W Breeding excellence
True Leadership still thriving in the w
We live in an era where the word “leader” has been hollowed out. In business, too many executives chase quarterly numbers while gutting the very organizations they’re supposed to steward. In politics, posturing and self-interest dominate the stage. Even in sports, the so-called “faces of franchises” are often more invested in personal brand deals than in elevating their teammates. True leadership — steady, selfless, and accountable — has become rare enough to feel endangered.
And yet, there’s one place where leadership not only exists but flourishes: the WNBA. In this league, we see young women leading in ways that shame the hollow posturing of corporate boardrooms and professional locker rooms alike. They remind us of what leadership used to mean — and what it still can be.
Look at Napheesa Collier, the quiet star who has become the backbone of the Minnesota Lynx. She doesn’t just score or defend — she elevates everyone around her. A’ja Wilson, already decorated with championships and MVPs, could easily coast on accolades. Instead, she remains relentlessly committed, leading by example and using her platform to support teammates and even opponents. And then there’s Paige Bueckers, a rookie, who already plays and carries herself with the responsibility of a seasoned veteran. Her voice, her consistency, and her ability to lead under pressure show maturity far beyond her years.
What’s striking isn’t just individual brilliance — it’s the culture. The WNBA is fiercely competitive on the court, but off the court, it operates as one team. Players support one another’s successes. They amplify each other’s voices. They remain loyal to something larger than themselves: the advancement of women’s basketball and the responsibility to show the next generation what true leadership looks like. Ego, the disease of so many other arenas, doesn’t rule here.
In a society riddled with failed leaders in lofty positions, the WNBA offers a rare, almost radical reminder: real leadership is about service, accountability, and collective strength. These women embody qualities that corporate titans and political figures would do well to study. Their example should embarrass the so-called leaders who occupy our headlines.
True leadership is alive — just not where most people are looking. It’s thriving in the WNBA, where young women are carrying the mantle that so many others have dropped.
