Leadership is one of those words that gets thrown around like authenticity or value. Everyone nods. Few translate.

This week, we sat down with Masi Willis, Founder of The Mason Effect.

She caught up with us between her work travels, helping individuals and businesses better communicate to understand each other.

What changes when that happens? Everything.

Here’s what I learned from Masi—and you can too:

The Sherpa Principle

Leaders don’t climb alone. They guide others up the mountain while ensuring everyone arrives healthy. The summit isn’t the goal—getting there together is.

The Platinum Rule

Forget the Golden Rule. Leadership that transforms follows the Platinum Rule:

Do unto others as they would want done to themselves.

Most leadership fails at this first turn—understanding both the mirror and the window.

The Support-Challenge Matrix

Four leadership types emerge:

•Protectors → Create comfortable mediocrity.

•Dominators → Create fear, not performance.

•Abdicators → Create organizational zombies.

•Liberators → Create growth worth having.

Great leaders aren’t gardeners who treat every plant the same. They calibrate the sunlight and water each person needs.

The Voice Mismatch

The fundamental disconnect: Organizations hire the 16% (pioneers/creatives) to lead the 73% (nurturers/guardians) without creating a shared language.

It’s like expecting someone to follow directions in German when they speak Japanese.

The Authenticity Trap

Your natural leadership voice emerged before the world told you what you ought to be.

Burnout isn’t from working too hard—it’s from working against your wiring.

Follow Masi Willis:

🔗 Take your free 5 Voices Assessment here

📄 Download the Five Voices PDF Tool