08/01/2026
The influence of genetics versus life experience on leadership
Research suggests that roughly 20 - 30% of the differences in people’s likelihood of holding leadership roles may be linked to genetic factors, with the remaining majority shaped by environment, development, and experience.
Genes associated with leadership appear to act largely through traits such as cognitive ability, personality, and behaviour, partly by influencing neurotransmitter systems like dopamine and serotonin that affect motivation, reward sensitivity, and social behaviour. Biology may provide a baseline propensity, however skill development, motivation, and context ultimately determine who steps into leadership roles and who sustains high performance over time.
➤ Empathy in corporate leadership rates very highly, at roughly 85 - 95 out of 100 in importance for long‑term performance and culture, and is increasingly viewed as a strategic capability rather than a “soft” add-on. Leadership and culture research links empathy directly to retention, innovation, and financial outcomes, making it a core part of modern leadership effectiveness.
➤ Empathetic leaders are strongly associated with higher employee engagement, innovation, and perceived respect, all of which are leading indicators of performance and retention. In one survey, 93% of employees said they would stay longer at a company if it showed more empathy, directly connecting empathetic leadership to loyalty and reduced churn.
➤ Employees who view their leaders as empathetic are much more likely to report that they can innovate, feel included, and manage work-life balance effectively. Organisations where leaders consistently demonstrate empathy report up to three times higher engagement and around 50% lower turnover compared with less empathetic cultures.
➤ Studies also link empathetic leadership to stronger collaboration, psychological safety, and open communication, which support better decision‑making and problem-solving. Empathy is increasingly described as a strategic leadership skill that improves culture while also supporting revenue growth, productivity, and competitive advantage.
➤ The Forbes article “Empathy Is The Most Important Leadership Skill According To Research” (https://lnkd.in/g7eyHqJs) highlights how empathy underpins everything from innovation to retention in today’s organisations.
In parallel, DNA testing companies now offer personalised trait reports that provide insights into characteristics such as leadership and empathy, like those shown here for Dr. Orestis D. Valianatos, Global President and CEO of ATMOS Global™.
To learn more about ATMOS Global™’ s journey and recognition, explore the company’s latest news (https://lnkd.in/gWb_mHUm) and awards (https://lnkd.in/gk8Wyfqp) updates.
