Leadership Lessons

For over 37 years, Hasina Kharbhih, Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellow, has built systems that protect and empower those most at risk of trafficking and unsafe migration.

Jessica Rolph, Henry Crown Fellow, is transforming early childhood outcomes through innovative, mission-led businesses. From launching the #1 organic baby food brand in the US to co-founding Lovevery, Jessica’s focus has remained constant: helping families give their children the strongest start possible.

As founder of Iftin Global in Somalia, Mohamed Ali Diini has pioneered a model that integrates healing directly into economic programs, delivering unprecedented results.

For Dr. Krithi Karanth, CEO of the Centre for Wildlife Studies and Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellow, protecting tigers, elephants, and wild places is more than a job—it’s her calling.

John Little believes that building the leaders of tomorrow means meeting them where they are today. He currently serves as a national Leadership Coach at Organizer Zero. His past experiences include serving as the director of community engagement for the Tennessee Charter School Center, working as a strategist on numerous political races throughout the United States, and leading the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. He is also a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

As Vice President of Immigration and Economic Progress for Stand Together, Jorge Lima has a deep understanding that diverse perspectives and collaboration are essential for meaningful change. Today, his focus includes embracing his Latino heritage and expanding Fellowship across Latin America—guided by an unwavering belief in people and their potential.

Sharmi Surianarain leads transformative efforts to solve youth unemployment in Africa, scaling access to meaningful work through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive leadership at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and beyond.

Now more than ever, the path to meaningful, durable change lies in proximity — in being deeply rooted in the communities we serve, and committed to walking alongside them. This means moving beyond surface-level solutions, beyond reactive cycles, and toward a model of leadership grounded in deep relationships, trust, and shared purpose.

What does values-driven leadership look like in the world of artificial intelligence (AI)? And what responsibilities do AI consumers have?

The National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership is transforming how we understand and teach values-based leadership. In this Behind the Impact interview, we speak with Joe Waring (Liberty Fellow) who serves on the Center’s board, and Dr. Justin Habash, the Center’s Senior Vice President of Leadership Programs and Chief Learning Officer. Together, they share insights on how Medal of Honor values translate to everyday leadership decisions, the power of moral courage, and why this approach to leadership development is especially relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.