The Currency of True Leadership Isn’t Power; It’s Impact

When you sit down with someone like Tom Schmidt, you quickly realize you’re not just having a conversation; you’re being invited into a mindset shift. In a recent episode of C-Suite Success, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Tom, President of Thomas A. Schmidt & Associates, about what true success looks like in a world where status and spreadsheets too often define our worth.

Tom’s message is one we all need to hear, especially leaders. He challenges the traditional definitions of success and brings us back to something far more lasting and impactful: service to others.

“Success,” Tom says, “has always been about how many people have I served today—and how long do I get to serve them?”

That quote alone captures the heart of our conversation. It’s simple, powerful, and a timely reminder that no matter how high we climb, our real value lies in how we lift others along the way.

 

Service as the Scorecard

Throughout the interview, Tom returned again and again to this theme of service. And not as a talking point or a strategy but a way of life for him. It’s a deeply held belief that everyone matters, and that every interaction is an opportunity to care, connect, and contribute.

In business, we talk a lot about KPIs, ROI, and EBITDA.

And yes, those are all important. But Tom pushes us to consider a different scorecard: How are we treating people? Are we truly listening? Are we showing up with character and compassion, especially when it’s hard?

Tom’s leadership journey has been shaped by this kind of intentional reflection. He built a successful career by being smart and strategic and by staying grounded in humility and focused on serving others. That’s the difference-maker.

 

The Power of Listening

One of the most powerful insights Tom shared was about the role of listening in leadership. In his words, “Listening with real intent isn’t just good manners. It’s the foundation of trust.”

Let that sink in. So often, in fast-paced environments, we’re preparing our response before the other person finishes speaking. But Tom reminds us that when we truly listen, we make people feel seen and valued and that’s when transformation happens. Not just for the person across from us, but within ourselves too.

He challenged all of us to pause, tune in, and make room for ideas that aren’t our own. That openness, that curiosity, is where innovation lives. And it’s where real relationships begin.

 

Leading with Character

Another key theme from our conversation was the importance of leading with character. For Tom, character isn’t optional. It’s the starting point. It’s what keeps a leader anchored when the pressures mount and the spotlight intensifies.

And he’s right. As leaders, we don’t get to “clock out” on our values. Integrity, kindness, and humility aren’t soft skills. They’re core competencies for long-term success. In fact, they’re what people remember most.

Tom also touched on the responsibility leaders have to shape the culture around them. “The way you treat the newest person on the team,” he said, “is the way your team will treat everyone else.” That insight hit home. Culture doesn’t start in the boardroom; it starts in everyday interactions. It starts with us.

 

Staying Humble, Staying Curious

What stood out most to me, personally, was Tom’s genuine humility. This is a man who has advised top leaders and built a legacy of influence — and yet, he shows up with the mindset of a student, not a know-it-all. That’s rare. And that’s incredibly powerful.

He shared how staying open to new perspectives has allowed him to continue evolving—both as a leader and as a human being. “The moment you think you’ve arrived,” he said, “you’ve stopped growing.”

It’s that posture of lifelong learning that sets Tom apart. And it’s something we can all emulate. No matter where we are in our journey, there is always more to learn, more people to serve, and more ways to grow.

 

Leadership Alignment

I couldn’t help but reflect on how Tom’s leadership philosophy aligns so perfectly with the mission of the C-Suite Network™ and The Hero Club. We’re building a community of leaders who lead with purpose, who put people first, and who understand that success is most meaningful when it’s shared.

Tom Schmidt is the embodiment of that mission. He’s a reminder that the true currency of leadership isn’t power or prestige — it’s about impact. It’s how we serve, how we listen, and how we show up for others, day after day.

If you haven’t yet watched this episode of C-Suite Success, I encourage you to make the time. You’ll walk away inspired—and perhaps with a refreshed perspective on what success truly means.

Because as Tom so eloquently puts it, “Everybody matters.”

And that, to me, is the ultimate definition of success.