Character Over Reputation: Why Leadership Requires Integrity

Charlie Houpert recently said on Diary of a CEO, “I care more about my character than my reputation.” That statement resonated deeply with me, particularly given my own experiences with individuals who prioritise control over integrity.

Reputation is external—it is shaped by perception, opinions, and, at times, misinformation. Character, on the other hand, is internal. It is the foundation of our decisions, our values, and our ability to lead with conviction. While reputation can be challenged or misrepresented, character remains intact when built on principles rather than public approval.

The Cost of Speaking the Truth

Recently, I encountered a situation that underscored this distinction. A senior figure within an organisation—one with no direct relevance to me—attempted to pressure me into removing an article I had written. The request was not framed as a discussion, nor was there a rational argument presented for why my article should be taken down. It was simply an assertion of authority, an expectation that I would comply without question.

When I refused, the situation escalated. More individuals were brought in to apply pressure. Emails became increasingly forceful, and attempts were even made to go through mutual contacts rather than addressing me directly. The suggestion that apparently “the board” was disappointed in me was meant to create an illusion of institutional disapproval, but in reality, it only highlighted a deeper issue: the belief that authority alone is enough to dictate compliance.

Leadership Is About Principles, Not Power

There is a fundamental difference between leadership and control. True leadership is about vision, ethics, and conviction. It is about making decisions based on what is right, not simply what is convenient or politically expedient.

What I found most revealing in this situation was not the actions of the individual in question, but the response of those who quickly aligned with them—not out of principle, but out of fear or the desire to remain in their good graces. It is a common dynamic in professional settings: people who would rather maintain favour with perceived power than stand firm in their own integrity.

But power is not found in titles or seniority. It is found in conviction.

The Strength of Independent Thinking

I have built my career on honesty, critical thinking, and a refusal to be swayed by external pressure. My responsibility is not to protect the reputations of those who feel uncomfortable with my perspective—it is to provide value and truth to the people who trust my insights.

This is exactly why I have been recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice, with over 13,000 professionals following my content. People engage with my work because it provides value, insight, and transparency—qualities that cannot be dictated by titles or seniority. Influence is not determined by position alone; it is earned through trust, consistency, and the ability to challenge conventional thinking.

Ironically, the individual who attempted to pressure me into removing my article had a following that was incomparable to mine. That, in itself, tells a story. Influence is not about status within an organisation—it is about impact. And impact comes from integrity, not intimidation.

Moorad Choudhry titled his book Principles of Banking for a reason. Principles matter. They are the foundation of ethical leadership, sound decision-making, and long-term success. Yet, time and time again, those who most need to follow them are the very ones who ignore them. Instead of embracing growth, learning, and professional integrity, they resort to intimidation as a career strategy—mistaking fear for influence, coercion for leadership.

But fear-based leadership is a short-term game. The industry does not remember those who built their careers on control tactics—it remembers those who built them on principles.

Final Thoughts

In any industry, there will always be individuals who prioritise perception over truth. The real test is whether you allow their influence to dictate your actions or whether you continue to lead with integrity.

When faced with resistance, take a step back and observe. You will notice that the anger displayed by those who attempt to intimidate is rarely genuine—it is a deliberate tactic designed to create pressure and enforce compliance. Yet, as soon as they realise their approach is ineffective, their frustration dissipates just as quickly as it appeared.

Once you recognise this pattern, it becomes clear that their authority is not rooted in real influence, but in the assumption that others will concede to pressure. Those who resort to such tactics often mistake control for leadership, failing to understand that true influence is built on respect, credibility, and integrity—not coercion.

There is no need to fear those who rely on manufactured authority. Their power exists only when it is given to them. The moment you stop responding to their tactics, their ability to dictate outcomes diminishes.

Success is not measured by avoiding difficult conversations or seeking approval from those who expect unquestioning compliance. It is measured by the trust and respect earned through independent thought and principled leadership. No amount of external pressure will change that.