Trump’s 2025 Reboot: Lessons in Leadership from a Relentless Go-Getter

By Caroline Mutoke, Renowned Kenyan Radio Presenter

When Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term on January 20, 2025, he wasted no time making his presence felt. In the first six days of his presidency, he moved with the urgency of someone who knows that the clock is ticking. His second term is a race against time to leave a lasting legacy, and from the get-go, it’s clear that he’s prepared to shake things up.

So, what can we, leaders, and anyone striving for success, learn from Trump’s fast-paced reboot? Whether you admire him or not, there are lessons to be drawn from his relentless energy and approach to leadership. Here’s what stood out:

1. Preparation is Everything: Start Before You Start

By the time Trump took office, he had already set things in motion. Transition teams were in place, executive orders were drafted, and his team was ready to execute from day one. No waiting around to figure out the basics. He was already sprinting before the race even started.

Lesson: Preparation is the key to success. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, starting a project, or launching a business, preparation matters. The earlier you start getting everything in place, the smoother your journey will be. Just maybe skip the wall-building promises this time around!

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Disrupt (But Don’t Overdo It)

True to form, Trump was already making bold moves in his first week back in office, from re-imposing tariffs to revisiting controversial policies. He made it clear that he wasn’t there to play it safe. He came to shake things up.

Lesson: Sometimes, to get things moving, you have to disrupt the status quo. Challenge the norms, make bold decisions, and don’t be afraid to stir the pot. But remember, there’s a fine line between shaking things up and causing unnecessary chaos. Know when to push the boundaries and when to pull back.

3. Control the Narrative (Even If It’s Wild)

One thing Trump excels at is owning the narrative. Whether it’s through policy changes or his notorious Truth Social posts, he controls the conversation. In just a week, he dominated headlines, keeping himself front and center in the media.

Lesson: Communication is everything. Whether it’s social media, interviews, or casual conversations, how you communicate shapes how the world perceives you. Make sure your message is clear and consistent, and if you can add a little flair to it, even better. Don’t let others control your narrative.

4. Competence Over Loyalty

While loyalty was important to Trump in his first term, this time, he’s mixed in some fresh faces with familiar ones. It seems he’s learned that having a team of competent individuals is just as crucial as having loyal ones. His new cabinet reflects this balance.

Lesson: Surround yourself with capable, dedicated people who can get things done. Loyalty is great, but when it comes down to it, your team’s competence will determine your success. No one wants to be the leader who spends their time fixing mistakes made by the team.

Conclusion: Embrace Bold Leadership

While we may not all agree with Trump’s approach, there’s no denying that his leadership style is bold, unapologetic, and effective. He’s showing that you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment to start—you make your own momentum. Take these lessons and apply them to your own leadership journey: start strong, disrupt when necessary, communicate clearly, and surround yourself with people who know what they’re doing.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s a year for bold moves, big ideas, and ambitious goals. Whether you’re in the boardroom, the classroom, or just managing your personal projects, remember: it’s all about making things happen—fast and with purpose.

Here’s to embracing the Trump-esque hustle and making this year one to remember! 🚀

— Caroline Mutoke, Renowned Kenyan Radio Presenter

January 30, 2025