How I Built a Legacy of Leadership by Empowering Others?

Leadership isn’t just about titles, metrics, or accolades. It’s about people, about lifting others, creating space for growth, and shaping a legacy that outlives your own achievements.

Fifteen years ago, I began my career with a desire to succeed. But somewhere along the way, that desire evolved. It became less about climbing the ladder and more about building a ladder for others to climb.

Today, as a Managing Director at Credence, I’ve had the privilege of leading and mentoring over 400 professionals, not just to hit targets, but to become leaders in their own right.

This article is my story of how I built a legacy of leadership by empowering others, and how you can too.

From Individual Success to Collective Growth

In the early stages of my career, I was focused on performance. I wanted to learn, grow, and prove myself. My background in Accountancy from NTU and Business IT from Temasek Polytechnic gave me the technical edge, and my entry into Credence as an Executive Live Planner gave me the platform to apply it.

But what truly changed my trajectory wasn’t just hitting personal milestones; it was discovering the joy of helping others succeed.

I began to see leadership not as a position, but as a responsibility. And from that moment on, I shifted my focus from individual results to collective growth.

Lesson: True leadership starts when you stop measuring success only by your own progress.

Developing Others is a Strategic Advantage

The financial industry is competitive, but it’s also collaborative. I realized early on that the most impactful way to scale my success was to develop others who could lead alongside me.

Here’s what I did:

✅ Identified high-potential individuals – I paid attention to character, not just skill.

✅ Created safe spaces to grow – I encouraged questions, embraced failure, and rewarded effort.

✅ Shared everything I knew – From sales techniques to mindset frameworks, I held nothing back.

As each team member grew, so did our business. Clients felt the difference. Our culture shifted. And the performance results followed.

Lesson: When you empower others, you multiply your impact.

Building a Culture of Mentorship

Legacy isn’t built in moments, it’s built in culture. And for me, that meant establishing mentorship as a pillar of our team.

I formalized mentorship pathways:

• Junior advisors were paired with experienced mentors.

• Leaders were coached on how to lead with empathy and clarity.

• Knowledge-sharing became a norm, not a task.

The result? A thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem of development. New joiners felt supported. Veterans felt valued. And I felt fulfilled knowing that what we were building would last.

Lesson: Culture eats strategy for breakfast. Build a culture that outlasts you.

Empowerment Means Trust

To truly empower people, you must trust them. This was one of the hardest, but most rewarding lessons I learned.

I let go of micromanagement and gave my team the space to:

• Lead their own client engagements

• Develop new strategies

• Innovate in their own ways of working

Did everything go perfectly? No. But the growth was undeniable. People flourished when they were trusted, not controlled.

Lesson: Empowerment isn’t just encouragement, it’s entrusting.

Leading with Vision, Not Ego

Legacy-driven leadership requires humility. It’s about leading with a vision that is bigger than yourself.

I made it clear to my team:

• We’re not just here to sell policies. We’re here to change lives.

• We’re not just building careers. We’re building confidence, stability, and futures.

• We’re not here to chase titles. We’re here to become the leaders we once needed.

This vision united us. It gave purpose to our daily grind. And it reminded us why our work matters.

Lesson: Vision-centered leadership inspires loyalty, motivation, and meaning.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

One of my proudest achievements isn’t a personal award or milestone. It’s the stories of the people I’ve mentored:

• A quiet graduate who grew into a confident team leader

• A struggling advisor who found their stride through mindset coaching

• A mid-career switcher who built a brand-new path with our guidance

These are the real results. These are the stories that continue long after I leave the room.

Lesson: The impact of empowering others goes far beyond your direct reach.

How You Can Build a Legacy of Leadership

You don’t need a title to start leading. You just need a mindset shift.

Here’s how you can begin building your own leadership legacy:

✅ Shift focus from “me” to “we” – Prioritize team wins and shared growth.

✅ Mentor intentionally – Don’t wait for formal programs. Start offering guidance today.

✅ Trust and delegate – Let others rise by giving them space.

✅ Lead with empathy – Understand the person behind the performer.

✅ Create systems that scale – Empower your culture to grow beyond your direct influence.

Your Legacy Starts Now

Building a legacy of leadership isn’t about being the best. It’s about bringing out the best in others.

That’s what I’ve dedicated my career to. And if you’re ready to lead in a way that transforms lives, starting with your own, I’m here to help.

📩 DM me to book a coffee session. Let’s talk about how you can grow, lead, and build a legacy that truly matters.