This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Ursula Wartha, IMA Germany on 18th March 2026.

Some leadership is visible. Some is not.

In this contribution to our Leadership in Action series, Ursula Wartha shares a perspective shaped by experience, reflection, and evolution across roles — from C-level partnership to entrepreneurship.

Her story brings us back to the essence of leadership: not as a position, but as a way of thinking and acting. Through clarity, structure, and self-leadership, she shows how influence is built over time, and how responsibility begins long before authority is given.

This is a quiet form of leadership. But it is powerful.

Leadership in Action

Leadership is often associated with titles, hierarchy, and authority. In practice, however, it manifests in more subtle ways: through clarity of thought, creating structure amid complexity, and taking responsibility without formal authority.

My name is Ursula Wartha, and I have been a member of IMA for over 20 years. My leadership journey began as a C-level assistant and evolved into what is often described today as a Chief of Staff role. Today, as the founder of my own business, I work as a strategic partner with executives, founder teams, and international organizations, including our IMA community.

Across all these roles, one belief has remained constant:

Leadership is not about hierarchy. It is about clarity, responsibility, empowering others, and influence.

Leadership Beyond Title

Earlier in my career, I believed leadership was closely connected to position and authority. Over time, especially after becoming an entrepreneur, I realized that true leadership is demonstrated, not assigned.

It is visible in how you show up.

As an external strategic partner, I do not rely on formal authority. My impact comes from foresight, reliability, and the ability to translate vision into action. That is leadership in action.

Turning Vision into Structure

My strengths have always been strategic thinking, structure, and operational clarity.

When I work with founder teams, I often see bold ideas moving in many directions at once. My role is to create focus by clarifying priorities, structuring decision-making processes, and ensuring consistent follow-through.

Structure is not bureaucracy. Structure creates freedom.

When leaders are no longer overwhelmed by operational issues, they regain the mental space needed for strategic thinking and growth.

I applied the same principle during my years of leadership at IMA, both nationally and globally, as Finance Officer. Sound financial governance, transparent reporting, and strategic planning are not just administrative tasks. They are leadership responsibilities.

By creating a solid financial foundation, the organization was able to grow with confidence and stability.

Credibility Without Hierarchy

Working independently has sharpened my understanding of leadership credibility. Without the support of formal titles, trust must be earned through consistent action.

Many of my client relationships are long-standing. This longevity is based on mutual commitment and the knowledge that I will always demonstrate clarity, precision, and integrity.

Professional excellence is not a one-time achievement. It is a standard.

Leadership Starts with Self-Leadership

If there is one conviction that guides me, it is this: leadership always begins with self-leadership.

When I decided to start my own company, I sat down one morning with a blank sheet of paper and created a large mind map. I wrote down everything required to build a company, from legal setup and finances to services, clients, and positioning.

That mind map became my roadmap. It helped me transform an idea into a concrete plan and guided my first steps into entrepreneurship.

In retrospect, this was a simple yet powerful act of self-leadership: establishing clarity before taking action.

Leadership as a Shared Responsibility

Leadership is also a shared responsibility.

It is about raising standards, strengthening governance, and making contributions that go beyond our immediate role. In communities such as IMA, we see every day how shared learning and professional exchange empower individuals and the profession as a whole.

Leadership is not defined by position. It is defined by the clarity, structure, responsibility, and example we bring to our work. Every single day.

This article is penned by Ursula Wartha, IMA Germany.

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. 

Photo Credit: Sabine Klem