10 Lessons On Leadership From 2024

Whether you lead in the IT channel, an MSP, or a small business, these insights offer a roadmap to lead with purpose, vision, and inclusion in 2025.

This time of year, I encourage us all to take a moment and reflect on all the things that we have learned and accomplished in 2024. For me, I like to work with a friend and trusted advisor. This year, we started our annual “Ta-Da!” List, an outline of both personal and professional accomplishments, detailed by month. Doing this allows us to remember and hold space for the things we learned over the last 12 months.

As we prepare to step into 2025, it’s so important to reflect on the lessons this year has offered. Leadership is not static; it evolves alongside societal, economic, business, and technological shifts. This year reminded me that leadership rooted in inclusivity, creativity, resilience, and trust lays the foundation for impactful, future-focused organizations – a message we promote at CRN.

Leadership is a journey of continual growth. In 2024, we’ve seen how fostering diversity and leveraging creative problem-solving drive success. The year also highlighted the importance of viewing leadership as a skill set requiring empathy and adaptability. As we adjourn for the holiday season, let these lessons inspire a fresh approach to leadership in 2025.

Lead With Empathy To Build Stronger Teams

Empathetic leadership has emerged as a cornerstone of workplace success. Leaders who practice empathy foster loyalty and engagement, creating environments where individuals thrive. Empathy increases job performance by 20 percent and loyalty by 25 percent.

In 2024, this lesson was evident as empathetic leaders saw higher productivity and retention rates. By understanding employee needs and challenges, leaders can drive performance while nurturing workplace well-being.

Address Neurodiversity As An Asset

This year underscored the value of neurodiverse talent in creating innovative solutions. Leaders who champion individual workstyles unlock untapped potential within their teams. Neurodiverse teams can be up to 30 percent more productive in technical roles. For leaders in the channel, creating systems that celebrate neurodiversity can lead to better team performance and client outcomes.

Tackle Misogynoir With Intentional Action

2024 highlighted the importance of identifying and dismantling specific biases, such as misogynoir, to create equitable workplaces. Failing to address these issues risks losing valuable talent. Women of color are three times more likely to experience workplace microaggressions than their white peers.

Effective leadership demands not only awareness but action—building systems that foster equity, respect, and belonging.

Trust Is The Currency Of Effective Leadership

Trust remains the foundation of successful teams. Transparent communication and consistency build trust, enabling better collaboration and innovation. 82 percent of employees say trust in their manager significantly impacts job satisfaction.

In the channel ecosystem, trust between leaders, teams, and partners is critical for managing sensitive data and creating long-term client relationships.

Amplify Women In Cybersecurity

Women continue to make significant strides in cybersecurity, bringing expertise and innovative approaches to the industry. Leaders must ensure their contributions are recognized and valued. While women comprise only 24 percent of the cybersecurity workforce, Cybersecurity Ventures shares that gender diverse teams reduce breaches by 30 percent.

Promoting women’s leadership in the IT channel is not just equitable—it’s essential for bridging the cybersecurity talent gap.

Reframe Work-Life Balance As Work-Life Rhythm

This year debunked the myth of work-life balance, emphasizing instead the importance of work-life rhythm. Leaders who acknowledge the realities of home life can create more supportive and productive environments. According to the 2024 Lean In report on Women in the Workplace, 63 percent of women in tech cite burnout as the primary reason for leaving their roles.

For MSP leaders, flexible work policies are critical for retaining talent in an industry defined by rapid change.

Build A Culture of Respect To Combat Corporate Bullying

Corporate bullying, including microaggressions, erodes trust and productivity. In 2024, leaders learned that creating respectful environments requires proactive policies and accountability. 65 percent of employees who experience bullying report a decline in productivity. Leaders who take a stand against toxic behaviors set the stage for more collaborative and innovative workplaces.

Empower Veterans as Leaders

Veterans bring unique leadership skills honed through discipline and service. Tapping into their expertise benefits organizations across industries. It is our veteran-owned businesses that employ 5.3 million people in the U.S.

Hiring veterans strengthens leadership pipelines and brings fresh perspectives to the IT channel.

Invest In Continuous Learning

The pace of change in the tech industry demands a commitment to skill development. Leaders who prioritize training see improved retention and performance. 94 percent of employees say they’d stay at a company longer if it invested in their development.

Creating structured learning opportunities ensures teams stay competitive and innovative.

Respect Differences To Foster Inclusion

In 2024, we saw how respecting differing political or cultural views can create more harmonious and productive teams. Teams with strong mutual respect see a 56 percent higher collaboration rate. Leaders who focus on shared goals over differences inspire trust and cooperation within diverse teams.

Looking Ahead To 2025

As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025, these lessons remind us that leadership is as much about connection as it is about strategy. It’s about creating spaces where innovation thrives, talent flourishes, and collaboration becomes second nature.

Leadership in the channel ecosystems will continue to evolve. By fostering inclusivity, creativity, and trust, we can shape a future where businesses and people succeed together. Let’s carry these lessons into the new year, leading with purpose and resilience in an ever-changing world.

Cheers to you inclusive leader. Have a restful holiday and merry new year! See you in 2025.

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