I’ve always believed in the human-ness of people—in the power of showing up as we are and using our everyday talents to lead and support each other. So maybe it’s no surprise that I’m not a huge superhero fan.
But last weekend, on a scorching summer day, I ducked into a movie theater for the cooler temps and ended up watching James Gunn’s 2025 Superman.
I didn’t expect much (other than cold air and a comfortable chair). That being said, even with the typical superhero plot, I enjoyed the film and found it both engaging and compelling.
And then, towards the end, I was completely caught off guard when Superman declared, “I’m as human as anyone. I love. I get scared. I wake up every morning and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other, and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human and that’s my greatest strength.”
I sat there, stunned. A superhero—a character defined by extraordinary powers—just admitted to fear, doubt, mistakes, and uncertainty. And not only that, he framed those very attributes as strengths.
Imagine if all leaders showed up that way—if we let go of the need to show power and perfection and instead chose authenticity over image, connection over control, and humility over hierarchy. That kind of leadership encourages exploration, learning, and perseverance. It also fosters honesty, develops trust, and ultimately builds a culture where everyone feels comfortable being human, too.
Real leadership is:
- Recognizing that we don’t have all the answers.
- Acknowledging when we are unsure.
- Engaging, even when the conversations are hard.
- Admitting mistakes, and learning out loud.
- Being fully present, even when we don’t have it all figured out.
We don’t need perfect leaders. We need authentic, human ones. Leaders who doubt, stumble, care deeply—and still choose to show up.
Turns out, that’s the real superpower.