The recent election of Pope Leo XIV may feel distant from the world of leadership, teams, and performance reviews. But as a coach and former corporate leader, I found myself listening to his first public moments with curiosity—and a sense of professional relevance.
His first words? “Peace be with you.” And he didn’t say it just once. In fact, the word peace appeared nine times in his first address.
In a world tense with division, this repetition was not accidental. It was intentional communication. It was branding. It was leadership.
Your First Words Matter More Than You Think
We often forget how much our language shapes perception. Not only what we say, but how we say it—and what we choose to repeat.
As professionals, our teams, clients, and peers are always listening. Not just to our strategy or achievements, but to our tone, intentions, and values. Do we begin meetings with pressure or clarity? Do we speak of connection, or control? What are the words we repeat without even noticing?
Why His Name Is a Message
The choice of the name Leo XIV is rich in meaning. It directly recalls Pope Leo XIII, a deeply intellectual leader remembered for Rerum Novarum—an encyclical that laid the foundation of Catholic social teaching, including workers’ rights, dignity of labor, and the balance between capital and social justice. A Pope who spoke of society in transition, and helped the Church engage with modernity rather than fear it.
This name is not just symbolic. It’s a signal of alignment, of values carried forward, of continuity with a certain kind of leadership.
And it raises a question for us, too: What legacy do we align ourselves with—consciously or unconsciously? Whose leadership style inspires our actions? Whose name would we choose, if we had to be known for more than our title?
The Roots That Shape Our Voice
The new Pope also comes from the Order of Saint Augustine, a spiritual tradition known for its foundations in philosophy and education. Augustinians emphasize the pursuit of truth through dialogue, the transformative power of interior reflection, and a community grounded in love and shared purpose.
These roots are not irrelevant to leadership. They shape how we listen. How we respond. How we hold space for disagreement without conflict, and for growth without ego.
The Parallel to Our Professional Identity
What does all of this have to do with our jobs? Everything. Because in our own organizations, we too:
- Speak first and set a tone
- Align ourselves—consciously or not—with people, movements, and values
- Repeat messages that shape how others experience us
- Carry the legacy of our background, our training, our influences
Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, coach, or team member, you are always communicating something about who you are.
And your “name”—your professional identity—isn’t just on your email signature. It’s made up of the words you say, the values you represent, the stories you tell, and the way you make others feel in your presence.
A Reflection for You
So I’ll end this article with a coaching question I often ask my clients in transition:
👉 If you had to choose a new name for yourself at work—one that reflects your values, your leadership, your role in the system—what would it be? 👉 And which leader, philosopher, or visionary would you align yourself with? Why?
Not to play pretend. But to become more conscious of the impression we leave behind—and the energy we bring into every room.
Because like the Pope, you don’t just lead by title. You lead by presence. By intention. And by the legacy you’re building—word by word.
