How Great Leaders Build Trust Through the Leadership Journey

Leadership Journey: Inviting Your Team Into the Process of Change

Leadership journey is not a checklist — it’s a continuous, evolving experience rooted in trust, communication, and human connection. In a recent TSQVoices feature, Bärbel Wetenkamp, CEO of Claruna, offers a vital piece of advice for leaders at every stage of their journey: “You can’t mandate change and just expect buy-in — you have to invite your team on the journey.” This quote reflects the foundational leadership values that both Claruna and The Swiss Quality (TSQ) promote through their collaboration — values that place people at the center of transformation.
“You can’t mandate change and just expect buy-in — you have to invite your team on the journey.”
This insight from Claruna, delivered by Bärbel Wetenkamp, offers a human-centred perspective on leadership transformation. At its core, leadership is about influence, not authority. While it's tempting to implement changes from the top and expect instant alignment, true leaders recognize that real transformation requires shared ownership. Change must be co-created — not imposed. That’s why inviting your team on the leadership journey is essential to building trust and sustainable momentum.
In today’s workplace, teams are more diverse, remote, and self-driven than ever. Forcing change without context often results in disengagement, resistance, and confusion. But when leaders take time to articulate the “why,” involve their teams in the “how,” and respect their concerns throughout the process, change becomes a journey of mutual growth. Leaders like Bärbel Wetenkamp emphasize that leadership is not about control — it’s about connection. And by modeling that connection, leaders inspire others to follow willingly.
This philosophy is a cornerstone of Claruna’s leadership development approach. Their work goes beyond traditional strategy, focusing instead on the emotional and psychological dynamics that define successful transformation. Through platforms like TSQVoices, Claruna shares these principles with global leaders — reminding us all that innovation begins with inclusion, and that lasting change requires alignment at every level of an organization.
Watch the full moment on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/shorts/ezjWGHpftsc
How the Leadership Journey Starts with Inclusion and Self-Awareness
One of the most powerful aspects of this quote is its reminder that the leadership journey begins not with leading others — but with leading yourself. Bärbel Wetenkamp consistently advises young professionals to focus on self-awareness as the first step: knowing your values, understanding your passions, and recognizing your areas for growth. This personal grounding is what makes it possible to invite others into change with authenticity and empathy.
Too often, leaders rush to implement change without pausing to reflect on how they’re showing up. Are they leading by example? Are they communicating clearly and often? Are they inviting feedback and responding with openness? These questions are essential on any leadership journey. And when the answers are “yes,” the team begins to feel seen, heard, and included — which increases buy-in and engagement.
The business world is shifting toward more human-centric leadership models, and the most successful transformations now prioritize inclusion over instruction. Leaders are learning that empathy is not a soft skill — it’s a core competency. And the leadership journey is the space where that empathy is nurtured and practiced. Claruna’s insights offer not just inspiration but actionable strategies that help leaders move from intention to impact, from isolation to collaboration.
Why Claruna Insights Matter for Future Leaders
Claruna’s partnership with TSQ aims to bridge the gap between leadership theory and real-world practice. By highlighting quotes like this, they spark deeper conversations about how leaders can elevate their teams — not just their strategies. The insight from Bärbel Wetenkamp encourages all leaders to see change not as a command, but as a co-journey. This shift in mindset is especially relevant for young professionals stepping into leadership roles, where trust must be earned, not assumed.
For organizations facing transformation, whether through digital disruption, AI integration, or cultural shifts, this message is critical: leadership is not just about setting direction — it’s about walking the path together. Claruna equips leaders to take that path with intention, presence, and empathy. Through executive coaching, training, and thought leadership, they provide the support needed for leaders to move beyond transactional leadership and build trust at scale.
If you're an aspiring or established leader, this quote is your reminder to pause and reflect: Are you inviting your team into the process? Are you creating room for dialogue, ownership, and shared meaning? Because in the end, the journey is where leadership is formed — and how change truly takes root.
To continue learning from Claruna’s practical, human-first approach, follow their work across platforms. The leadership journey is never finished — but with guidance, it can become the most transformative path you take.
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