When we picture the business world, we might imagine a leader making fast decisions, chasing profit. But if a leader’s vision lacks alignment between goals and values, the structure holding the company together — like bricks without mortar — can easily start to crumble.
So how do values make leadership more authentic and a company more resilient? In our latest episode of the Game Changers Podcast, we spoke with Vera Pistyur, CEO of Bridge Budapest, about why value-based leadership is far more than a “nice to have.”
Behind Value-Based Leadership: The Conscious Leader
Stepping into a leadership role brings new responsibilities and a new kind of power: influence. That can feel overwhelming — suddenly, you’re responsible for a lot of people. Leaders who look ahead with intention find that values offer a solid foundation for long-term growth. They understand that their legacy will be shaped not only by numbers, but also by the communities they build and the values they embody.
Vera Pistyur highlights the need to distinguish between instrumental and ultimate values:
“At the end of the day, it really comes down to how a leader — who makes everyday decisions, even the smallest ones — relates to business. For example, do they see money as a tool or as the ultimate goal? I believe that business can and should be a tool for creating a more livable world.”