The Selfless List: Six leaders who put people before platform
When people ask me what selfless leadership looks like, I don’t want to just give theory. I want to point to real names and real faces. Because leadership isn’t an idea—it’s a life lived out in front of others.
The world celebrates leaders who are loud, flashy, and platform-driven. But some of the most powerful leadership is happening quietly—in gyms, schools, hospitals, churches, and communities—by people who don’t make headlines, but who are making an impact.
These are leaders who embody what I call selfless ambition: choosing people over platform, character over charisma, and service over status.
Here are five leaders I see living this out in powerful ways right now, all in the Madison area.
Mike Moh — LVLUP Martial Arts
Step into Mike Moh’s martial arts academy and you’ll see more than training—you’ll see a culture of respect and character that flows through everything he does. From young kids to older adults, his students are shaped not just as athletes but as people. Some of his younger students even step up to teach others, because he’s created a space where everyone can contribute. One of the most powerful examples? He has inspired members with special needs to not only participate but also compete in martial arts tournaments. That’s what happens when a leader believes in people’s potential more than their limitations.
Tia Sierra — Principal, Lighthouse School
In a city where too many schools have been written off, Tia Sierra has refused to give up on kids who others counted out. Under her leadership, Lighthouse has become one of the top-performing schools in Madison. Her belief that every child has potential worth pouring into has been transformative—not just for students, but for their families and the wider community. Her leadership is proof that high expectations plus relentless care can change outcomes for generations.
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff — Community Leader
Few people have left fingerprints on as many parts of Madison as Shiva Bidar-Sielaff. From corporate boardrooms to nonprofits to higher education, she has invested her life in building bridges across the community. Her leadership hasn’t been about drawing attention to herself—it’s been about lifting others up and making the community stronger. Madison looks different today because of her willingness to give her all for others.
Ashley & Jon McNary — Pastors, Heartland Church
Some leaders stand out because of their consistency over time. Ashley and Jon McNary are that kind of couple. For years, they’ve been quietly and faithfully serving the Sun Prairie community. From leading “A Night to Remember” (an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs) to organizing community gift drives, their impact has been steady, compassionate, and marked by excellence. In a world that often chases quick results, they show what long-haul faithfulness looks like.
Kaleem Caire — Founder & CEO, One City Schools
Kaleem Caire didn’t just talk about investing in youth—he built an entire school system to do it. And he did it right in the neighborhood where he grew up. One City Schools is more than an institution; it’s a vision lived out, rooted in creativity and perseverance. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but Kaleem’s passion for the next generation has never wavered. His work reminds us that true leadership is about legacy, not just success.
This isn’t a complete list. In fact, it’s just the beginning. I could name many more—including leaders like Dr. Willie Wilson in Chicago, whose story of radical generosity I’ll be writing about soon.
But I also want to hear from you. Who do you see leading selflessly in your neighborhood, your school, your company, your city? Send me a message at hsanders@madison365.org. I want to keep building this list together.
Because the truth is: selfless leadership isn’t just for a few. It’s a movement we can all be part of. And movements start small—quiet acts of service, everyday sacrifices—that ripple further than we imagine.
About the Author
Henry Sanders is the CEO of Madison365 and founder of the 365 Leadership Summit, Wisconsin’s premier gathering of diverse leaders, returning Nov. 3. He also writes The Selfless Way™, a leadership column helping leaders grow with clarity, conviction, and character. Don’t miss the 365 Leadership Summit on Nov. 3—visit 365LeadershipSummit.org to register.