By Rosabel Zohfeld
When we look at people who’ve truly changed the world, it’s easy to focus on their achievements. But real impact doesn’t just come from intelligence or resources—it comes from their leadership style. In this article, I’m sharing my reflections on three radically different leaders—Enzo Ferrari, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk—who each transformed the way we live and work. What made them effective wasn’t just what they did, but how they led. And just like them, you have a leadership style too—one that can shape your legacy if you learn to harness it.
Why Leadership Style Matters
As someone who works in healthcare and walks the road of entrepreneurship, I’ve seen how leadership style isn’t about being “the boss.” It’s about how you show up. How you handle stress. How you move people forward. The way you lead shapes your energy, your outcomes, and your team’s emotional climate. That’s why understanding the style that works for you—rather than copying someone else’s—is key to sustainable leadership.
1. Enzo Ferrari: The Purist Leadership Style – Passion vs. People
Enzo Ferrari led from a place of singular passion. He was committed to one thing: building the fastest, most powerful cars the world had ever seen. His focus wasn’t on customers or shareholders—it was on the art and science of racing. According to Ferrari’s official history, he once said, “The client is not always right.” That says a lot about how he thought.
Contrast: That same passion also created distance. Ferrari wasn’t known for emotional warmth or empathy. He was so focused on the finish line that the people around him—engineers, drivers, even fans—sometimes felt like they came second. His purist style produced excellence, but not without cost.
2. Steve Jobs: The Perfectionist Leadership Style – Vision vs. Vulnerability
Steve Jobs brought vision to life in a way few others could. He believed technology should feel magical, intuitive, and elegant. His leadership style was intense, driven by a deep desire to make things not just functional, but beautiful. He could see what the world needed before it knew to ask for it.
Contrast: But Jobs also struggled with vulnerability. His drive for perfection sometimes created a culture of fear. Stories from early Apple teams talk about sleepless nights, public criticism, and emotional pressure. His leadership produced revolutionary products—but for many, it was a heavy price to pay.
3. Elon Musk: The Disruptor Leadership Style – Innovation vs. Instability
Elon Musk leads with boldness and risk. He doesn’t just solve problems—he reimagines the entire system. Electric cars, reusable rockets, brain-computer tech—he’s in all of it. His leadership style is fast, direct, and mission-obsessed. He often speaks to the public himself through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), refusing to hide behind PR teams.
Contrast: With that genius comes volatility. Musk is known for unpredictable decisions, high employee turnover, and controversial public behavior. While his leadership unlocks massive innovation, it can also shake stability and burn people out. His style isn’t wrong—it’s just high-risk, high-reward.
Leadership Styles in Contrast: Finding Your Balance
When you compare Ferrari, Jobs, and Musk, you see something important. Each one led from a different core strength—but each also had a blind spot. There’s no perfect leadership style. Every strength carries a shadow.
- Ferrari’s drive created icons, but often left people behind emotionally.
- Jobs’ brilliance changed the world, but his teams paid the price.
- Musk’s scale of thinking is unmatched, but often unstable.
As a leader, your job isn’t to copy them. It’s to ask: what’s my version of this? Where do I lead from instinct, and where do I need to grow? Awareness is your greatest leadership tool.
What You Can Learn from These Leadership Styles
Here’s what I hope you take away:
- Ferrari teaches us to stay anchored in what we love—even when it’s not trendy.
- Jobs reminds us to connect vision to meaning—and never settle for good enough.
- Musk shows us what’s possible when we stop playing small and start thinking beyond the system.
But most of all, they remind us that leadership is personal. Your story, your wiring, and your heart shape how you lead. And that’s your power.
Leadership Style in Practice: Which One Are You?
Knowing your leadership style doesn’t mean putting yourself in a box—it means leading with intention. Whether you’re managing a team, growing a brand, or simply trying to keep your household running smoothly, leadership is how you show up when it counts. So ask yourself: Am I leading from fear or purpose? Am I building something sustainable or reactive?
If you want more insights like this, I invite you to listen to the Rosabel Unscripted Podcast, where I sit down with people who lead with heart, resilience, and truth.
Conclusion: Leadership Style Shapes Legacy
Enzo Ferrari and Steve Jobs, left massive footprints on the world—and they did it their own way. Elon Musk continues to leave his legacy in it own way as well. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. What matters is whether your style lines up with your values, your vision, and your community.
Lead like yourself—not like someone else. And remember: your leadership style is allowed to grow, soften, sharpen, and evolve. That’s what legacy is built on.
Want to learn more about Ferrari’s legacy? Visit Ferrari’s official history page. You can also check out our recent post on growth mindset here.
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