The “God-Sign” of Successful Leaders: Traits That Make Them Unstoppable.
Have you ever met someone and thought, “This person is destined for greatness”? It’s like they’ve got a “God-sign” glowing over their head, pointing to their future success. These extraordinary founders and leaders have something that sets them apart from the rest. They’re not just dreaming big but making those dreams a reality. So, what are these special traits that lead to such remarkable achievements? What sets successful founders apart from the crowd?
1. Power of Ambition
True leaders possess an extraordinary drive and an almost obsessive commitment to ultimate goals. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to dream so big. Even if they did, the mere thought would terrify them. But these leaders dare to pursue their vision, even in the face of uncertainty — whether it’s a sudden change in laws or market shifts. Their ambition is coupled with unwavering faith in success, a rare quality that transforms dreams into reality. They’re not intimidated by large numbers, massive projects, or established authorities.
Alex Bouaziz, co-founder of Deel, sets out to transform global hiring and payroll management. His ambition to simplify cross-border employment and navigate complex international regulations led to Deel becoming a major player in the remote workspace. Similarly, Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva, aimed to democratize design by making powerful design tools accessible to everyone, not just professionals. Her ambition helped turn Canva into a widely-used design platform with millions of users globally. Both founders set audacious goals and pursued them with relentless determination, leading to transformative successes in their respective fields.
2. Unstoppable Inner Drive
Top leaders are genuinely creative souls, guided by their principles and internal motivations. They don’t need external rewards, incentives, or encouragement. They set and achieve goals against all odds, even when others doubt them. For them, “Want it — Do it” is a way of life. This is possible because they have no internal barriers or conflicts, and they excel at overcoming external obstacles.
Eric Yuan, the founder of Zoom Video Communications, started his journey with a deep-seated desire to improve remote communication, driven by his own frustration with existing tools. His internal drive to create a seamless and reliable video conferencing solution propelled Zoom to become a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Ben Chestnut and Dan Kurzius, co-founders of Mailchimp, were driven by their passion for email marketing and small business success, which led them to build Mailchimp into a leading email marketing platform. Their personal motivations went beyond external rewards, fueling their commitment to solving real problems through their products.
3. Fearless Optimism
These individuals always rate their chances higher than others — whether it’s colleagues, friends, or competitors. They believe in their abilities, see themselves as more gifted and capable, and are convinced they can achieve anything. Their resilience is unmatched, with an ingrained layer of optimism that keeps them going, even in the face of significant failures. Instead of giving up, setbacks ignite their determination to win at all costs. Psychology might call this “irrational optimism,” but for them, it’s simply a belief in success that often defies the odds.
Aline Lerner, co-founder of Hirewell, maintained a belief in her ability to transform recruitment technology despite the crowded market and skepticism from industry experts. Her optimism drove the company’s innovative approach to recruitment and talent acquisition. Similarly, Patrick Collison and John Collison, co-founders of Stripe, believed in the potential of their payment processing solution despite the challenges of competing with established players. Their unwavering optimism allowed them to persevere through early challenges and grow Stripe into a major fintech success. This trait allows founders to remain resilient and motivated, even when facing significant obstacles.
4. Openness to Harsh Realities
What’s striking about these leaders is their ability to confront harsh truths and real facts, no matter how grim, while maintaining their belief in victory. I’ve witnessed situations where everything seemed lost, yet these individuals found excitement in the challenge. They emerge from inevitable struggles even stronger
Brendon McCormick, founder of Reonomy, faced significant challenges in the commercial real estate market. His openness to the harsh realities of data acquisition and market needs led him to innovate and refine his platform, ultimately creating a successful product. Similarly, Lynda Weinman, co-founder of Lynda.com, recognized the challenges of online education and worked tirelessly to address them, which led to the company’s acquisition by LinkedIn. Successful founders embrace difficulties and use them to refine their strategies, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
5. Mastering Time
Successful leaders have a special relationship with time. They live in the present, with a realistic view of the future and past. They link current tasks with strategic plans, treating time as a continuous flow. They look ahead with confidence, without fear or unrealistic expectations. They don’t waste time on past mistakes, instead viewing them as experiences that propel them to future achievements.
