It started with a visit to the cinema, sitting in the dark, waiting for “Deliver Me from Nowhere” to begin, the story of the time when Bruce Springsteen gave birth to the album Nebraska. As the film unfolded, I found myself reflecting not just on Springsteen’s journey, but on the world, we live in, a world shaped by capitalism, technology, and the relentless push of market forces. Their power can feel inescapable, almost as if they were ordained, like the divine right of kings once seemed. But history, and the stories we tell, should remind us that any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings.
Springsteen’s story, as told in the film, is about more than music. It’s about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to challenge what seems inevitable. In leadership and management, these lessons are vital. True change often begins in art, in vision, and in the willingness to imagine alternatives. Leaders, like artists, must see beyond fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies. They must be able to envision new ways of working, new ways of being, and inspire hope even when the horizon seems uncertain.
But no leader succeeds alone. One of the most powerful lessons from Springsteen’s journey is the importance of the ecosystem around him and most notably, the role of Jon Landau. Landau is more than his manager; he is a visionary partner who recognized Springsteen’s potential and helped shape it into reality. His ability to nurture talent, foster collaboration, and create an environment where creativity could thrive was essential to Springsteen’s success.
Landau’s leadership is a masterclass in getting the best out of an ecosystem. He brought together musicians, producers, and industry professionals, aligning their strengths toward a shared vision. He challenged assumptions, encouraged experimentation, and provided the steady guidance needed to turn bold ideas into lasting achievements. In many ways, Landau’s role mirrors that of great intuitive leaders or executives. Someone who sees the bigger picture, he or she cultivates trust, and empowers others to reach their full potential.
As I watched Springsteen reflect on his struggles and creative process, I saw a blueprint for leadership. Great leaders don’t just manage for profit or efficiency, they create meaning, foster trust, and empower others to grow. They know the difference between producing a market commodity and practicing their craft with passion and purpose. The greatest reward isn’t profit alone, but the freedom to innovate, to inspire, and to leave a positive impact.
Springsteen’s journey, supported by Landau’s guidance, is a reminder that visionaries, those realists of a larger reality, are needed now more than ever. In times of uncertainty, organizations need leaders who can cut through the noise and fog, remember freedom, and dare to dream. The true measure of leadership is not just in short-term gains, but in the lasting value created for people and communities.
As the credits rolled and I left the theatre, I carried with me not just the echoes of Springsteen’s music, but also a renewed sense of purpose. This should remind us all to lead with resilience, authenticity and hope. We should remember that, just as in art and music, our greatest reward is not profit; it is freedom.
And as Flannery O’Connor so wisely wrote and quoted by Jon Landua in the movie:
“Where you come from is gone, where you thought, you were going to never was there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it.”
This reminder grounds us in the importance of journey, transition, and the courage to seek new horizons, key qualities at the heart of both great leadership and great art.
