You’ve heard it. You’ve probably said it: “I don’t care what people think of me.” It sounds bold. Liberating. Like something a disruptor would say. Here’s the part people don’t like to talk about:
You do care. You should care. And if you’re in leadership, innovation, or growth, you must care.
Let me explain.
The Illusion of Independence
Claiming not to care what others think is often just a shield, protecting us from the sting of rejection, criticism, or failure. I get it. I’ve been there, pitching to investors who didn’t get it, managing teams through backlash, navigating power plays in corporations and startups alike.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 20+ years of building, mentoring, scaling, and transforming:
Reputation is leverage. Perception is power. Visibility isn't vanity, it's currency.
Leaders who say they don’t care what others think? Most of them actually mean: “I’m afraid of being misunderstood.” “I don’t want to be vulnerable.” “I’d rather reject the world before it rejects me.”
But detaching from social feedback doesn’t make you strong. It makes you invisible. And invisible leaders don’t influence.
Real Leadership Isn’t About Pleasing. It Is About Resonating.
You don’t need to be liked by everyone. But you do need to be understood. Trusted. Respected.
If your team doesn’t feel your presence or clarity, you’re not leading. You’re just holding a title.
If your clients don’t feel you get them, you're not selling.
If your partners don’t believe in you, you're not influencing.
So yes, you should care what people think, not to please them, but to lead them.
The Strategic Game of Perception
When I mentor execs, I often tell them:
“You’re not just being judged by what you do. You’re being judged by what peoplethinkyou do.”
This isn’t about playing political games. It’s about playing smart. Great leaders manage perception without becoming fake. They know when to listen, when to adjust, when to hold their line, and when to reframe the narrative.
You might feel strong saying you don’t care. But your team sees it as ego. Your stakeholders see it as detachment. Your audience sees it as disconnection.
Worse? You start believing your own myth, and lose the ability to grow.
Real confidence is caring strategically. Real maturity is selective sensitivity. Real impact means knowing whose opinion matters and using that to shape better results.
From Invisible to Influential
Here’s the challenge I give my mentees (and I give you now): Stop pretending not to care. Instead, ask:
- 👉 Who do I want to resonate with?
- 👉 What do they currently perceive?
- 👉 What do I want to be known for?
Think about it. Then act with clarity. Communicate with precision. And build the reputation that matches your impact.
Want to Lead Better, Mentor Smarter, and Build Influence with Integrity?
This is exactly what I cover in my new book, “Mentoring Winners from Top Execs to Managers.” It’s not about fluffy advice. It’s about strategy, perception, transformation, and real leadership.
👉 Now available on Amazon and top online booksellers across the globe.
🔗 Want to work with me directly?
Let’s stop pretending. Let’s start leading.
Meir Amarin is the author of Mentoring Winners from Top Execs to Managers, a global innovation strategist, leading mentor, and Managing Director of GlobalStart. A recognized LinkedIn influencer, Meir empowers executives, managers, and organizations worldwide through bold leadership, strategic insight, and transformative mentoring. His unique approach combines real-world business acumen with human-centered development, helping leaders navigate uncertainty, spark innovation, and build resilient, high-performing teams. With a proven track record across startups and multinational corporations, Meir is a trusted voice on growth, leadership, and the future of work, frequently invited to advise, speak, and mentor at top global platforms.
Editorial Reviews:
"A powerful resource for those seeking to lead through challenging times with vision, integrity, and adaptability." — GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS, former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan & Director of the CIA
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About the Author
Meir Amarin is a seasoned executive and the Managing Director of GlobalStart, a leading consulting firm specializing in driving transformative innovation and empowering ambitious organizations across multiple continents. With a proven track record in both established global corporations and high-growth startups, Meir brings a wealth of experience to his role.
His leadership journey includes prominent positions at 3M, Unilever, and American Express GBT, where he honed his expertise in strategic planning, team building, and organizational development. In addition, Meir has played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring teams within innovative startups, providing him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by these agile organizations.
At GlobalStart, Meir empowers startups, corporations, and leaders to achieve their growth goals by fostering breakthrough innovation and challenging the status quo. Through expert guidance, cutting-edge technology, and dedicated mentorship, GlobalStart helps ambitious individuals and organizations realize their full potential.
A sought-after mentor and advisor, Meir is passionate about unlocking leaders' potential and helping them navigate complex challenges. His unique approach blends his deep understanding of business principles with a focus on human development, enabling leaders to build resilient teams and achieve sustainable success.
Meir's academic background includes an Executive MA in Public Administration and a BA in Philosophy from Tel Aviv University. He is also a Certified Data Science Professional with a demonstrated commitment to leveraging data-driven insights for informed decision-making. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Hebrew, Meir brings a global perspective to his work, fostering strong relationships across cultures.