David Glickman, CEO of GrowthLab, exemplifies this trait by balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operations. His meticulous approach to time management has been crucial in scaling the company’s growth. Similarly, Lea Kosnik, founder of Repl.it, effectively balances the development of her coding platform with ongoing user feedback and product improvements. This competence allows founders to align current tasks with long-term goals and ensure that their time is used effectively to drive growth and innovation.
6. Black-and-White Thinking
Their focus is astonishing, characterized by a kind of “narrow-mindedness.” Everything is directed towards achieving their goal. Life’s situations and facts are sorted into “useful” and “not useful” categories. Useful things are drawn to them like a magnet, while the rest is discarded. This mindset, known as “field independence” in psychology, enables them to cut through the noise and quickly grasp the key information they need.
Emily Weiss, founder of Glossier, started with a simple vision of creating a beauty brand that resonated with real consumers. Her clear focus on user feedback and community-driven product development allowed Glossier to stand out in a crowded market. Similarly, Nir Eyal, author and entrepreneur, focused on simplifying user behavior into actionable insights for his startup, Hooked. This ability to filter out distractions and concentrate on core objectives helps founders make decisive and effective choices.
7. Charisma
With the magnetic pull of a charismatic personality, these highly successful individuals can captivate and inspire others. They have an unquestionable authority to lead, even those who are older, more experienced, or more qualified. Their presence alone energizes their environment. Wwhen they’re absent, everything seems to pause. Whether speaking loudly or softly, stuttering, or whether they are attractive or not, people naturally follow them. Call it charisma, strong energy, or leadership — it’s undeniable.
Ankur Nagpal, founder of Teachable, has demonstrated charisma by building a strong community around his platform for online courses. His engaging approach has attracted a dedicated user base and significant investor interest. Similarly, Tara Reed, founder of Apps Without Code, uses her charismatic presence to inspire and educate aspiring no-code developers. Charismatic leaders like Nagpal and Reed attract support and enthusiasm, creating an environment where people are eager to contribute to their vision.
8. Risk-Taking
Courage and a love for risk define these leaders. In business, courage means combining risk with responsibility — making decisions that have high stakes and lead to significant changes. It’s impossible to count how many risky decisions business people make daily. Yet, they don’t feel fear; instead, they find satisfaction in taking responsibility for their work and their people.
Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva, took significant risks by launching a platform for micro-lending in developing countries. Her willingness to embrace uncertainty and challenge traditional lending models played a crucial role in Kiva’s success. Similarly, Steven Bartlett, founder of Social Chain, took risks in building a social media agency with an unconventional approach. His readiness to experiment with new strategies and embrace uncertainty contributed to the agency’s rapid growth. Founders like Jackley and Bartlett thrive on taking calculated risks, seeing them as opportunities for innovation and growth.
9. Boundless Energy
Successful leaders are distinguished by their high energy levels — they’re like perpetual motion machines. They can work up to 20 hours a day, fly from one continent to another, attend meetings, and still find time for extreme sports. Their energy seems limitless.
Marc Lore, founder of Jet.com, exhibited boundless energy as he built his e-commerce company from scratch, eventually leading to its acquisition by Walmart. His relentless drive and enthusiasm were key to the company’s success. Similarly, Sandra Horbach, managing director at The Carlyle Group, demonstrates high energy through her active involvement in managing investments and supporting portfolio companies. Founders with high energy levels maintain momentum and enthusiasm, allowing them to navigate challenges and drive their ventures forward with intensity.
10. Creative Drive
Another remarkable trait of these leaders is their ability to generate successful projects and create new companies, even without formal education or specific industry knowledge. A new idea arises, and they quickly sketch a plan, discuss it, and are ready to act. They have the power to create a new reality, something larger and more enduring than themselves. “Think,” “Create,” and “Grow” — these are the keywords in their business lives.
Tobi Lütke, founder of Shopify, channeled his creative drive into developing a platform that simplified e-commerce for entrepreneurs. His innovative approach transformed Shopify into a leading solution for online retailers. Similarly, Amanda DoAmaral, founder of Fiveable, used her creativity to develop a platform that supports high school students in preparing for AP exams. Her creative solutions addressed educational gaps and resonated with students. Founders like Lütke and DoAmaral use their creative drive to develop groundbreaking products and services.
