When we think of iconic leaders, it’s usually folks like Abraham Lincoln or Steve Jobs that pop into our heads. But for me? It’s Abraham Joshua Heschel. This rabbi, philosopher, and civil rights advocate didn’t just inspire movements—he’s shaped how I approach leadership, whether I’m deep in branding strategy for a client, mentoring a team member, or, let’s be real, negotiating bedtime with my daughter Yael.
Leadership isn’t about barking orders or endlessly chasing KPIs. It’s about something far deeper: humanity, empathy, and clarity in every choice we make. Here are three lessons Heschel taught me that keep showing up in my life as a dad, consultant, and tech company director.
1. “In every moment, something sacred is at stake.”
Heschel’s belief in the sacredness of the everyday blew my mind when I first came across it. It’s not just about religious reverence—it’s about bringing that sense of awe and purpose into even the smallest decisions. Whether I’m building out a website for a client at DoorLoop or teaching Yael how to share her toys, this philosophy reminds me to ask: What’s the bigger impact here?
It’s easy to get lost in the grind—emails, meetings, deadlines—but when you zoom out, every decision shapes relationships, culture, and outcomes. This perspective helped me shift my focus from short-term wins to long-term impact. Whether I’m building a website or teaching my daughter Yael to say “please,” I know every moment is an opportunity to lead with purpose. Leadership isn’t a to-do list; it’s a constant opportunity to align your actions with your values.
2. Empathy: The Non-Negotiable Foundation
Heschel’s insights on empathy cut straight to the heart of what it means to lead with humanity. He wrote, “A religious man is a person… whose greatest passion is compassion.” Now, you don’t have to be religious to get the weight of that statement—it’s a reminder that leadership starts and ends with compassion.
In my day-to-day, empathy is what turns conversations into connections. Whether I’m guiding a client through a tricky website build at DoorLoop or trying to decipher why my younger daughter Diana won’t nap, it’s not just about understanding someone else’s perspective; it’s about showing up with compassion and acting on it.
Heschel warned, “When religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion, its message becomes meaningless.” Substitute “leadership” for “religion,” and the truth still holds. Authority without empathy? It’s hollow. Leadership rooted in compassion? That’s where trust, collaboration, and meaningful impact thrive.
Empathy isn’t optional—it’s the thread that ties us to the people we lead and serve. This mindset builds trust, whether you’re leading a team or trying to avoid a toddler tantrum. And honestly, it makes life more rewarding. When you lead with empathy, you stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “What’s best for all of us?” and it makes every outcome richer, every relationship deeper, and every decision better.
3. The Balancing Act: Humility + Chutzpah
Heschel embodied a paradox I deeply admire: humility paired with boldness. This man marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr.—not for fame, but because he felt it was his moral duty, the right thing to do.
As a leader, this balance of humility and chutzpah (a little audacity never hurt anyone) is essential. It means acknowledging when you don’t have all the answers while still having the courage to take decisive action. For me, this translates into moments where I leave my comfort zone (humility) but still take the leap (chutzpah). It’s that balance of being grounded while having the guts to take a leap of faith.
In branding and consulting, this often looks like taking risks—like pitching an unconventional design to a skeptical client. Sometimes it works; sometimes it flops. But the act of trying—of putting yourself out there with confidence and grace—is what sets great leaders apart.
Why This Resonates
Heschel famously said, “Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement.” For me, this doesn’t just mean appreciating the beauty of a sunset; it’s about seeing leadership as a sacred act—one where every decision is an opportunity to inspire, uplift, and create something meaningful.
As I juggle life in Miami—building brands at Zossoz, innovating at DoorLoop, or chasing Yael and Diana around the house—I’m constantly reminded that I know I’m a work in progress. But if I can bring even a fraction of Heschel’s wisdom to my decisions, that’s a win.
So here’s my question for you: What does leadership mean to you? Is it empathy? Boldness? Something else entirely? Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts below!
