Why I Want to "Lead Like Mike"
Show Me Your Role Model And I Will Show You Your Future
(I Wanna) Be Like Mike !
Who remembers that iconic ad from the '90s?
I wanted to be like Michael Jordan!
But let’s be real—I wasn’t talented. Slow, short, and couldn’t jump to save my life.
Still, I couldn’t stop watching him. The way Michael dominated the court was magnetic—his effortless dunks, his unshakable confidence under pressure—it was simply mesmerizing. Game after game, it felt like watching pure magic.
And here’s the thing: I wasn’t even a basketball fan. Hockey was my sport. 🥅
I remember flipping on the TV one day, and there he was—Michael Jordan, larger than life, in a Gatorade commercial that seemed to capture everything he stood for. Kids and adults were playing basketball alongside him, set to a catchy tune about wishing to be like Mike. Then came the message that hit me hard: “Be Like Mike.”
It wasn’t about “being Mike” (because let’s face it, that was never going to happen). It was about something deeper—embracing his values, his mindset, his relentless drive to be the best version of himself. “Be Like Mike” wasn’t just about basketball. It was a call to lead with excellence, push through challenges, and inspire others along the way.
❇️ A role model was born.
Sometimes I dream
That he is me
You've got to see that's how I dream to be
I dream I move, I dream I groove
Like Mike
If I could be like Mike
Who do you admire?
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
But what if we could take it a step further?
What if the role models we choose—not just our peers—could have the biggest impact on shaping who we are and how we lead?
Role models play a profound role in shaping our values, behaviors, and decisions. They serve as a blueprint for how we show up in the world. And when it comes to leadership, the right role models can influence not only how we lead but how we respond to challenges, guide others, and make difficult decisions.
Warren Buffett once famously said, “It pays to hang around with people better than you are, because you will float upward a little bit. And if you hang around with people who behave worse than you, pretty soon you’ll start sliding down the pole. It just works that way.”
This idea extends to role models. By surrounding ourselves with people who embody the leadership traits we admire, we naturally start to adopt those behaviors ourselves.
➡️ Choose wisely.
How to Choose — and Learn From — Your Role Models
Having a role model is powerful, but how do you ensure you're choosing the right ones and applying what you learn?
Here are a few steps to guide you:
Identify What Matters Most
Reflect on the values and traits you want to develop. Is it integrity, resilience, vision, or empathy? Look for role models who embody those qualities.Study Their Playbook
Read about their journeys, watch interviews, or listen to their talks. Pay attention to how they approach challenges and the habits that drive their success.Emulate, Don’t Blindly Imitate
Take inspiration from their qualities but adapt them to fit your own style and circumstances (I wrote about “cloning the best from others” in the article below)Surround Yourself With Excellence
Beyond distant role models, actively spend time with people who inspire you to be better. Their influence will elevate you.Reflect and Refine
Regularly assess how your chosen role models are shaping your growth. Adjust if needed to ensure alignment with your goals.
Choosing the right role models—and learning from them intentionally—can transform your leadership and life.
Take-Home Messages
🦉 Lead Like Mike
For me, Michael Jordan was more than a basketball icon.
His competitive spirit, calm under pressure, resilience in the face of setbacks, team-first mentality, and relentless drive for continuous improvement became qualities I aspired to emulate in my own leadership journey.
The influence of a role model can elevate us—pushing us to grow, make better decisions, and, ultimately, become the best version of ourselves.
Funny enough, I clearly remember the TV ad “Be Like Mike”— but had completely forgotten it was for Gatorade. 🏀
(Now that’s a marketing topic for another article!)
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About the Author:
Nick is passionate about enabling people and businesses to reach their full potential. He taps into over 25+ years of truly diverse leadership experience, challenging the status quo - to ultimately define a clear strategic path forward and propel success.
Thought Leader | Board member | Founder of Aktina Group Consulting | Proud Father
During the time Michael Jordan played basketball with the Bulls was the only time I got so much into that sport. There was just something magical about watching that entire team and who didn't want to be like Mike!