Lester Holt retires: A lesson in leading across boundaries

This February, Lester Holt announced his retirement from NBC Nightly News after decades as one of the most trusted figures in American journalism. As anchor, Holt guided viewers through some of the most divisive and consequential stories of our time — not by shouting over the noise, but by refusing to add to it.

In a 2021 speech, Holt said: “The truth, I’ve found, lives somewhere in the middle.”

That single line captures the essence of Holt’s leadership: the belief that truth is best discovered through dialogue, not dogma. In an era of performative outrage, Holt stood apart. He didn’t exploit conflict for attention. He didn’t chase viral moments. Instead, he created space — calmly, consistently — for facts, context, and opposing voices to surface. He illuminated. He did not inflame. What’s more, he often ended each program with a segment on hope — a reminder of what’s still possible when we move forward together. It wasn’t fluff. It was an act of editorial leadership, reminding Americans that we are not just a collection of crises, but a people still capable of progress, compassion, and renewal.

This kind of temperament is more than personal style. It’s a model for leading across boundaries—a capability urgently needed today by leaders in workplaces, boardrooms, classrooms, and communities alike. We often speak of engaging across differences, making hard decisions, and moving forward together. But that process only works when it is anchored in trust, curiosity, and restraint—the very qualities Holt brought to every interview, town hall, and broadcast. His retirement is more than the end of a career. It’s an invitation to reflect on how we show up—and what kind of tone we set in the spaces we influence.

Questions for today’s leaders:

• The truth is most effectively pursued in dialogue across boundaries. Do we encourage this kind of genuine dialogue in our organization—or do we cling stubbornly to our version of the truth?
• The tone we set shapes what becomes possible. Are we modeling curiosity and composure—or rigidity and fear of dissent?
• When common ground isn’t found, and the facts don’t match the stories we prefer, do we retreat? Or engage and drive forward?

No journalist, moderator, or leader is beyond critique or bias. But Lester Holt shows us that tone, temperament, credibility, and a commitment to focus on the story, not the self, are what separates the most credible leaders from mere performers. His example invites all of us—not just those on screen—to lead in a way that leaves the door open to honest engagement, hard decision-making, and progress.

About the author

Jeremy Hanson (jhanson@heidrick.com) is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles' Chicago office and a member of the global CEO & Board of Directors Practice.