Career fields and the management styles that guide them
What type of leadership is important to you?
Introduction
Are you a career changer or seeking employment? In this article, I present 5 career fields and the types of leadership you can expect. Let’s take a closer look.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Industry
Chat GPT and Microsoft’s CoPilot are examples of AI and ML. These technologies use predictive analytics and chatbots to help us with tasks like decision-making and detect patterns over time to improve responses. The best leadership approach in this industry requires a commitment to lifelong learning and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is why I selected Transformational Leadership. Sam’s commitment to lifelong learning and willingness to take calculated risks are core tenets of this leadership style, Unknown (2025). He leads by example and encourages his staff to pursue experimentation and iteration.
Healthcare & Wellness Industry
Nurses, Therapists, Fitness Coaches, and Nutritionists all have one thing in common: They aim to improve physical (including lifestyle) and emotional health through the use of personalized care, preventive measures, and educating clients on how to manage emotions or adapt to physical changes.
For these reasons and to be an effective leader in the health and wellness industry, I selected the Adaptive Leadership Approach. This industry requires leaders to be able to identify with emotions, have strong moral character, and value the views of others who are providing the care.
Software & App Development Industry
Software developers are known to maintain software, and code, test, and maintain digital apps. For this industry, I selected Inclusive Leadership as an ideal style and fit. Developers endure continuous learning cycles and are good at problem solving. These traits are common in Inclusive Leadership as collaboration and curiosity anchor continuous learning cycles and addressing issues.
Leadership must know when to be humble while relying on team members to supplant their experiences to address and fill in gaps where the leader may be deficient.
Education & Instructional Design Industry
In my current field, Learning Experience/Instructional Design & UX Design, I had to learn how to be authentic in order to be a successful business owner and digital director. Sure, I wear many hats. I recognize that I can’t assess myself as highly proficient in all the areas my company specializes in. I rely on the advanced skills of my designers to address gaps in my expertise, while being open-minded to new ideas.
It is important to have strong relationships with my designers. In this industry, I selected Authentic Leadership as it assists in the creation of effective learning experiences and user experience infused web design via group collaboration, while servicing the needs of educators, non-profits, and in corporate America.
Digital Marketing & Content Strategy
Digital Marketing similarly supports the Authentic Leadership style. Storytelling is enjoyed by all generations, but Millennials are still very much aligned with social media and understand the audiences, analytics, and business insights.
As a number's person, I understand that diverse perspectives benefit everyone, new ideas are welcome, and having a good working relationship with my content creator fosters productivity while creating an ideal work environment. It's never a good idea to use numbers as a justification to block new ideas.
Questions to ask yourself: If you plan or are currently pursing any of these industries, do these leadership styles align with your personality and vision for an ideal work environment? If so, you’ll be a great fit and your skillset will be highly valuable to like-minded individuals.
Reference
Unknown, I. (2025, March 4).
The Leadership Style of Sam Altman: What Makes Him Tick? www.press.farm. https://press.farm/the-leadership-style-of-sam-altman/
