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PurposeThis paper seeks to explores the notion that leadership is not the accumulation of leadership skills but the discovery and expression of a leader's true nature. The paper also aims to introduce the concept of the 4Ps of soul leadership.Design/methodology/approachThis paper offers the author's independent perspective and commentary on leadership development in the current organizational context.FindingsThe paper finds that the strongest leaders are those that lead through an awareness and expression of their unique 4Ps (passion, purpose, possibilities, place) of soul leadership. This is increasingly true in complex, global environments of unprecedented change.Practical implicationsLeadership development (and skill building in general) is more effective if built on a foundation of self‐awareness and connection to an individual's 4Ps.Social implicationsSoul leadership encourages individuals and organizations to be the best possible version of themselves. In aligning to one's passions and purpose natural leadership, productivity and creativity are likely to come to the fore, which fuels individual, organizational and societal growth in turn.Originality/valueReframing leadership as a unique expression of an individual's 4Ps with implications for individuals, organizational leaders and learning and development practitioners.