You’ve probably heard the phrase “visionary founder” so often it’s lost its meaning. But here’s the thing: Real vision isn’t about charisma or grand proclamations. It’s about holding a picture of the future that’s ambitious and achievable. Striking that balance is where real leadership lives.
In my own journey, I’ve had to navigate the tension between aspiration and realism in nearly every phase of building, running, and scaling Ninety. The most compelling visions don’t live in the clouds. They’re grounded in truth, tested by reality, shaped by complexity, and fueled by trust.
Thinkers like Ken Wilber and Jane Loevinger help us better understand this tension. Wilber pushes us to imagine higher states of awareness and more integrated systems, while Loevinger brings us back to what’s measurable, trackable, and real. Together, their work shows that great leaders aren’t either dreamers or pragmatists — they’re both. They stretch for what’s possible without losing sight of what’s sustainable.
Read more in What Psychology Teaches Us About Vision.
If your vision isn't rooted in something achievable, it’s not inspiring — it’s misleading. What would it look like to lead with both ambition and integrity?
