The 4 Wildest Leadership Lessons from History (That Will Transform Your Culture)

What do a Haitian revolutionary, a samurai warrior, a Mongol conqueror, and a modern prison leader have in common? According to Ben Horowitz, they all mastered the art of culture. In 'What You Do Is Who You Are,' Horowitz shows that the secrets to building a legendary organization aren’t found in Silicon Valley TED Talks—they’re buried in the stories of those who faced impossible odds and still won. Here are four of the wildest, most counterintuitive lessons you can steal for your own leadership journey.

1. Shocking Rules Build Real Trust

Toussaint Louverture didn’t just free Haiti—he built a new culture from scratch, using rules so surprising that they forced everyone to pay attention. By banning married officers from taking concubines, he reset expectations and made trust a non-negotiable value. The lesson? If you want to change behavior, shock your team out of autopilot. Memorable rules stick—and they force leaders to explain what really matters.

2. Virtues Are Actions, Not Words

The samurai didn’t just talk about honor; they lived it every day, from morning rituals to the way they handled defeat. Their code made virtues practical, not theoretical. In your business, don’t just post your values—embed them in daily habits. Rituals, stories, and even the way you greet each other can turn abstract ideas into living culture.

3. Inclusion and Meritocracy Unleash Hidden Talent

Genghis Khan’s empire wasn’t built by keeping power in the family. He recruited outsiders, promoted based on skill, and enforced a clear code of laws. The result? The most diverse and innovative team in history. If you want to win, open your doors wide, reward talent over tenure, and make sure your rules apply to everyone.

4. Self-Change Sparks Group Change

Shaka Senghor, a modern prison leader, proved that even in the harshest environments, culture can be rebuilt. But it starts with the leader. By changing himself first—admitting mistakes, setting boundaries, and modeling respect—he inspired others to follow. The takeaway: If you want to transform your team, start with yourself.

These lessons aren’t just history—they’re a call to action. Want to transform your culture? Break the mold, live your values, open the doors, and lead by example. The past has never been more relevant to your future.