As we have shared in a previous Weekly TRUTH, Michelangelo once said of his iconic sculpture David, “He was always there in the marble—I just took away everything that wasn’t David.”
That quote has guided much of our thinking at the Authentic Leadership Foundation. It speaks to the essence of what leadership truly is: not something imposed from outside, but something revealed from within.
Each of us is born with a unique design. The journey to become an authentic leader begins by chipping away at everything that isn’t you—by discovering your temperament, seeking self-awareness, and learning to lead from the inside out.
But here’s the paradox (as we have also previously addressed): just when we think we’re “almost there,” the goalpost moves. Personal growth is like chasing the horizon—every step forward reveals more distance yet to travel. And yet we keep walking. Not because we expect perfection in this life, but because we know greatness isn’t a final destination—it’s a daily pursuit. And that pursuit, when rooted in virtue, points us (and hopefully all those whom we encounter) toward the ultimate goal: Heaven.
As adults, these are lessons we must relearn each day. But more importantly, we must also teach our kids.
Today, young people are navigating more confusion than ever. Identity, purpose, truth—it’s all up for grabs in a culture that too often rewards the loudest voice over the clearest conscience. That’s why we are proud to introduce something extraordinary this year at Rise to Greatness 2025: The Inaugural High School Authentic Leader Award.
This new honor will be presented to one young man and one young woman who exemplify what authentic leadership looks like in real life—not because of popularity or position, but because of how they lead: with integrity, courage, and service to others. These students stand out not just for what they’ve done, but for who they are becoming:
- They’ve started to uncover their “David.”
- They’re embracing the paradox.
- They’re leading from the inside out.
