How leadership can come from anywhere. The story of Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian who became a leader in war.

The Ukrainian President has won many plaudits in recent days for the way that he has communicated and behaved in the hardest of situations. Few would ever have expected Volodymyr Zelensky to have become a respected leadership figurehead just a few short years ago. Maybe there are lessons to be considered as to how good leaders can emerge from almost anywhere? How many natural leaders do sit unrecognized within businesses all across the country?

When he came to power, he had absolutely no political experience. He had previously been a comedian and was the star of a popular series, called “Servant of the People.” Now, he finds that people all over the world know his name and are listening to his thoughts.

There are parts from the story of Zelensky which are a healthy reminder that leadership is not a stereotype; that it often is how leaders communicate and connect but also in how they behave.

Zelensky has cleverly used his communication skills and social media experience to rally Ukrainians while also battling Russian disinformation for an international audience. His words on Saturday did inspire many with their simplicity: “We are going to defend our nation. Because our weapons are our truth. That’s our truth because this is our land, our country, our children. And we will defend all this.”

On Friday, Zelensky confronted Russian rumors that he had fled Kyiv by posting a video of himself in front of the presidential building. “We are here,” he said, appearing to hold the camera himself, surrounded by top advisers. “We are in Kyiv. We are protecting Ukraine.”

One of the leading arguments in the last decade is that leaders today need to possess proven experience, to have been tried and tested. Zelensky is 41 and was untried and yet has spoken better than more experienced players on the stage.

Very few experienced players expected much as, although Zelensky won in a landslide with 73% of the vote, he did not engage during his campaign in serious discussions or on policy. His election seemed to be down to a desire of many to see change, that his informal style resonated and his vow to stop corruption appealed. He now faces the sternest of tests.

The next days and weeks will tell us much about both Zelensky’s and Ukraine’s futures but regardless, it does once again highlight the fact that often there are people who can become effective leaders who can come from anywhere.

It does suggest a number of questions need to be considered:

• Does age really determine what makes a good leader?
• Are communication skills central to great leadership?
• How can leadership talent be seen and nurtured far better?

It is an interesting one as it has been commented that one of the reasons that many have been reluctant to return to workplaces is that it was felt that cultures were not inclusive, were too alpha, and were often old-fashioned in outlook. Many boards may want experienced people as leaders but many within teams have wanted to see more vision, purpose, and values within workplaces. It has been in real need of real change.

Many do believe that the next few years will see a new generation of leaders emerge as the emerging generations want to see more of the above. It will be interesting to see if those who do emerge are those who are forecast to do so?