If one sign of a leader is the ability to express themselves strategically, effectively, and efficiently, then there are several things that Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) could teach corporate executives about communication and leadership.
Like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Crockett is in the public spotlight thanks to what she says and how she says it. The increased media presence of the two lawmakers comes at a time when Democrats are looking for new and younger leaders to help re-brand the party.
Crockett has shown that she can express herself in attention-getting and memorable ways, such as when spoke at the Democratic National Convention last year and said that “Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” She made headlines for the colorful way that she responded to disparaging remarks about her by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) during a House committee hearing last year.
In a commencement speech last week at Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, she pointed out that “every significant social justice movement has been led by young people [and]
noted that she is now older than Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X were when they were assassinated,” according to Diverse Education.” Crockett went on to say that “Your moment is not in the future. Your moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high.”
Crockett’s presentation and message resonated with the audience. “She was dynamic and passionate,” according to Rose Lucas, whose niece was among the more than 120 undergraduates who heard the speech. “At a time when so many of our politicians are afraid to speak out against the injustices in Washington, I am encouraged by the Congresswoman’s passion and commitment,” Diverse Education reported.
Crockett’s Jargon-Free Communication
Crockett’s communication and leadership styles reflect her background, career and political experience. Her leadership style “combines her legal background with jargon-free political communication. She effortlessly integrates complex policy debates into everyday conversation. Her plain-spoken style keeps constituents engaged, while her legal acumen grounds every argument in statutes and the Constitution,” Jacqueline Twillie, a leadership and development expert, explained via an email interview.
While corporate executives don’t have Crockett’s resume, they can learn from her that “clear audience-centered language is a strategic advantage. It builds trust, accelerates buy-in, and positions the leader as credible and approachable,” Twille observed.
The verbal skills of new and aspiring leaders can be instrumental in helping them to achieve their goals and attract new follower. “Crockett doesn’t just show up in spaces; she repositions the space around her. That’s a vital skill for any business leader navigating power dynamics, equity conversations, or high-stakes decision-making,”
Patrice Williams-Lind0, CEO of Career Nomad, commented in an email message to me.
According to her, there are the three things that business leaders can learn from Crockett’s communication style:
Command With Candor
“Crockett communicates hard truths without shrinking. In corporate settings, leaders often water down bold messaging for the sake of comfort. Crockett proves you can lead with candor and earn credibility.”
Strategic Disruption
“She’s not chaotic; she’s calculated. Her responses are often grounded in data, constitutional knowledge, and emotional intelligence—essential tools in today’s climate of rapid change and polarized environments.”
Authenticity AsStrategy
“Crockett’s hair, fashion, and tone are part of her brand—and that authenticity builds trust, especially among younger and more diverse audiences. Business leaders must recognize that visibility and relatability are no longer optional.”
A Leadership Style Driven By Conviction And Values
The Texas legislator demonstrates how a leader’s values can be reflected in their actions and words “As a leader, she is very clear about her values and doesn’t sit in polite silence. She is changing the game by modeling what it looks like to lead by using your identity, your expertise, and your voice. This is extraordinary because in corporate America, there is a lot of pressure felt by Black women to conform and be silent,” Tamica Sears, an executive coach and HR consultant at Sears Coaching, noted in an email interview with me.
While some politicians are more comfortable following the crowds, Crockett shows that she prefers to lead, rather than follow. Her leadership style is “unapologetically clear, anchored in truth, and driven by conviction—and that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need more of. She doesn’t lead to please; she leads to shift. She’s not here for pageantry or politicking—she’s here to push boundaries and speak for people who’ve been shut out of rooms for too long,” Angela Solomon, a leadership coach, observed via an email message to me.
Executives who aspire to lead companies and organizations would be well-served to closely study the character and characteristics of rising stars in different industries and professions, including politics. “Business leaders should be paying attention [to Crockett]. Her rise shows that clarity, courage, and cultural competence are not ‘nice-to-haves’—they’re leadership requirements in today’s world. When leaders show up as their full selves and speak with both heart and spine, they build trust, not just teams. They inspire followership rooted in authenticity, not fear,” Solomon concluded.
“As a leader, Rep. Crockett is the embodiment of the shift that leadership has needed in politics and corporate America. She teaches at least three great leadership lessons that would help every business leader.” Sears of Sears Coaching noted.
- “Being a true leader is about advocating for people, speaking the truth, and leading with clarity.”
- “Leaders should hold each other accountable, as she does every time she speaks out about people on either side not staying true to their election promises.”
- “For true leaders, visibility is about being willing to take the heat for standing firm in your values, not just being seen providing lip service.”
“As someone who doesn’t play it safe to maintain the [status] quo, Rep. Cockett proves that remaining true to yourself is true leadership. Her leadership style could be summed up as intelligence with integrity and intention,” Sears concluded.
While it’s too soon to predict who will be the new face or faces of the Democratic Party, it’s not too early for company executives to start paying attention to the potential contenders and learning from their communication and leadership styles.