Redefining Leadership: Lessons in Ownership, Purpose, and Initiative

This article was written by Cleveland Attorney Sophie Vincenti

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Attending the Northeast Ohio Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Women in Leadership event reminded me that some of the most valuable career lessons transcend industries. At first glance, the HFMA may seem far removed from the world of creditors’ rights law and the collections industry - but throughout the event, one thing became clear: leadership principles are universal. Whether you work in healthcare, finance, law, or another profession, the conversations around resilience, confidence, growth, and leadership all resonate the same way. 

One idea I continued to reflect on was this balance between two leadership philosophies: extreme ownership and starting with “why”. Extreme ownership is rooted in accountability – the belief that strong leaders take responsibility for outcomes, challenges, and team culture rather than shifting the blame elsewhere. This philosophy requires us to replace phrases such as “Nobody told me” with “I should have asked sooner”, and approaching mistakes with ownership instead of defensiveness. More importantly, it reinforces that leadership is not limited to people with formal authority; it is reflected in how we approach our work every day. 

At the same time, leadership without purpose can feel incomplete or hollow. Simon Sinek’s principle of “starting with why” provides an important balance by emphasizing that people are motivated not only by results, but by meaning and direction. As Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” The strongest leaders are not simply focused on tasks or outcomes – they create belief, inspire trust, and give people a reason to invest in a shared mission. 

When you take a step back to look at these two philosophies together, you can see that ownership without purpose can become rigid, while purpose without ownership risks becoming empty inspiration. Together, however, they shape leaders who are intentional, accountable, and capable of motivating growth in others. 

Lastly, as a young female professional beginning my career in a historically male-dominated field, I found the event especially impactful. There was a strong sense of momentum in the room as women continue stepping into leadership roles, owning their seats at the table, and reshaping what leadership looks like across industries. One of the most memorable moments came from the event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Strosaker, who emphasized that “meaningful change is often driven by those who didn’t wait for the perfect title, the perfect committee, or the perfect moment.” That message resonates deeply as it underscores the importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for permission. 

I left the HFMA event with a renewed appreciation for the value of professional committees outside my immediate field. Sometimes the most meaningful professional growth occurs when we step beyond our own industries and recognize how much our experiences overlap. 

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If you have questions about this event or would like to learn more about Weltman’s Solutions, feel free to connect with Attorney Sophie Vincenti at any time.

This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.