For many years, the role of the leader was identified with power — with the person who gives orders, makes decisions alone, and keeps a distance from the team. But this model wears out and eventually collapses. It no longer meets today’s needs. It doesn’t build teams; it doesn’t inspire growth.

Leadership today requires presence — not distance. It requires awareness — of ourselves, of others, of the context. It requires the ability to connect, while maintaining high standards. A new balance, in which the leader is not a “boss,” but a point of reference. Doesn’t command — gives direction. Doesn’t fear feedback — seeks it. Doesn’t hide behind roles — is authentic.

Human leadership is not soft. It is demanding, but fair. It sets high goals, but not without support. It speaks the language of growth, not of fear. It builds teams that endure — because they are based on relationship, not dependency.

In practice, this means that leadership today is harder than ever. Because it requires self-observation, emotional regulation, and steadiness within uncertainty. It’s not for everyone. But it is for those who are not satisfied with a team that merely “executes” — they want a team that evolves with them.

The new leadership is not bossy. It is present, clear, and human. And that is not weakness. It is strength with a core.

Elina Karamanou CEO | Co-Founder | Business Consultant at AFS