Reflections on a simple but powerful question: Who am I, really?

While I was in Dubai for three weeks on business, I also took time to reflect on a simple but powerful question:

Who am I, really?

It reminded me of a fascinating piece of research. And if you’ve ever asked yourself the same question, maybe this will help.

Most professionals believe their biggest leadership challenges are external- competition, disruption, resistance. But more often than not, the real bottleneck isn’t outside of you.

It’s within your identity.

Not your title. Not your credentials.

But the story you unconsciously tell yourself about who you are as a leader.

A study by Tiona Zuzul (University of Washington) and Mary Tripsas (Boston College)found that the way leaders define themselves shapes how they respond to change:

Some saw themselves as “revolutionaries” clinging to bold visions, resisting adaptation, even when the evidence demanded it.

Others saw themselves as “discoverers” - curious, agile, willing to pivot and move forward.

Same intelligence. Same ambition. Different mindset.

Guess who thrived?

If your identity is tied too tightly to being:

■1	The visionary
■2	The one with all the answers
■3	The disruptor, perfectionist, or fixer…

…it might quietly block you from seeing new possibilities, admitting what’s not working, or making the bold move your next chapter requires.

It’s not ego. It’s protection.

But it can cost you. Opportunities. Innovation. Even millions.

The shift is this: True leadership isn’t about holding on. It’s about knowing when to let go of what no longer serves you - or your vision. The most successful leaders I work with aren’t the ones who need more information.

They’re the ones who are ready to evolve.

Because their next level isn’t about becoming more of who they already are. It’s about expanding how they think, lead, and show up.

A question to leave you with:

If the market, or your life, required you to redefine yourself as a leader…

Could you?

Or would you hold on to a version of yourself that no longer fits the opportunity in front of you?

If this resonates, stay close.

Because you don’t always need a new strategy.

Sometimes, you just need a new lens.

This article first appeared in Emmi Kavander’s newsletter. If you’d like to receive insights like this straight to your inbox—before anyone else - subscribe to the monthly newsletter here.