Leadership has always fascinated me. Over the years, running my businesses and leading teams, I’ve realised leadership isn’t just about making decisions or holding a title. It’s about service, impact, and integrity.
One of the places I draw the deepest wisdom from is the book of Proverbs. Solomon, the wisest king, didn’t ask God for riches or fame—he asked for wisdom so he could govern people well. That always humbles me, because it reminds me to check my motives: am I leading for myself, or for the people I’ve been entrusted to serve?
In today’s business, community, and family contexts, these principles remain as powerful as ever. Here are the seven leadership lessons from Proverbs that continue to shape my journey—and I believe they can transform yours too.
1. Servant Leadership: Leading with Purpose
When Solomon asked for wisdom, it wasn’t for himself but to serve the people. That’s servant leadership: putting people’s growth, wellbeing, and development first. Instead of focusing on recognition or power, servant leaders empower their teams, build trust, and foster collaboration.
I’ve seen this in my own company. Sometimes, my role isn’t to come up with all the answers, but to create an environment where my team can thrive. For example, when a new technician joins an event setup, I make sure they’re not just told what to do but also mentored through the process. It takes more time upfront, but I’ve seen how it builds loyalty and competence in the long run.
Servant leadership also takes listening to my team and not just making things about what I want and how I see them. When we serve others, it empowers them to serve our goals and visions as leaders.
Reflective question: Why do you want to lead? Is it for recognition, or to serve and uplift others?
2. Mentorship and Advisors: Building Your Circle
Proverbs says: “Walk with the wise and become wise.” That’s not theory—that’s life.
Leadership isn’t a solo journey. I recently picked this model up from Dan Martell, and it has put to words what has worked for me over the years.
You need three kinds of people in your circle:
– Mentors – those who are far ahead and rich in experience.
– Advisors – people who have “done it before” and can guide you through specific steps.
– Peers – colleagues who grow alongside you and hold you accountable.
I’ve had mentors who were 10–15 years ahead of me, and their guidance saved me from mistakes that could have cost me years. Advisors have been equally crucial. When I was bootstrapping my business, I leaned on people who had already negotiated big contracts and supplier dieals. Their tips—like how to structure payment terms or how to do importing —gave me an edge. There experiences and lessons saved me a huge amount of time and money of which I am truly grateful.
And then there are peers. I remember sitting in a rooms with fellow founders and business owners at different events and conferences. Just hearing their stories reminded me I wasn’t alone in the grind. That’s the value of peers: they sharpen you while walking the same road.
In today’s digital age, mentors and advisors aren’t limited to proximity. Books, podcasts, and online communities open doors to world-class guidance.
3. Speaking Life: The Power of Words
Proverbs teaches us: “Those who guard their lips preserve their life.” As a leader, what you say matters—more than you realise.
It matters what you say about yourself and it also matters what you say about others. When you say good things about yourself, they are reinforced and you perform accordingly. As a leaders, your words can build or destroy morale, culture, and trust. Your feedback should always aim t be constructive, even when it is tough. Leadership feedback should lift people higher, not break them down.
I once had a young team member who made a serious mistake during an event. I was frustrated, but instead of scolding her, I sat her down and explained how we could fix it and what to do next time. Today, she’s one of the most dependable people on our crew. If I had only spoken criticism, and ranted in frustration, I would have crushed her spirit.
Pro Tip: Don’t just criticise mistakes — point people towards solutions and a better way
4. Diligence: The Work No One Sees
“The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
Leadership may look glamorous, but true impact happens in the unseen hours: preparing strategies, refining plans, negotiating stakeholders, and ensuring payroll gets paid. Most people see the event lights, the sound systems, completed projects, the reverence and the applause. They don’t see the late nights in the warehouse testing equipment, or the endless spreadsheets balancing plans and payroll. That’s the unseen grind of leadership—diligence.
Great leaders stay consistent — showing up even when motivation fades.
Remember: progress is better than great ideas not actioned.
Reflective question: What have you done this week to move closer to your goals?
5. Discipline: Talent Needs Structure
Proverbs warns: “Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame.”
Talent may get you recognised, but discipline sustains your leadership. It’s easy to rely on talent, but discipline is what makes people trust you. Discipline means being reliable, accountable, and consistent, even in small commitments.
The biggest struggles for me are staying consistent with committments to myself. The choice to eat right, exercise and do tasks that are just for me. It is easy to sacrifice myself but I have had to realise and accept that this is also part of discipline and I need to work and master it. It’s not about perfection — it’s about being humble enough to accept correction and strong enough to stay the course.
6. Integrity: Doing Right When No One is Watching
“Righteousness guards the person of integrity.” Integrity is the foundation of trust. It’s not measured by how you act publicly, but by the choices you make privately. Integrity is a big one for me, especially living in South Africa where corruption is a daily headline. But integrity starts small, its starts with “me” and not just the “others”.
True integrity often costs something, but without it, leaders eventually fall.
7. Decision-Making: Choose, Don’t Drift
Indecision costs more than a wrong decision corrected. Proverbs says, “All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.” Leaders must be decisive, using wisdom, knowledge, and contingency planning to navigate uncertainty.
I’ve learned that making no decision is worse than making a wrong one and correcting it. In moments of indecision I have realised that what is paralysing me is the fear of getting it wrong and being exposed. It is the fear of hurting other people’s feelings. In a previous article, I spoke about fear and how it is a protection mechanism that we must work with to de-risk the situation but we must never allow it to work against us.
Conclusion
Proverbs isn’t just ancient wisdom—it’s leadership strategy for today. It offers a blueprint for effective leadership: serve first, surround yourself with the wise, speak life, stay diligent, practice discipline, walk in integrity, and make wise decisions.
When leaders apply these timeless principles, they not only grow themselves but also elevate their organisations, communities, and nations.
Leadership isn’t about the applause—it’s about the lives changed because you chose to lead with wisdom.
“Which of these Proverbs leadership lessons resonates with you most? Drop me a note or share this with a leader who needs it.”