Will You Change the World or Let the World Change You?
“Something has changed within me, something is not the same.”
“Something has changed within me, something is not the same.”
This iconic line from Defying Gravity in Wicked strikes a chord with anyone who has ever wrestled with their identity. It forces us to ask ourselves a powerful question: Will you allow the world to change you, or will you change the world?
Let’s talk about the new Wicked movie. Now, some people say that the Wicked Universe is different from the Wizard of Oz Universe. My train of thought will follow the logic that these two characters are connected, and at some point, the propaganda that was communicated about Elphaba eventually become true.
Be warned, slight spoilers ahead (but this musical came out in 2003, so that’s on you)!
The story of Elphaba, one of Wicked’s central characters, is a mirror for many leaders who set out with a desire to make a difference. Elphaba was not accepted by her father, mocked for her green skin, and cast aside by those who couldn’t understand her. Yet, she started with a heart full of hope and a passion for justice, determined to fight for the voiceless—specifically the animals in her world.
But something happened.
The world she wanted to change began to change her. Its cynicism, cruelty, and resistance reshaped her into something unrecognizable, a shadow of the person she once was. We first met the Wicked Witch of the West inn the classic story of The Wizard of Oz—not as a hopeful change-maker, but as a villain feared and misunderstood by all.
Her transformation from an idealistic activist to a “wicked witch” is a stark reminder of what can happen when we let the world define us instead of staying true to who we are. Her downfall wasn’t due to her green skin or her passion for justice—it was in allowing the weight of rejection and misunderstanding to twist her identity.
Maybe you’re an educator who set out to transform learning but now feels trapped by bureaucracy.
Maybe you’re a CEO who dreamed of leading with purpose but got lost in the demands of profit.
Maybe you’re a doctor who wanted to heal but now struggles with a system that prioritizes paperwork over patients.
Maybe you’re an athlete who played for the love of the game but now feels crushed by expectations.
Maybe you’re a police officer who joined to serve but now wrestles with the weight of public mistrust.
Maybe you’re a politician who ran to bring change but got caught up in party lines.
Leadership is staying true to why you started, even when the world isn’t having it.
The Burden of Authenticity
Leadership is often romanticized as the ability to inspire and create change. But rarely do we talk about the weight of staying true to your authentic self in a world that constantly pushes conformity. The temptation to bend to the world’s rules, to play the game, is immense. Sometimes, it feels easier to trade authenticity for acceptance or influence.
But here’s the catch: the moment you let the world define you, you lose your ability to define the world.
Leadership that transforms is rooted in self-awareness. Leaders who make a lasting difference are those who resist the pull of external validation and remain anchored in their purpose. Elphaba’s story is a cautionary tale—not because she cared too much, but because she allowed the world to dictate who she became.
Changing the World Starts With You
True impact begins when you resist the pressure to adapt to a world that feels misaligned with your values. It’s about showing up with integrity, even when the stakes are high. This requires courage—courage to stand firm when it feels like you’re swimming upstream, courage to embrace rejection for the sake of authenticity, and courage to stay soft when the world demands you harden.
Imagine if Elphaba had stayed true to herself. What might her world have looked like if she had led from a place of groundedness rather than frustration?
As leaders, the challenge is clear: will you be shaped by the world’s opinions, or will you lead in a way that shapes the world for the better? The world doesn’t need leaders who conform to its brokenness; it needs leaders who are bold enough to remain whole in a fractured system.
Elphaba’s story didn’t have to end with her becoming the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s a poignant reminder that staying true to yourself isn’t just about protecting your soul—it’s about preserving your ability to create meaningful change.
So, ask yourself: Will you change the world, or will you let the world change you?
The choice is yours.