Finding Your “Hero” Inside the Organization

by Rona Lewis, CPM, CPF, CXO Dancing Dragons Coaching Collective

Every great speaker, consultant, or facilitator has one thing in common: somewhere inside every successful organization they’ve worked with, there’s a Hero, and that person isn’t them.

Your Hero is the one who believes in what you do before the rest of the room does. They’re the champion who sees the potential for transformation, connection, or creativity and says, “We need this.”

Maybe it’s the HR professional who’s been begging leadership for something…anything…to lift morale, spark engagement, or fix a culture that’s running on fumes. They hear you speak at a conference or stumble onto your LinkedIn post and feel a jolt of recognition. They don’t just like your message, they feel it. They know this is what their team has been missing, and suddenly, they’re lobbying the CFO for budget approval like a superhero defending a cause.

Or maybe your Hero is the CEO who’s tired of seeing their people running on autopilot. The one who knows something’s off but can’t quite put a finger on it until they see how Purposeful Play or experiential learning could reignite the spark in their organization. When the rest of the leadership team says, “We don’t need outside help,” this person says, “Actually… we do.” These Heroes don’t always wear the same title, but they share one thing: vision. They can see beyond what is and into what could be. They’re connectors, influencers, and bridge-builders inside the organization. And they’re gold. Finding them and empowering them isn’t about selling harder. It’s about showing up authentically so the right people recognize the impact you bring. It’s about crafting messages that resonate with the people who feel the problem every day, not just the ones who fund the solution.

Here’s what I’ve learned about spotting and supporting these organizational Heroes:

1. Listen for passion in the pain. Heroes usually reveal themselves through frustration. They’ll say things like, “We’ve tried everything, but morale’s still low,” or “We can’t get people to talk to each other anymore.” That’s your cue! They’re searching for a better way.

2. Give them language for the vision. Most Heroes know something needs to change, but they don’t always know how to explain it. When you equip them with clear, simple language about your approach…what it is, how it works, and why it matters, you help them make the case to decision-makers.

3. Celebrate their courage. Advocating for something new takes guts, especially in conservative or budget-conscious environments. When a Hero sticks their neck out for you, honor that. A personal thank-you note, a social media shoutout, or even a follow-up conversation that highlights their leadership goes a long way. Heroes are the heartbeat of organizational transformation. They’re the reason culture shifts, budgets get approved, and new ideas find their way into boardrooms.