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.
Photo: students at Bishop Dunne Catholic School getting to know themselves, by learning their TEMPERAMENTS!
This article was last modified on June 4, 2025 .
Keith F. Luscher
Keith F. Luscher is a marketing strategist for the Authentic Leadership Foundation, which includes much of the media and communications work you see on a regular basis. He works as a fractional CMO for several organizations, and lives in Newark, Ohio.
You may also like
Jim Keyes’ “C-Suite of Learning” offers a roadmap for authentic leadership grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and character. This week’s truth explores how leaders move from intelligence to wisdom — and why lifelong learning is essential to sustaining personal freedom, integrity, and democratic responsibility.
Read More
Jim Keyes’ story shows that education is far more than academic preparation—it’s the doorway to freedom, character, and opportunity. This week’s truth explores how lifelong learning shapes authentic leaders and why the path to wisdom begins with curiosity. As we honor Keyes as the 2025 Authentic Leader Award recipient, we’re reminded that the freedom to rise begins with learning.
Read More