Leadership Journeys [199] - Nicholas Rudge - "You Can't Sprint a Marathon."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name.In this episode of *Choosing Leadership*, I sit down with Nicholas Rudge, CEO of OCL Vision, to explore the real challenges of leading with purpose in today’s fast-paced world. Nik shares his journey from being thrust into leadership roles to intentionally shaping company culture, all while balancing personal growth and team development. We dive deep into how questioning the status quo, managing ego, and embracing vulnerability can transform your leadership approach. Nik’s insights on scaling a business while staying true to its values are invaluable for leaders navigating growth and change. Tune in for practical strategies and fresh perspectives on leading authentically.You can find Nicholas Rudge at the below linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nikrudge/In the interview, Nicholas shares"Leadership sometimes chooses us. It’s not always a decision—it’s a path that unfolds, with others seeing in us what we might not yet see in ourselves." "Transitioning into health care leadership was about aligning passion with impact. At OCL Vision, I saw a chance to combine values-driven leadership with making a real difference." "True leadership starts with questioning everything—especially the practices that have always been 'the way they are.'" "Leadership is about balancing confidence and ego. It’s knowing when to stand firm on your values and vision, without letting ego define your success." "Leadership is a full-contact sport. You can’t sprint a marathon, and the same goes for leading—pace yourself and make time to recharge." "Scaling a company while maintaining its core values is challenging. The key is creating a culture where the team moves from being told what to do to actively seeking answers." "Self-awareness is critical in leadership. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses allows you to build a team where authentic leadership can truly flourish." "Leadership can be lonely, but taking care of yourself is essential. Cycling and personal time help recharge my mental battery, allowing me to lead effectively." "Leadership isn’t just about numbers or traditional measures of success—it’s about personal and communal growth, leaving a positive impact along the way." "If you want to lead effectively, you have to roll up your sleeves and get into the trenches with your team. Leadership is as much about action as it is about vision."