We’ve all heard the phrase “big shoes to fill.”
But what happens when those shoes belong to someone truly beloved—charismatic, wise, and transformative in their leadership?
Someone who made people feel seen, heard, and hopeful? Whether you’re a new VP, a nonprofit director, or even the incoming head of a global spiritual institution, one truth remains:
Taking over for a great leader is as exhilarating as it is intimidating.
Yesterday morning, the Catholic Church lost one of its most influential modern figures: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a.k.a. Pope Francis.
More than 1 billion Catholics and much of the rest of the world are now watching the College of Cardinals in Rome as they face an immense question: “Who will lead us next?”
Regardless of where you stand on religion, it’s impossible to ignore the magnitude of his leadership impact.
Yes, replacing a CEO at a Fortune 100 company is daunting.
But imagine replacing (or being the replacement for) someone who:
- led an organization with more followers than Coca-Cola has customers
- was constantly on global television
- was regularly quoted in political speeches, and
- once even graced the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. (Seriously. Google it.)
Leading in the Shadow of Giants
Transitioning into a new leadership role is hard enough when the outgoing person was just average.
But when the person before you was beloved? That’s a whole different ball game.
You’re not just inheriting a job. You’re inheriting a culture and a legacy. And with it comes an invisible audience (often in your own mind) whispering, “Can you ever be as good as they were?”
Cue: imposter syndrome.
When stepping into the shoes of a beloved leader, three fears tend to dominate:
- I’ll be constantly compared to them—and I’ll never measure up.
- People won’t accept me.
- I’m going to fail publicly.
But here’s the truth: The key isn’t to replicate their style—it’s to learn from their example, and lead in a way that is authentic to you.
What We Can Learn From Pope Francis
Despite criticism from both the left and right, Pope Francis’s leadership earned admiration across boundaries—religious, political, and generational.
Here are a few universal lessons in leadership we can all learn from his example, whether or not you’re stepping in to fill really big shoes:
- Practice what you preach. Francis turned down the grand papal apartment and took a modest dorm upon moving to the Vatican. Even as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he cooked his own meals and preferred to take public transportation. The lesson? People will trust you more when your lifestyle aligns with the values you proclaim.
- Prioritize listening over performing. Whether talking to world leaders or everyday parishioners, Francis was known for his humility and curiosity. As Stephen Covey once said: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Don’t be most people.
- Speak your truth—with grace. Francis didn’t shy away from controversy, but he delivered hard messages and even unpopular opinions with compassion and clarity. That’s how you build trust—even when people disagree with your decisions.
- Say no. One of Francis’s best-known daily practices? Taking a nap. Literally. He protected his energy by prioritizing self-care and maintaining boundaries. Leaders, take note: Saying no to less important things is saying yes to sustainability and long-term impact.
- Own your decisions. Even when his stances drew fire, Francis didn’t deflect, back pedal or shift blame. He stood by his convictions. A leader who defends their team while owning their calls builds loyalty that lasts beyond tenure.
If you’re actively exploring your next big step and want to find and be ready to land your ideal opportunity—no matter how big the shoes you might have to fill—it’s not too late to check out my Quantum Leap program. It's designed to help you make your next strategic move with clarity and confidence.
You Don't Have to Be the Next [ ________ ]
The point of succession isn’t to be “the next Pope Francis,” “the next Steve Jobs,” or “the next Oprah.” Let's face it, Francis didn't try to be the next “Pope Benedict XVI. ” It’s to be the first and best version of you in the role.
So if you’ve just stepped into a new leadership position—and you're feeling overwhelmed, maybe even unworthy—remember this:
You were chosen for a reason.
Your job is not to walk the exact path your predecessor paved. Your job is to pick up the baton, learn from their footsteps, and then take the race forward in your own way.
And remember: If you’re already in that new role and trying to find your voice in the shadow of someone else’s legacy—whether they were beloved, reviled, or just “fine”—Executive Coaching can help you define your own leadership brand and make the role –and the success– your own.
What if Your Nerves Take Over?
Need something a bit more tactical to help handle those conversations when imposter syndrome starts rearing its ugly head?
Check out my recent interview with Leanna Laskey McGrath on her podcast, Executive Coach for Moms.
Leanna and I explore how executive women (and men!) can communicate and lead with confidence and clarity, strengthening their executive presence, and establishing themselves as leaders worth following, especially when you may NOT be the most obvious person for the role!
I offered practical tools for mastering the “prismatic voice”- adapting your tone, delivery, and message to connect with any audience – and finding your balance between authenticity, adaptability and authority.
It’s all about putting insights into action to get results.
And those “big shoes”? You don’t have to fill them.
You just have to bring your own.
