not for themselves alone—they compete for their team, for their family, for their community. Their victory is shared, their success multiplied. This is the kind of leadership that does not fade, for it leaves behind not fear, but loyalty and respect.

In every generation, the workplace, the battlefield, the household, and the nation have shown this truth: leaders who serve are remembered, leaders who exploit are despised. Marcus Aurelius, emperor and Stoic philosopher, wielded vast power but lived with simplicity, writing not of conquest but of duty, justice, and humility. His competitiveness was aimed not at defeating others, but at defeating his own weakness. His determination was not for glory, but for virtue. In this he shows us how to live the harmony Rosenfeld speaks of.

The lesson is clear: do not be afraid to be ambitious, but let your ambition be governed by service. Strive with all your might, but strive not only for yourself. Be determined to succeed, but let your success lift others. In your work, in your family, in your community, adopt the mantle of servant leadership. Ask not only, “What can I gain?” but also, “Whom can I help? Whom can I inspire? Whom can I raise up?” In such service, your own greatness will be revealed.

Therefore, O listener, engrave this wisdom into your heart: strength and humility are not enemies, but companions. To be competitive without compassion is tyranny; to be compassionate without strength is weakness. But to combine determination with servant leadership—this is greatness. Live as one who strives, but also as one who serves, and you will be remembered not merely as a victor, but as a builder of lives, a guardian of others, and a true leader.