BY LAUREN MALENCHINI

When I was growing up, the word superhero conjured up the image of a caped crusader who used their extraordinary powers to help save the world from chaos. But as I grew older and witnessed firsthand the strength, selflessness, and integrity of those around me, the more I realized that not all superheroes are fictional and saw the truth behind the phrase, “not all heroes wear capes.”

Introduced in 1995, National Superhero Day is celebrated each year on April 28 to recognize and appreciate “everyday superheroes”— those people whose daily acts, big or small, make the world a better place for those around them. As a young marketing professional, my everyday superheroes are the exemplary leaders—the educators, mentors, and colleagues—whose integrity, humility, passion, and dedication have shaped my career trajectory and left a profound impact on my life.

With National Superhero Day right around the corner, I invite you to join me in honoring the everyday superheroes in your life while also taking a lesson in leadership from the world’s most beloved fictional superheroes.

Recognizing Your Everyday Superheroes

Being an everyday superhero doesn’t require the magical powers or superhuman strength typical of the superhero archetypes we know. Simply put, everyday superheroes are the people who teach us valuable life lessons, serve as a role model to others, and help us discover our strengths.

When reflecting on where you are in life personally or professionally, it’s nearly impossible not to consider the people whose guidance and influence have helped you get there. Your everyday superheroes are the people who lead you, support you, and inspire you day in and day out.

Perhaps it’s a family member who encourages you to pursue your passions, a professor who equips you with the foundational skills for a successful career, a supportive colleague or peer, or the boss who consistently believes in you and pushes you to your full potential. Whoever they are, your everyday superheroes provide the support and mentorship that are essential for your personal and professional growth. They’ve laid the foundation for your success, and they continually demonstrate what it takes to be a poised and effective leader—a real-life superpower that transcends anything we see in comic books or movies.

Lessons in Leadership from Superheroes

The term superhero has become synonymous with names like Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and Captain America. Their action-packed storylines of fighting evil and saving humankind have captivated people of all ages for decades. But as exemplary models of leadership, these fictional characters can teach us more than how to save the world from imaginary destruction.

Take Batman, for example. As one of the most famous superhero characters, Batman is praised for always being prepared and ready to adapt to any challenge that comes his way. With a clear purpose and vision, Batman effectively communicates his mission and motivates others to join him in his pursuits. As a powerful representation of strength and determination, Batman embodies what it means to be a strong leader in the face of a challenge.

Spiderman and Wonder Woman are examples of popular heroes whose effective use of power makes them ideal leadership role models. Known for his deep sense of commitment to helping others and his moral obligation to do the right thing for his community, Spiderman demonstrates what it takes to be a leader who takes ownership and responsibility at all costs. Similarly, Wonder Woman possesses a clear focus and determination to do what’s right for others. As one of the few female superheroes, Wonder Woman’s fearlessness, bravery, strength, and unwillingness to let anyone or anything prevent her from making the world a better place have left a lasting impact on society and continue to inspire females of all ages to recognize and believe in their own strengths.

Demonstrating critical lessons in leadership, Captain America, the superhero who rose out of nothing, epitomizes sacrifice, humility, and strong moral ethics. For decades, Captain America has modeled what happens when we don’t allow our fears to bring us down and when we learn to trust and rely on one another to achieve a common goal.

Strong leadership is all about managing, motivating, and effectively communicating with others. When thinking about how you can channel your inner superhero to be a stronger leader, it’s important to remember that leadership isn’t about who has the best powers or the most control. It’s about being authentic and adaptable while also being an effective communicator and a strong team player—something each of these legendary superheroes have taught us.

Thanking Your Everyday Superheroes, and Becoming One Yourself

The day-to-day gets busy, and it can be easy to forget to take a step back and recognize the people in your life who have played the role of everyday superheroes. In celebration of National Superhero Day, I encourage you to join me in recognizing the people around you who have made a notable impact on your life.

But don’t let the cycle end there. In addition to recognizing the effort, guidance, leadership, and direction you’ve received from the everyday superheroes in your life, use this as an opportunity to pay forward the valuable life lessons they’ve taught you along the way.

Whether you know someone who is starting a new job, trying their hand at a new hobby, or just simply needs some extra encouragement, try to remember what you needed in those moments, and be that beacon of support for them.

That said, I would like to wish a Happy National Superhero Day and say thank you to the invaluable colleagues, friends, family members, and clients who continue to show up for me and for each other, and who truly embody what it means to be an everyday superhero.