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What’s IN and OUT for Leadership in 2025

Are you ready to shake things up in leadership? The world is done with outdated, ego-driven, hustle-till-you-drop leadership styles. The days of faking it, exhausting yourself for approval, and pretending to care about people while chasing profits are officially over.

2025 is calling for a new kind of leader—one who is bold, kind, courageous, and unapologetically real. It’s about showing up authentically, leading with purpose, and leaving the toxic nonsense in the dust. This isn’t just a trendy list—it’s a wake-up call.

If you’re ready to lead with heart, embrace your power, and create real impact, then this manifesto is for you. Buckle up—it’s time to dive into what’s IN and what’s absolutely OUT for leadership this year.


What’s IN

Hard Work: Show up, do the damn thing, and let your results speak for themselves.

Kind Leadership: Lead with heart, not ego. Compassion is the ultimate power move.

Self-Compassion: Give yourself grace. You can’t lead others if you’re tearing yourself down.

Meaningful Connections: Forget shallow conversations—real leaders build trust and relationships.

Quiet Confidence: Confidence doesn’t need to scream. Lead with calm authority.

Rest as a Power Move: A well-rested leader is a sharp leader. Burnout is so last year.

Simplifying Goals: Stop overcomplicating everything. Clarity is the ultimate leadership hack.

Purpose-Driven Living: Align your actions with your values and watch your impact grow.

Bold Boundaries: “No” is a full sentence. Protect your energy unapologetically.

Curiosity Over Judgment: Ask questions, stay open, and watch how much you learn.

Replying: Ghosting isn’t leadership—it’s laziness. Respond, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Courageously Unbothered: Other people’s opinions aren’t your responsibility.

Being Present: Put down the damn phone and engage with the real world.

Healthy Ambition: Strive for greatness without sacrificing your sanity.

Listening to Understand: Stop waiting for your turn to talk. Listen deeply and lead better.

Sustainable Growth: Build something that lasts. Flashy doesn’t mean sustainable.

Owning Your Choices: Be accountable. Leaders own their decisions—good or bad.

Celebrating Small Wins: Progress matters. Pop the champagne, even for the little things.

Graceful Detachment: Let go of what you can’t control and focus on what you can.

Human-Centric Leadership: Put people first—always. Profits will follow.

Living Your Values: If you say it, live it. Integrity is non-negotiable.

Acknowledging Your Limits: You’re human, not superhuman. Leaders admit when they need help.

Playfulness: A little fun never hurt anyone. Bring lightness into your leadership.

Authenticity in Action: Be real or step aside. People can see through fake leadership.

Being a Great Human: The bare minimum, but somehow revolutionary.

Leadership Is an Attitude: Leadership isn’t a title—it’s how you show up.

Pooping at Work: Normalize the basics, people. Thanks, QLD Health!

Saying Thank You: Gratitude costs nothing and changes everything.

Developing Your People All the Time: Growth isn’t seasonal. Invest in your team daily.

Developing Yourself: Stop waiting for someone else to guide you. Own your growth.

Embracing Menopause: Hot flashes? More like hot power moves.

Reading Books: Leaders are readers. Period.

Lifting Others Big Time: Share the spotlight and elevate others. A rising tide lifts all ships.


What’s OUT

Busyness for Busyness’ Sake: You’re not impressing anyone with your “too busy” routine.

Toxic Positivity: Life isn’t always great. Stop pretending it is.

Burnout as a Badge: Exhaustion isn’t a flex. Rested is the new productive.

Superficial Networking: Real connections beat fake handshakes every time.

Arrogance Masquerading as Confidence: True confidence doesn’t need to belittle anyone.

Hustle Without Rest: Hustle culture is dead. Rest is revolutionary.

Overcomplicating Success: Keep it simple. Complexity is the enemy of progress.

Chasing Trends: Trends fade. Authenticity lasts.

People-Pleasing: You can’t make everyone happy. Stop trying.

Taking It Personally: Not everything is about you. Let it go.

Ghosting: Stop avoiding tough conversations. Leaders respond.

Overthinking It: Paralysis by analysis gets you nowhere.

Constant Multitasking: Do one thing well. Quality beats quantity.

Performative Leadership: Stop pretending and start delivering.

Unhealthy Competition: Rooting for others doesn’t diminish your success.

Ignoring Red Flags: Address the signs—at work, in relationships, or in life.

Blaming Others: Own your mistakes and learn from them.

Focusing on Perfection: Progress beats perfection every time.

Comparison Culture: Your journey is yours. Stay in your lane.

Overpromising and Underdelivering: Just stop. Do what you say you’ll do.

Apologizing for Your Existence: You belong. Act like it.

Being a Shitty Human: Enough said. Do better.

Leadership Is Only a Title: Leadership is earned through action, not entitlement.

Holding It In (Literally and Figuratively): Speak your truth—and yes, normalize basic human needs.

Microwaving Fish in the Break Room: Don’t. Just don’t.

Replying-All to Irrelevant Emails: Respect people’s inboxes.

Mandatory Fun Days: If it’s forced, it’s not fun.

Not Showing Gratitude: Gratitude isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Only Developing People When It Suits You: Invest in your team consistently.

Waiting for Someone to Develop You: Be proactive about your growth.

Thinking Menopause Is a Nightmare: It’s a rebirth, not an ending.

Getting Off Your Bloody Phone While Walking or Ordering Coffee: Look up. Connect.


Closing Thoughts

Leadership isn’t about titles or keeping up appearances anymore—it’s about showing up as the real, bold, and kind leader the world needs. It’s about owning your flaws, celebrating your progress, and lifting others as you rise.

This is your moment to redefine what leadership means—not just for yourself but for everyone you influence. Ready to embrace the new rules of leadership? Join Sonia McDonald on the journey to bold, courageous, and authentic leadership.

Together, let’s rewrite the future of leadership.

What’s on your IN list for 2025? What are you leaving behind? Let’s hear it in the comments!

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