Strong Leadership Can Inspire Everyone Around You
Leadership isn’t just for CEOs, generals, or famous figures. In this inspiring story, Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky shares lessons he learned as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and how they shaped the leader he became.
Gorsky said, “At the end, it’s all about leadership and the important leadership lessons that you learn here.” As a former U.S. Army Captain, he also asked powerful questions like: “How do you do something that’s bigger than yourself? How do you be part of a team so you get everybody diverse, in different backgrounds, all behind the common mission and work together?” These ideas apply even in school—when you work with others, help a classmate, or step up when your team needs you.
As the head of a huge company, he believes success comes from innovation, execution, and choosing the right people. He shared, “It’s about great leaders and great people, and I could not be prouder of the 145,000 employees at Johnson & Johnson who really bring the credo, [the] value system every day to work to do their very best.” Gorsky also explained that his company often hires veterans because they show determination, responsibility, and teamwork. He said, “How do you have an attitude where, no matter how high that wall, no matter how thick, you’re going to figure out a way to get the mission done?”
During a special Veterans Day show, Gorsky pointed out West Point graduates who now lead major areas of Johnson & Johnson, proving that leadership skills can be used anywhere. He also shared two big lessons with current cadets: find something you truly care about, and take care of your health and well-being. As he said, “When you really enjoy what you’re doing, you’re going to be better and your people will know that.” He added, “And what’s key in addition to your leadership is making sure that you’re healthy, that you’re fit… so that you can be your very best.”
Leadership can start at any age. It begins with enthusiasm, kindness, courage, and the willingness to try your best.
Leadership is not about being in charge—it’s about inspiring others and making positive choices even when it’s difficult. Whether you’re helping your classmates, setting a good example, or showing determination, you are already building leadership skills. Every day is a chance to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/7v240O4_CD0?si=CrAeXVvNvd_6coQ5
- https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/11/johnson-johnson-ceo-on-leadership-lessons-he-learned-at-west-point.html
- https://app.pictory.ai/
- https://chatgpt.com/
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