I do not intend the turn my blog into a religious one. However I do believe that the pivotal moment in Christian faith i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, can be more than just a religious observance, as they embody one of the most powerful and transformative leadership models in history – Servant Leadership.

Servant leadership is a philosophy where the primary goal of the leader is to serve others. Coined and popularised by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 20th century, the term draws heavily from Christian principles, particularly the life and teachings of Jesus. A servant leader prioritises the needs of others, helps people grow and develop, and fosters a sense of community. But long before it became a buzzword in business and leadership literature, servant leadership was fully and radically lived out in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.

Good Friday marks the day Jesus was crucified. From a worldly perspective, this seems like the antithesis of leadership. His followers fled, His mission seemed to end in defeat, and He died a criminal’s death. Yet, this very moment is the apex of servant leadership. Jesus willingly endured suffering and death—not for His own sake, but for the sake of humanity. In John 10:18, He says, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” This choice reflects the heart of servant leadership: choosing the hard road, not for personal gain, but for the good of others. Unlike worldly leaders who often assert power through dominance or coercion, Jesus’ authority was rooted in humility and truth. On the night before His crucifixion, He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13), a task reserved for the lowliest servant. He said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” In this act, He redefined leadership—not as privilege, but as service. He also taught this explicitly to His disciples: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). Another time He said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

This is servant leadership in its purest form—turning worldly hierarchies upside down.

Often overlooked, Holy Saturday represents a critical aspect of leadership: waiting in silence, trusting in the unseen. It’s the “in-between” time—when the promise isn’t yet fulfilled and the outcome is unclear. This resonates with the modern leader’s journey: enduring seasons of ambiguity, letting go of control, and trusting that servant leadership, even when it appears to “fail,” is never in vain.

Easter is the day of resurrection. It proclaims that the servant leader does not stay in the tomb. Jesus rises, not with vengeance or wrath, but with renewal, peace, and commissioning. Jesus doesn’t return to dominate or punish; instead, He breathes peace on His frightened disciples and commissions them to continue His mission (John 20:21). This reflects a leader who builds others up, entrusting them with responsibility and vision. The resurrection vindicates the way of the servant. It’s proof that humility, sacrifice, and love are not weaknesses but the true path to transformative power. This flips the script on conventional leadership paradigms. Power doesn’t come from domination but from self-giving love.

The example set on Good Friday and Easter is a strong basis to inspire countless leaders—from activists and pastors to CEOs and educators—who see leadership not as a throne, but as a towel and basin. Living as a servant leader means leading by example, even in suffering, listening before commanding, lifting others up not leveraging them.

The world today is hungry for servant leaders because people are yearning for leaders who prioritise empathy, integrity, and the well-being of others over personal gain or power. In a time marked by distrust in institutions, social unrest, and rapid change, servant leadership offers a human-centered approach that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates environments where individuals and communities can thrive. For example, Nelson Mandela led South Africa with humility and forgiveness, putting the needs of a divided nation above his own after decades of imprisonment.

Servant leadership is especially important for family business owners & leaders because it fosters trust, loyalty, and a values-driven culture that reflects both the business and the family’s identity. By prioritising the growth and well-being of others, servant leaders strengthen relationships, support long-term thinking, and create a strong foundation for succession planning. This leadership style also promotes healthy communication, helping to manage family dynamics and conflict more effectively. Ultimately, servant leadership enables family business owners to build sustainable enterprises that not only succeed financially but also leave a meaningful legacy for future generations and their communities.

Good Friday and Easter together tell a single, powerful story: that true leadership is rooted in service, sacrifice, and love. These holy days are not just religious feasts; they are paradigms of leadership that challenge, humble and inspire. In a world hungry for power and recognition, the cross and the empty tomb call us to a different way—a better way. That is why Good Friday and Easter are, above all, the feast of servant leadership.