Leaders are born, not made. Or is it the other way around?

It’s a debate that has raged practically ever since humans figured out what fire is, whether or not leadership can be taught, or is something a select few people inherently have. But if you ask New Zealand-based leadership blogger and executive coach Suzi McAlpine, the answer is that leadership is most definitely something people can learn.

McAlpine has launched an app designed to help business leaders feel more supported, informed and inspired in their roles. Known as the Leader’s Digest App, it is a free resource developed specifically for leaders, enabling them to access answers to their leadership problems, tools to improve their skills and the latest leadership trends – all of it from anywhere, and at any time.

“Through my work as an executive coach and leadership blogger, I have found there’s a real need for leaders to feel more supported in their roles,” she says. ““Often leaders – particularly senior leaders and C-suite management – can feel isolated in their roles. A recent survey by Stanford University also showed that over ninety percent of CEOs find the process of receiving coaching and leadership advice highly effective and rewarding, but almost two-thirds do not receive support from outside consultants or coaches, and almost half of senior executives are not receiving any either.”

The app offers tips for becoming a more effective leader, all in an easy-to-read way. Specific focuses include working on inspiring better leadership by sharing the cornerstones of great leadership, including self-awareness, listening, stillness, collaboration, authenticity, courage, compassion and self-discipline. Inspired by McAlpine’s blog, The Leader’s Digest, it is available for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Suzi McAlpine.

“Getting help and solutions to their issues as they happen is not always easy,” explains McAlpine. “The Leader’s Digest App is designed to help people access information as and when they need to, enabling them to feel more empowered and effective in their leadership positions.”

Sounds like she’s really taking the lead in the leadership training market.