This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Niklas Cerovina, IMA Sweden on 23rd February 2026.

At IMA – International Management Assistants, we believe leadership is not defined by title but by impact. In this edition of Leadership in Action, Niklas from Sweden reflects on how leadership shows up through mindset, responsibility, and the courage to act when it matters most.

Using Strengths to Create Impact

Hi, I’m Niklas, based in Sweden with a background in production, engineering, and science. What I love most about being an Executive Assistant is the opportunity to use my strengths, leadership capabilities, and diverse background in my daily work.

Leadership as a Daily Mindset

For me, leadership in action happens every day. It is a mindset.

Taking responsibility and acting on situations because you genuinely care, and because you see the bigger picture, is important to me. Having a full ownership attitude ensures that I step in, support others, and help drive things forward when needed.

I do this by aligning discussions back to our values, highlighting risks early, and ensuring that decisions consider both people and impact. My confidence in taking these steps comes from experience, preparation, integrity, and knowing that I stand up for what is right.

Solid communication skills are essential to ensure your message is delivered with clarity and impact, and that it is truly heard.

Influencing Without Formal Authority

I noticed my leadership capabilities early in life, often being the one who initiated things and quickly saw a way forward. I have always believed in contributing rather than waiting for the perfect moment, and in being an active part of the solution.

With age and experience, I have become much better at listening, understanding different perspectives, and valuing the strength of diverse viewpoints. Combined with the joy I feel when others succeed, I believe this creates a strong formula for effective and meaningful leadership.

How My View on Leadership Has Evolved

In the beginning, I believed leadership was about having authority over people. Over time, I have seen firsthand that great leaders actually lead through influence, kindness, guidance, and progress over perfection.

To me, leadership is a collective, team-focused mindset. The best leaders are those who see the potential in people long before they see it in themselves.

Learning Through Feedback

One piece of feedback that helped me grow was being encouraged to slow down and listen more deeply before acting. I naturally move quickly and see solutions early, but learning to pause, invite other perspectives, and create space for others’ ideas made me a stronger and more inclusive person.

Sharing Knowledge and Experience

I actively share my knowledge and experience in several ways. Through my involvement in IMA – International Management Assistants as Training and Education Officer and through speaking opportunities, I try to offer different perspectives that help others think in new ways.

I enjoy passing on practical insights from my background in production, engineering, and leadership, whether through formal sessions or everyday conversations. I also make a conscious effort to support colleagues by listening, asking guiding questions, and helping them navigate challenges with clarity.

For me, sharing knowledge is not a one-time activity. It happens continuously through collaboration, mentorship, and simple human connection.

Staying Energized and Grounded

Family always comes first. Spending time with my children helps me disconnect from everyday worries and work-related thoughts.

I am also passionate about my many interests, which usually change every six to twelve months, and I love diving deeply into whatever inspires me at the moment. When I lose track of time because I am completely absorbed in something, it is a good sign that I have truly disconnected and recharged.

Leadership in a World of Constant Change

Leadership comes in many shapes and forms, from leading myself and standing up for my values and integrity, to speaking up when culture or inclusiveness is missing.

Doing what is right is a guiding principle for me, and over time I have developed a clear inner compass that helps guide both myself and others when needed. As Gordon Ramsay says, it is about having common sense when it is not that common, and I strive to bring this clarity into every situation I lead.

This article is penned by Niklas Cerovina, IMA Sweden.

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.