George Washington never smiled—ashamed of his painful, disfiguring dentures. Yet, despite his flaws and insecurities, he led with conviction and courage. His story reminds us that leadership isn’t about perfection but about showing up authentically, even when it hurts. True leaders move forward in spite of their weaknesses, proving that strength lies not in flawlessness but in resilience and boldness.

McDonald’s milkshake sales soared 30% when they stopped assuming and started asking why. Harvard’s Clayton Christensen showed that true insight comes from observing customer behavior and asking direct questions. Leaders in any industry can learn the same lesson: understand what people really need, and build stronger connections by serving that need authentically.