My journey with the Inner Development Goals

PAUL NYAUSARU

When I first encountered the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), I saw them not just as a framework for global transformation but as a mirror for my own leadership journey.

They spoke to me in a way that most leadership models hadn’t, they weren’t about technical skills or management tools, but about the inner capacities I need to grow as a person and as a leader.

Looking back at my career, I realize that every turning point, every challenge, and every success has been shaped not only by what I knew or what I did, but by who I was becoming on the inside.

The IDGs give me language for that growth, and they challenge me to keep evolving.

Staying grounded in who I am

I’ve learned that leadership without self-awareness is fragile. There were moments when pressure or expectations could easily have pulled me away from my values. The IDGs remind me that being rooted in authenticity, purpose, and presence is what keeps me steady.

For me, “being” means taking the time to reflect, to listen to myself, and to make decisions that honor both my principles and the people I serve.

Opening my mind beyond the obvious

Early in my career, I often focused on solving immediate problems.

But over time, I’ve come to see that leadership requires a different lens—a systems view that considers long-term impact and deeper patterns.

The IDGs challenge me to think more broadly, to embrace complexity rather than fear it, and to stay curious even when I don’t have all the answers.

This shift has helped me grow from a problem-solver into a possibility-seeker.

Leading through connection

One of the most profound lessons in my career is that leadership is about relationships. Some of my proudest moments have come not from individual achievements, but from the trust I’ve built with colleagues, teams, and communities.

The IDGs affirm the value of empathy, compassion, and inclusiveness—qualities that allow me to bring out the best in others and create spaces where people feel seen and valued.

 From “I Lead” to “We Lead”

There was a time I believed leadership meant carrying the weight alone. The truth is, I’ve grown stronger by learning to share responsibility, to co-create, and to celebrate collective wins.

The IDGs remind me that real leadership is not about being at the front, but about empowering others to step forward too. Collaboration has transformed how I work and how I define success.

Turning values into impact

At the end of the day, leadership is about what we do. For me, the IDGs are a call to act with courage and integrity, to align my daily choices with the kind of future I want to help create.

They push me to ask myself: Am I leading in a way that leaves a positive mark—not just on my organization, but on people’s lives and the world around me?

Why the IDGs matter to me

For my career, the IDGs are not just a professional development tool; they are a personal compass.

They guide me to grow from the inside out, to lead not only with skill but with humanity.

They remind me that leadership is not about climbing titles or holding authority—it’s about being of service, creating meaning, and helping others thrive.

What’s in the IDGs for me?

Quite simply, they give me the foundation to keep becoming the leader I aspire to be: grounded, thoughtful, compassionate, collaborative, and purposeful. They are not just shaping my career; they are shaping my life.