11. Responsibility
What sets these individuals apart is their profound sense of responsibility for their words, actions, and the people who trust them. “To whom much is given, much is required.” They understand the importance of delegating authority but also know that responsibility cannot be delegated. When things go wrong, champions don’t shift the blame onto others.
Rachael Ray, the founder of Yum-o!, demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility through her nonprofit organization that aims to help children and families lead healthy lives. Similarly, Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, has shown a sense of responsibility by addressing the challenges and criticisms faced by his company, working to improve community relations and ensure safety. Successful founders embrace their role with a deep sense of accountability, ensuring their actions align with their values and contribute positively to society.
12. Moral Boundaries
These leaders influence countless lives, sometimes even on a national scale. They adhere to a personal code of ethics, a set of moral boundaries they never cross. Following these rules is crucial — it allows them to hold their heads high and confidently pursue their work.
Shannon Shay, co-founder of TrueFacet, built her business on principles of authenticity and transparency in the luxury watch market. Her commitment to ethical practices has set TrueFacet apart in a competitive industry. Similarly, Steve Anderson, founder of Baseline Ventures, is known for his ethical approach to venture capital, emphasizing integrity and responsible investing. These founders maintain their moral compass even in high-stakes situations, ensuring their actions reflect their values and contribute positively to their industries.
13. Clarity of Thought and Decision-Making
They can process vast amounts of information, analyze it, and form unique connections without setting up filters or barriers. Unlike most people, who change their decisions repeatedly, “very successful” individuals operate differently: while their decisions are in the making, they are open to discussion, dialogue, and attentive listening. But once the decision is made, it’s final — no further discussion and all focus shifts to implementation and achieving the goal.
Victoria Ransom, founder of Wildfire Interactive, demonstrated clarity of thought by simplifying social media marketing for businesses, leading to Wildfire’s acquisition by Google. Similarly, Ben Silbermann, co-founder of Pinterest, used clear decision-making to focus on creating a unique user experience, leading to Pinterest’s growth as a leading social platform. Successful founders excel in distinguishing critical information from extraneous details, making informed decisions that drive their ventures forward.
14. Tolerance for Uncertainty
With a unique ability to “digest” large volumes of information, these business champions can operate in entirely different conditions. They have a tolerance for uncertainty, meaning they can move forward and make decisions based on incomplete information without any guarantee of success. Human nature tends to avoid uncertainty, but this “frightening uncertainty” doesn’t stop them — in fact, it often leads them to be the first to succeed.
Daniel Ek, co-founder of Spotify, embraced the uncertainty of the music industry and the challenges of licensing deals to create a revolutionary streaming platform. Similarly, Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry.com, navigated the uncertainties of the DNA testing market, focusing on long-term growth and user trust. Founders like Ek and Liu are comfortable with ambiguity, using it as a catalyst for innovation and progress in their respective fields.
15. Money as a Tool, Not an End
For these individuals, money is merely a tool, not the ultimate goal. It enables them to set unimaginable tasks for others: today they make decisions worth $50 million, tomorrow — $500 million. Money allows them to reach a new level of decision-making, expand their influence, and pursue business interests further.
John Zimmer and Logan Green, co-founders of Lyft, view financial resources as a tool to expand their ride-sharing platform and enhance transportation accessibility. Similarly, Katrina Lake, founder of Stitch Fix, used financial resources to scale her personal styling service, focusing on delivering value to customers rather than merely generating profits. Successful founders leverage financial resources to advance their broader vision, using money as a facilitator of their goals rather than a primary objective.
Conclusion
In such conditions, the very qualities that make these leaders exceptional can transform into their weaknesses. Decisiveness can become stubbornness, willpower can shift into authoritarianism, boldness can turn into overconfidence, and a tendency for control may devolve into paranoia and deep distrust. The ability to distinguish between useful and garbage along with their heightened sensitivity signs, often drives leaders to great achievements. However, it can also be detrimental in situations where other qualities are essential: sensitivity to circumstances, caution, reflection, critical thinking, clarity of vision, tolerance, and sometimes even humility.
This duality underscores the complex nature of leadership. While these leaders are capable of remarkable success, they must also be aware of the fine line between strength and excess. Balancing their innate drive with a mindful approach to their environment and decisions ensures that their strengths remain assets rather than liabilities. In the end, the most successful leaders are those who not only push boundaries but also know when to temper their force with wisdom and restraint.