Leadership Beyond Noise and Visibility

IN BOARDROOMS AND LEADERSHIP forums, it often seems that loud voices steal the show.

- Srinath Sridharan & Steve Correa

But does being loud truly equal influence? Or is there something deeper at work – something that quietly shapes the very essence of organizations?

In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, it’s easy to think that a quiet CEO might be at a disadvantage. But true leadership has never really been about how loud one can get; it’s about resonance and meaning. There are leaders who don't feel the need to dominate every discussion or wow a room with grand gestures. Instead, they shine through their presence, depth, and intention. These leaders know that they don’t have to be everywhere to make their presence felt.

Yet in this age of constant visibility, where how we're perceived often shapes reality, quiet leaders face the challenge of not only being effective but also ensuring that their impact is recognized. An unseen leader risks being overlooked, while those whose voices go unheard may be misunderstood. The goal for them isn’t to change who they are but to redefine what being visible really means.

A quiet CEO must choose their moments wisely. They don’t need to attend every meeting, but their words should carry weight when they do speak. It’s not about speaking more; it’s about making each word meaningful. Story-telling becomes a powerful tool – not in a flashy, performative way, but by weaving together their experiences, insights, and values into the very fabric of the organisation. A singular, heartfelt anecdote can influence a company’s culture far more than a hundred PowerPoint slides ever could.