The power of quiet leadership: Reflections on my father

In the wake of my late father’s passing, Nasser al Hamzy, I found myself reflecting on the concept of paradoxical leadership not through books or theories, but through lived experience.
I came to realise that my father was not only raising and nurturing us as his children but was also deeply influential in the lives of those who worked under his leadership and the people around him.
This realisation became clearer when one of the current CEOs of a leading company spoke about my father. He shared that Nasser was his first manager and explained how, to this day, he cannot forget the impact my father had on him.
He spoke about the encouragement he received yet how my father pushed him to pursue his education and supported his career growth at a time when belief mattered more than instruction.
What stood out was not what my father did, but how he did it. He didn’t force success on that CEO. He didn’t control his path or dictate outcomes. Instead, he believed in him, encouraged him and opened space for him to grow. That approach — quiet yet powerful — is where paradoxical leadership truly comes to life.
Paradoxical leadership may sound contradictory, but it is remarkably effective. It is leadership that pushes without pressure, guides without control and influences without demanding recognition. My father pushed gently and helped someone rise strongly. By believing instead of commanding, he created growth naturally and sustainably.
As his daughter, I did not realise at the time that my father was leading in this way. I saw him simply as a parent who is present, consistent and steady. I did not fully understand how deeply he affected people under his leadership and those around him. I learned who he truly was after seeing the impact he left behind. His leadership was quiet, not loud. It was built on trust rather than authority, and on respect rather than fear.
This is who my father was. He saw potential before titles. He pushed people to believe in themselves before they believed in themselves. He invested in growth, not praise. He led without needing credit or recognition. He was the backbone of his team — the kind of leader who guides, supports and empowers people freely, without making them dependent on him.
This is why paradoxical leadership is so powerful.
While pressure breeds resistance, fear enforces compliance and control fosters dependence, paradoxical leaders choose trust, space and belief — creating ownership, growth and confidence.
Some people leave behind wealth while some leave behind words. Nasser left behind people who became more than they thought they could be.
Paradoxical leadership is not limited to the workplace. It extends into parenting and everyday life. Whether raising children or leading a team, people grow more when they feel trusted rather than controlled. Support builds confidence and space encourages responsibility. Belief often produces better results than pressure ever could.
In both leadership and parenting, an attempt to control every outcome often creates resistance. Allowing space while staying present creates independence, accountability and resilience. Leaders who trust their teams instead of micromanaging them often see stronger ownership and long-term success.
My father did not lead loudly, but his influence was undeniable. His impact lives on in the careers he shaped, the confidence he planted and the people who continue to carry his lessons forward.
Sometimes, the strongest leadership is not about standing in front — but about standing quietly behind, allowing others to rise.