Owner at Heart

While reading a case study from Harvard Business School about Nordstrom’s leadership philosophy, a simple phrase jumped out at me: “Owner at Heart”

And honestly, it hit home.

It captures, in just a few words, one of the most important — and most often missing — elements behind successful digital product launches, and revitalization efforts.

An Owner at Heart doesn’t just work on a product — they live and breathe it. They feel a real emotional attachment to the outcome, not just to their assigned tasks. They take full accountability — celebrating the wins and standing up to own the failures, too.

Let’s be honest: when everything’s going well, it’s easy to be part of the team. But when things fall apart, when the pressure peaks, that’s when the true owners rise. They don’t hide; they rally, refocus, and push forward — because they care personally.

Having Owners at Heart generates real energy around a launch. There’s excitement, a genuine emotional connection, and a spirit of a shared journey that no formal KPI or governance model can ever create.

It turns a group of individuals into a team with a mission. When ownership is missing, even the best-laid strategies falter. No amount of technology, structure, or consultancy can replace the resilience, the pride, and the personal commitment that come from true ownership.

So here’s my take:

Before jumping into any big engagement — whether it’s a new platform, a transformation program, or a major product launch — stop and ask yourself :“Do I feel like an Owner at Heart for this mission?”

If the answer isn’t an immediate, wholehearted yes, don’t engage. Because without Owners at Heart, you’re not just increasing the risk of failure — you’re practically inviting it!