You don't have to be a CEO to be a leader | Alex Budak | TEDxKI

In this talk, author and educator Alex Budak challenges conventional notions of what it means to be a leader today, and who gets to call themselves one. He introduces us to a concept he calls Microleadership, which has helped people from all walks of life realize their own leadership potential. He shows how leadership starts not with a title or formal authority, but with small steps that anyone can do, and how tiny acts of leadership can catalyze big impact. Alex Budak is a faculty member at UC Berkeley, co-founder of StartSomeGood, and the author of Becoming a Changemaker. He teaches, speaks and writes to make leadership more attainable, change more positive, and impact more inclusive.

[alexbudak]

So much gratitude! Thank you to the amazing TEDxKI team for this opportunity. Thanks to friends, family, students, and colleagues who helped me prepare. And thanks to this amazing YouTube+TED community -- it's so wonderful to hear how this talk touched and inspired you and the many ways you are putting microleadership into action!!

[seanodonnell]

I was fortunate enough to take Alex's class in UC Berkeley a few years ago and that class inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. His lessons on microleadership and 'leading from where you are' have always stuck with me and I've applied them within my teaching career to great effect. Every successful individual I know has two traits in common: a positive 'can-do' attitude and a bias towards action, and I believe these traits are perfectly encapsulated in Alex's conceptualization of microleadership, which he has articulated brilliantly here. Fantastic talk!

[Ynezb_TheIntentionalWoman]

Step up. Serve others again and again. Thank you.

[zimrarazvi]

My favorite Berkeley professor has now released my favorite TED talk. What an honor it has been to be in your class and watch all that you continue to achieve over the years. You are an inspiration to us all.

[markpaulin]

I have found few very real leaders in my life. Most were nothing but people with titles. Agree that leadership can come from anyone. 8

[carlosterolm]

Really loved this TEDx talk! "Microleadership is inclusive" - I really liked this concept. It's really empowering to know that we can all step up and become leaders even if we don't have a title. Thanks Alex for spreading positive impact and inspiring us!

[ChrisJackson-hr]

Incredible TED talk! I watch a lot of TED talks (Simon Sinek. Adam Grant, etc.) and I think this is probably my favorite of all time. Thank you, Alex!!

[SummarizeYT_]

🪄✨ Made with SummarizeYT Chrome Extension
0:17 - The magical moment of seeing someone transform before my eyes
0:36 - Recognizing the potential in everyone and rethinking leadership
1:08 - Leadership is not just for those in traditional positions
2:32 - Introducing the concept of Micro leadership: breaking it down into small moments
4:46 - Using Micro leadership as a parachute to build confidence in leadership
6:00 - Sedona Prince's example of Micro leadership in action
6:49 - Taking small steps to embrace our own leadership potential
8:14 - Anyone can practice micro leadership at any time and in any place.
8:37 - Example of serving as an IT agency for a 92-year-old neighbor without waiting for permission.
9:24 - Action is the antidote to despair, and small actions can make a difference.
10:19 - Micro leadership is rooted in taking small actions that serve others.
11:17 - Examples of Sam McCracken and Sedona Prince taking action to serve their communities.
12:17 - Micro leadership is about the collective power of lots of small actions over time.
13:08 - Example of Paige Hunter writing notes of hope that had a big impact over time.
13:56 - Micro leadership breaks down the leadership journey into small achievable steps.
14:36 - Practical ways to practice micro leadership, such as sharing ideas and giving thoughtful feedback.
15:41 - Micro leadership is not limited to CEOs, anyone can perform acts of leadership.

[kenperlmutter]

Great and timely talk. Wonderful input we can all apply: “Action is the antidote to despair!”

[lorrainehodgson]

Powerful talk showing how small simple actions can lead to profound change.

[danieltsentsiper]

Amazing talk, Alex! We can all learn how to practice microleadership in our everyday lives, I'm starting right now.

[ajteiger]

Incredibly inspiring talk. Not just words, but achievable actions I can take in my own life. Thank you Alex!

[BeepBoop-zb]

Totally brilliant talk! I'd write more but now I'm inspired to go seize my leadership moment and practice microleadership!!

[ryanabelowitz]

I love the idea of micro leadership and how it can be incorporated to our daily life

[Awbraunstein]

Such an amazing talk! Thank you for sharing your insights into leadership.

[cheukaimakari]

Amazing talk from a truly inspiring person that brings out the changemaker spark in people that wouldn't initially see themselves as leaders. Leadership takes different forms and can't wait to enact this is my own life!

[nehajacob]

Loved this talk! Action is truly the antidote to despair!

[yuvalfriedman]

Great talk! I’m inspired and motivated. Thank you Alex!

[jeffshreve]

Absolutely love this -- inspiring yet satisfyingly concrete

[dieunelinnocent]

I agree with this point of view.
I know many people like this.