From pioneering a global sales program at SAP to launching her own leadership development business, Rae Kyriazis has decades of hard-won leadership experience. And what sets Rae apart isn’t just her résumé—it’s the way she lives leadership: as a practice, a mindset, and a lifelong conversation.

SNP
You said you never had a moment when you looked in the mirror and realized you were a leader—it’s just always been a part of you. Tell us about that.

Rae
I was raised in it. My father was a WWII vet who grew up with nothing. No role models, no resources. But somehow, he infused me with this deep belief that anything was possible. He was a voracious reader, always teaching, always modeling principles of leadership before I even had words for it. I didn’t know any other way. So when someone asks me about becoming a leader, I don’t even think about it—it’s just been there, in every fiber of who I am. And I kept getting asked to step up. People saw something in me. I think that’s what leadership is—something born and nurtured over time, a mix of opportunity, willingness, and grit.

SNP
The qualities that make a leader were instilled in you at a young age. Over the years, how have your views on leadership evolved?

Rae
Leadership is a choice. It’s the ability to choose, especially when things are hard. That’s where the growth happens. My dad didn’t know the term “growth mindset,” and he lived it, always. He got his college degree at 73, and learned to fly a plane at  75. He embodied his leadership principles and lifelong learning throughout his entire life

SNP
We often hear the term “leadership identity,” which is all about knowing who you are as a leader. Why is that important?

Rae
Because it’s the beginning of everything. I’ll ask people in workshops to name their top three strengths—most can’t. If you don’t know what lights you up or what you’re naturally good at, how can you have a vision for your future? It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know who you are. Ask yourself: What do I love? What do I lose time doing? What do I read about for fun? That’s where it starts.

SNP
Just as important as knowing yourself is knowing those around you. Building community. Why?

Rae
It goes back to my dad. He taught us: hold people close and build relationships that last. I’ve had mentors for decades—true, lifelong relationships. It’s not about “arriving”—you’re never done. It’s a continuous conversation. Leadership changes constantly so you can’t just build one relationship. You have to go wide and build relationships all day, everyday. Keep expanding. Build trust. Build credibility. 

Rae’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t something you earn once—it’s something you grow into every day, through reflection, resilience, and relationships that last. You can hear more from Rae by joining us at Eighty Five, SNP’s leadership program happening this November, where Rae will be a featured speaker.