Being an honest leader is much like being the Datura fruit—often misunderstood or underappreciated. Yet, just as Datura is essential for certain rituals, honesty is foundational to sustainable leadership. In business, honesty is not just about ethics; it’s about long-term trust, which forms the basis of every successful relationship, whether with employees, clients, or stakeholders.

Consider the scene in The Dark Knight where Harvey Dent says, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” This highlights a critical leadership dilemma: maintaining integrity in the face of tempting shortcuts. In my own leadership journey, I faced a similar dilemma while managing an acquired company in London. With £100,000 in the bank and a failing operation, I had the choice to misuse the funds for personal gain. However, I chose the honest path, ensuring the money was returned.

Leadership is about playing the long game. Just like Harvey Dent’s transformation, dishonesty might provide short-term benefits, but it erodes the very foundation of leadership—trust. Honest leaders sow seeds of trust, and like the Datura, this may take time to blossom, but the long-term rewards—respect, peace, and a legacy of integrity—are priceless.

In the film Schindler’s List, Oskar Schindler’s arc shows that true leadership is about what you give, not what you take. He grows from a businessman focused on profits to someone who risks everything to save lives. Like Schindler, my decision to return the money was about more than compliance; it was about defining who I was as a leader.

So, why choose the path of honesty? Because leadership isn’t just about growth—it’s about sustainable growth. Dishonesty might offer you quick wins, but honest leadership offers a lasting legacy. Challenges will always exist, no matter which path you take, so why not choose one that gives you peace and respect in the long run?

Just like the Datura fruit, your value as a leader may not always be immediately recognized, but once you gain trust and respect, your leadership will be unshakable. To quote The Godfather: “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.” But in leadership, your integrity is always personal—and it shapes how others see your business.