why legacy in leadership matters
With the pace of work today, it can be easy for leaders to slip into more of a managerial role. Focusing on things like performance targets, deliverables, or complex transitions. But at its heart, leadership is about impact. The impact you have on people, culture, values, and the future of the organization. Legacy in leadership is not a final chapter written after retirement; it’s something we write every day. It is in the conversations we have, the decision we make, and example we set.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I coach leaders to build meaningful legacies because I’m fiercely aware that we don't get to choose how much time we have, but we do get to choose how we spend it, and what we leave behind.
What does legacy look like in leadership?
Leadership legacy is the enduring influence a leader has long after they’ve left the room (or the role). It’s about values they hold, not just victories they have had in the job. It’s about how you make people feel, what you model, and what continues because of you.
Legacy is not about ego. It’s not about being remembered for hierarchy and being “in charge.” It’s about being remembered for how you showed up, and the doors that you opened for others.
Why does legacy in leadership matter?
It Helps You Prioritize What Matters: When leaders define their legacy, they clarify their core values. That clarity becomes a compass. It helps leaders focus not just on what’s urgent, but on what is important to them. As executive coach Kevin Cashman puts it: “Getting clarity on your legacy early on can be an effective way to help you set goals and priorities.”
Legacy Fosters Meaningful Impact: A leader who is clear on their legacy leads with direction. They understand their values and they have purpose. Studies show that organizations with strong values-based leadership see increased engagement, higher retention, and better performance (Gallup, 2023). Why? Because people are drawn to leaders who stand for something.
It Builds A Culture of Trust: Leadership legacy is cultivated through consistency. When you live your values visibly, others trust you. It shapes how teams behave, how they treat one another, and how they carry your influence forward.
Legacy Supports Succession Planning: You're not just a leader, you're a community builder. It is likely what you are building will outlast you. A legacy mindset ensures that the systems, relationships, and talent you nurture continue to thrive after your departure.
The Role of Coaching in Leadership Legacy
Leaders are so busy doing that they don’t stop to reflect on being. They do not get the time to think about what kind of leader they want to be, let alone what kind of leader they want to be remembered as. Coaching creates that reflective space.
In my coaching practice, I help leaders:
Articulate their values and vision.
Clarify their long-term impact.
Navigate grief, change, and difficult transitions.
Lead with purpose and prepare to leave a meaningful imprint.
Whether through leadership coaching or end-of-life planning, the thread is the same: I help people live and lead with intention.
Real-Life Legacies
There are countless examples of great leaders that have left enduring legacies. Take for example, Jacinda Ardern. Beyond being known for leading with empathy during crises, Ardern’s legacy is one of compassionate strength. She has been a model for emotionally intelligent leadership.
Matthew Perry is another great example. Known for his work on Friends, in his later years, Perry spoke openly about his life with addiction in hopes to address stigma. He spoke frequently about wanting to create longer-term treatment which is missing in the continuum of care. While he died before it was possible, his family is cementing his legacy through Matthew Perry House.
Why I do this work
This year marks 17 years that I lost my best friend Emma. Emma was vibrant, witty, and wise beyond her years. Losing her so young was shattering. It took me a long time, but as David Kessler describes in his book, I was able to find meaning in what happened to us. I realized that I have a deep desire to help people live their lives fully and on purpose.
That’s why I coach. It’s why I talk about death, grief, and legacy. Not to be morbid, but to be real. Because when we face the truth that nothing lasts forever, we become braver, kinder, more courageous. We become the kind of leaders—and people—who leave something meaningful behind.
Start building your legacy today
Legacy isn’t something we build at the end, it’s something we shape every day through the choices we make, the people we influence, and the values we uphold.
Whether you're a team leader, parent, or community member, your legacy is already unfolding. The question is: are you shaping it with intention?
I invite you to take a breath. Reflect. Ask yourself:
If today were my last day, how would I be remembered?
What do I want to be known for?
Who have I helped grow?
What values do I want to carry forward?
Your legacy is not about titles or accolades. It's about how you show up, who you lift up, and the meaning you leave behind.
