Leading Like Mufasa

This past weekend I cozied on the couch with my family and watched Mufasa: The Lion King, the prequel in the Lion King series telling the story of the Pride Land King. I was expecting a heroic tale of strength, battles, and the rise of a king but what I didn’t expect—what completely stayed with me—was a quiet revelation about leadership and destiny.

Without giving too much away, Mufasa’s journey isn’t defined by brute strength or fulfilling a role others had chosen for him. In fact, for much of the film, he’s simply a loyal stray who becomes a brother to a royal prince. His path unfolds not because he is “the chosen one” but because he chooses to show up—with heart, courage, and humility—in the moments that matter most.

There’s one scene that completely stopped me. Mufasa was believed to be destined to guard his brother, the prince. But in truth, it was his brother’s destiny to save him. That simple twist in perspective opened up something much deeper: Mufasa didn’t become king because he was strong—he became a true leader because he cared for others. He was already “being” a king in the way he served his community.

Although just a movie, Mufasa was a profound hero’s journey story that made me think deeply about leadership at Acton. So often we think leaders are the loudest voice in the room, the most confident speaker, the one with the big ideas. But real leadership, the kind we nurture at Acton, is something entirely different. It’s not about power or praise. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about noticing the quiet heroes—the ones who listen first, who serve generously, and who step forward not because they're expected to, but because their heart says, “I’m needed here.”

At Acton, our learners don’t follow a traditional path. Just like Mufasa, they discover that the journey isn’t about becoming what the world expects—but about discovering who they truly need to be. That kind of becoming happens in community, in collaboration, and blooms through kindness.

Today, I’m on my way to Austin, Texas to attend the annual Acton Academy network conference. I’ll join fellow leaders from around the world, and we’ll share stories, ask questions, and grow together. I won’t be going as someone who has it all figured out—but as someone who deeply believes in the power of coming together. At Acton Academy Oshkosh, I don’t lead with a crown or a title. I choose to lead with open hands, an open heart, and a deep belief that true leadership is found in the collective journey—in the strength of our learners, our team, and our community.

Every learner at Acton is on a hero’s journey. Some are natural leaders. Others are steady, quiet supporters. Some are just beginning to find their voice, while others are learning how to lift others with encouragement. All of them are discovering that leadership is less about standing out—and more about reaching out. In their “circle of life” feedback, in their daily studio rituals, in their small acts of kindness, they are practicing leadership in real time—in their own jungle.

Just like Mufasa, who didn’t rise because he was born a king—but because he became one through service, compassion, and love—our learners are growing into leaders through integrity, humility, and connection.

So today I invite you to look around. Who are the quiet leaders in your life? Who brings others together, not for attention, but because they believe in something bigger than themselves? Who surprises you with kindness and steadiness? What is your leadership style? How do you support others?

Maybe we can all take a cue from a young Mufasa. If you’re unsure of your path, remember: Destiny isn’t always about who you’re meant to be. Sometimes, it’s about who you’re needed to be.

As your designated leader, I can tell you—my truest strength is found in serving others, and in walking this journey together with all of you.