How to live and lead with conviction and why it matters

Leadership is often seen as a responsibility defined by results, but great leadership is underpinned by conviction. And convictions are more than just a set of values or an energising vision for the future – they are foundational truths leading to transformative beliefs that compel you beyond what is ordinarily possible. Vision inspires what you could do… convictions impose what you must do. It’s the difference between merely what you do compared with who you really are.

Conviction-based leadership ensures that decisions align with personal beliefs and a higher purpose, transcending short-term wins in favour of long-term significance. This approach to leadership creates a lasting impact on those we lead and the world around us.

The Foundation of Conviction 

Conviction stems from an unyielding belief in something greater than yourself. For me, this foundation has always been rooted in faith. As a failed medical missionary and accidental entrepeur, I never envisioned myself in business leading Australia’s largest allied health care network. But I was always guided by a social conseicne and confidence that God had plans for my life that exceeded my own expectations. My business was to serve the needs of the poor, and it put rocket fuel in my small ideas.

Conviction is what allows a leader to navigate challenges without compromising core values. Early in my career, I encountered numerous setbacks that could have derailed my path. Failed business ventures, tough decisions, personal betrayls, parliamentary enquiries and the constant balancing act between personal and professional life often left me questioning my capacity to lead. But it was my convictions that kept me anchored. Conviction provides the clarity to push through difficulties because you believe that there is something purposeful on the other side.

Conviction in Decision-Making 

Making decisions as a leader can be complex. The pressures to meet goals, satisfy stakeholders, or manage crises often lead to compromises. Conviction-based leadership rejects decisions based on convenience or expediency, focusing instead on doing what is right. When I had to reimagine the leadership structure at Back In Motion, creating what I called ONEteam. I didn’t just seek to flatten hierarchies for efficiency; I wanted to create an environment where every individual could thrive and contribute meaningfully. This approach didn’t come without pain, but it sparked a leadership revolution that I share in my books.

The Power of Conviction in Others 

Living and leading with conviction also inspires those around you to rise to their best potential. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is not about holding a position of power but about empowering others. In building our national health brand, I saw first-hand how creating a vision with conviction, deeply rooted in purpose and values, inspired my team to innovate, take risks, and drive the business forward​ – eventually doubling our organisation in 3 years that had previously taken 11 years to build.

It’s also about creating a space where people feel they can live out their own convictions. I encouraged my team to ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and take ownership of their roles in ways that aligned with their personal values. This empowered them not only to excel professionally but also to lead lives of significance.

Resilience Through Conviction 

Conviction also offers resilience. It’s easy to stay the course when things are going well, but true leadership is tested in the trials. During the Global Financial Crisis and COVID19 lockdowns the internal turmoil nearly tore our leadership apart. But our convictions ensured a framework that helped us remain steadfast during these periods of doubt or failure. We trusted that the purpose behind our work was worth the hardship—that those experiences refined our character and sharpened our vision. I came to realise that setbacks were not signs of defeat but part of the process of growth and learning.

Conviction and Legacy 

What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy as a leader? For me, it’s about growing fruit on other people’s trees. I’ve always believed that my business was more than just a vehicle for profit. It was a means to fulfil God’s greater mission through service, whether it be in the lives of my patients, my employees, or those in need through charitable endeavours​.

As leaders, we must ask ourselves what we want our legacy to be. Are we driven by short-term gains, or are we building something that will stand the test of time? Conviction-based leadership ensures that the legacy we leave behind reflects our deepest values and serves a greater good. Whether through the businesses we build, the people we mentor, or the impact we have on our communities, living and leading with conviction creates ripples that extend far beyond our immediate context.

Conviction matters because it grounds leadership in something deeper than ambition or success. It’s the foundation that supports resilience in the face of challenges, inspires others to strive for greatness, and creates a legacy that lasts. Living and leading with conviction requires daily commitment to aligning our actions with our values. When we do so, our leadership becomes not just a role but a calling, imbued with purpose and significance that transcends the everyday.

In my life, I’ve seen how conviction shapes decisions, fuels resilience, and leads to true, lasting impact. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s undoubtedly the most meaningful one.

Written by Jason T. Smith.
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