Dr. Neeraj A Sharma, Honorary Consul General of Palau to India.
We’re constantly told to chase our dreams, but we rarely stop to ask ourselves who we’re following to achieve them. As a mentor, I’ve spent years guiding ambitious young professionals, helping them carve out paths to success. But let’s be real—I’ve also been a follower, drawn to leaders whose bold visions and infectious ideas lit a spark in me. Unlike the grim fairy tale of the Pied Piper, where blind devotion led to disaster, following the right people has led me to transformation, calculated risks, and profound growth. Here’s why embracing the right leaders is not just okay but essential—and how it can shape your journey in ways you never imagined.
The story of the Pied Piper is a cautionary tale about following a charismatic figure without questioning their motives. Yet, in real life, we’re naturally pulled toward those who inspire us with their clarity of purpose and courage to challenge norms. A 2023 Gallup study revealed that 54% of employees stayed in their jobs longer—not for a bigger paycheck, but because of a mentor or leader they admired. That’s no small thing. Leadership isn’t about a corner office or a lofty title; it’s about impact—ideas that ignite curiosity, bravery that pushes boundaries, and the ability to articulate a vision that resonates deeply.
I’ve followed several such leaders, each leaving a lasting imprint on my life. One was a tech innovator in Bangalore who rejected rigid corporate hierarchies in favor of collaborative, flat teams. At first, I was skeptical—traditional structures felt safe, reliable. But his passion for dynamic teamwork was contagious. I took a leap, joining a startup where cross-functional collaboration drove innovation. It wasn’t easy—clashing personalities and tight deadlines tested my patience—but it taught me to lead with flexibility and trust. That experience reshaped how I mentor others, emphasizing adaptability over dogma.
Another mentor, a design professor, urged me to step beyond the classroom and into the messy reality of hands-on work. She believed academic theory was only half the equation; real-world experience was the other. Hesitant but intrigued, I followed her advice, partnering with artisans in rural India to design sustainable products. The process was chaotic—cultural misunderstandings, limited resources, and unpredictable timelines pushed me to my limits. But it taught me resilience and the power of human-centered design. One project, creating eco-friendly packaging for a local cooperative, not only empowered artisans but also reduced waste by 30% in their supply chain. Those lessons, born from following a mentor’s nudge, no textbook could replicate.
Mentorship isn’t about blind allegiance; it’s about connection and shared values. The best mentors don’t demand you follow their every step—they light the path and trust you to navigate it. When I mentor others, I see this dynamic at play. Young professionals gravitate toward leaders with purpose, not just credentials. A 2024 LinkedIn survey found that 68% of workers see mentorship as critical to career growth, yet only 29% actively seek it. Why the disconnect? Finding a mentor isn’t just about getting advice; it’s about finding someone who gets you—someone whose values align with yours. It’s about trust, not blind faith.
Take Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Group, as an example. His leadership wasn’t just about building a business empire; it was about integrity and social impact. When he launched the Tata Nano, the “people’s car,” his goal wasn’t profit—it was making mobility accessible to millions of Indians. That vision inspired countless entrepreneurs, including me, to prioritize purpose over accolades. Following someone like Tata doesn’t mean copying their every move; it means absorbing their principles and adapting them to your own path.
Of course, following a leader comes with risks. Charisma can mask flawed values, leading you astray. Look at the Theranos scandal, where Elizabeth Holmes’ magnetic vision blinded investors and employees to her company’s shaky foundation. The lesson? Choose your Pied Piper carefully. When your values align with theirs, mentorship becomes a harmonious partnership, not a dangerous misstep. I’ve followed leaders who valued curiosity, resilience, and honesty, even when it was uncomfortable. Their influence helped me guide others—whether young diplomats navigating global relations or startups building sustainable business models.
Following the right people isn’t about surrendering your agency; it’s about choosing to learn from those who inspire you to grow. My mentors didn’t hand me a roadmap; they showed me how to draw my own. Their courage pushed me to take risks, from rethinking workplace dynamics to designing solutions with real-world impact. So, yes, I followed my Pied Pipers—not blindly, but deliberately, because their visions resonated with my own. And it’s made all the difference. Don’t shy away from following someone who inspires you. Find a mentor whose values mirror yours, whose ideas challenge you, and whose courage pushes you to step into the unknown. They won’t just show you the way—they’ll help you forge your own.
(Note:Neeraj Ashok Sharma (born 1978) is an Indian Entrepreneur and the Honorary Consul General of The Republic of Palau to India. He was awarded “Strategist of the Year 2022- Creating Strategic International Opportunities by the Diplomatist, in 2022.)
