Steward Eldership: Leading with Legacy and Wisdom
I dream of a world where leadership is not measured by power or profit but by wisdom, integrity. A world where leaders see themselves as custodians, not commanders—where they guide with humility, protect with love, and inspire with purpose. This vision is embodied in Steward Eldership, a leadership philosophy rooted in legacy, service, and the responsibility to nurture future generations.
What Is Steward Eldership?
Steward Eldership moves beyond the traditional notions of leadership. It embodies a holistic, long-term perspective, where leaders see themselves as custodians of culture, knowledge, and people. This approach integrates wisdom, trust, and a deep sense of service—not for personal gain, but for the sustained well-being of teams, organisations, and communities.
Unlike traditional leadership models that focus on short-term influence, Steward Eldership is about cultivating potential, empowering others, and ensuring the ethical and sustainable evolution of leadership itself.
I believe a leader leaves footprints. A Steward Elder plants trees.
I wrote the concepts and the framework of Steward Eldership over the past 18 months, however the development of it came to me much earlier, through leadership experiences in workplaces, lessons with elders on country and transformations in sacred sites. It was a challenge to distil all I think, feel and have learnt into 10 basic principles but I have given it a good crack. See how these resonate with you:
The 10 Principles of Steward Eldership
1. Empower
Steward Elders uplift others by adding value and supporting them to gain freedom. They do not lead through control but through guidance, ensuring that others become strong, independent leaders in their own right.
2. Wisdom
They work intelligently, not laboriously, understanding that true leadership is not about exerting force but about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that benefit all.
3. Dadirri (use of the term with permission from the Miriam Rose Foundation)
This deep listening practice is central to Steward Eldership. They walk the right way—silently, with their hearts open, attuning themselves to the needs of their people and environment.
4. Pause
A Steward Elder does not rush from task to task. They create space for reflection and celebration, recognizing that meaningful leadership requires intentionality and stillness.
5. Satya
Speaking truth with empathy is a cornerstone of Steward Eldership. Even in moments of confrontation, they communicate with kindness and integrity, ensuring that their words serve growth, not harm.
6. Value
Steward Elders stand up, stand with, and never over or under others. Their leadership is rooted in equality, respect, and a commitment to shared progress.
7. Ahimsa
A guiding philosophy of non-harm, Steward Elders embrace love, honor all, heal all, and include all. They recognize that leadership is about fostering well-being, not division.
8. Community
Unlike traditional leadership, which often rewards accumulation, Steward Eldership embodies the principle of sufficiency: Take only what you need, not what you greed. They ensure that resources—whether material, emotional, or cultural—are shared wisely and equitably.
9. Custodianship
Steward Elders are not owners; they are guides, protectors, and inspirers of generations. They safeguard traditions, wisdom, and ecosystems so that future leaders inherit a world worth leading.
10. Summum Bonum
Steward Elders are driven by the highest good. They voluntarily serve with humility, placing the well-being of the collective above personal ambition.
Why Steward Eldership Matters Now More Than Ever
As burnout, disengagement, and distrust in leadership continue to rise, Steward Eldership offers a path forward. It presents a model that is sustainable, deeply human, and rooted in wisdom rather than dominance. In an age where AI and automation are reshaping industries, the need for authentic, wise, and deeply intuitive leadership has never been greater.
Steward Eldership is not just a leadership style—it is a responsibility, a philosophy, and a way of being. It is about holding space for transformation, ensuring that leadership is not just a means to an end but a sacred trust passed from one generation to the next.
How will you live into your legacy?