🎥 What can Hook teach us about Leadership?
The Power of Imagination in Leadership
🎬 Film: Hook
📖 Scene: Peter Pan rediscovers his ability to imagine eating with the lost children.
🎯 Focus: Authenticity, Believe and Curiosity in the LeaderNess model
Why Imagination is a Leadership Superpower
We often see leadership as strategy, execution, or decision-making — but there’s a softer, almost magical side to it: imagination.
In Hook, Peter Pan has lost its powers and cannot fly anymore. He needs to find himself first so that then, he can fly and save his kids.
How many of us have lost our power to fly? How many of us have lost our capacity to dream?
There’s a scene where Peter Pan rediscovers his ability to imagine. At first, he’s out of place, unable to connect with the Lost Boys. But then, he dares to play along. He sees the food, joins the battle of words, and suddenly, he’s in it. The table comes alive.
Rediscovering your imagination
That moment is a masterclass in LeaderNess: fostering your uniqueness.
He finds what is not working. He feeds it. and, finally, he fuels it!
This is where LeaderNess begins.
Authenticity: Leading With Your True Self
Peter’s transformation begins when he lets go of his rigid adult persona and reconnects with his authentic self. He stops trying to control everything and embraces the freedom of play. Authenticity is about honesty with yourself and others, and in leadership, it’s the foundation of trust.
When we dare to bring our true selves to the table, we inspire others to do the same.
Believe: The Key to Unlocking Potential
The Lost Boys never doubted Peter. They believed in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. They create a save space for him to let go! Leadership isn’t about certainty — it’s about trust. When we show belief in ourselves and others, we create an environment where people feel seen, valued, and ready to rise.
Curiosity: The Spark of Growth and Innovation
Peter’s curiosity is what turns the tide. By choosing to see the world through the eyes of the Lost Boys, he unlocks the imagination he thought he had lost. Curiosity is about being open — open to ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. It is about connecting with your inner kid. It fuels learning, creativity, and growth.
🤼♂️ Your LeaderNess in Action — Impact = Forces − Fears
This scene reminds us of what happens when we let our Forces (authenticity, belief, curiosity) outshine our Fears (self-work, belonging, need to proof ourselves). The result is impact — leading with purpose and creating something extraordinary.
How are you embracing the power of imagination in your leadership?
Ready to unlock your LeaderNess?
🎬 Rewatch the scene and reflect on how it applies to your life.
💬 Share your thoughts: What’s holding you back from asking for what you want?