Ryan Reynolds Reveals the No. 1 Leadership Skill That Propelled Him to Hollywood Stardom

Ryan Reynolds is widely known for his charming, snarky characters on screen, particularly his iconic role as the wise-cracking anti-hero in Deadpool. However, off-screen, the Canadian actor is celebrated for something deeper than his humor and wit—his remarkable leadership skills, which he credits for his ascent in Hollywood and success in business.

Reynolds, now 45, isn’t just an actor. He’s also a producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur, with a portfolio that includes ventures like Aviation American Gin, Mint Mobile, and Maximum Effort, a film production and digital marketing company. Forbes estimates his net worth at $71.5 million, but according to Reynolds, the key to his success boils down to one skill: conflict resolution.

Speaking at the Indeed FutureWorks 2022 conference, Reynolds explained how mastering conflict resolution transformed his career and personal life. “We live in a world that’s increasingly gamified, and I think we have an instinct to win, crush, and kill,” he said. “But if you can disengage or disarm that instinct for a second and replace it with seeking to learn about somebody instead, that, as a leadership quality, for me, has quite literally changed every aspect of my life.”

Reynolds described how empathizing with others, instead of focusing on “winning” an argument, has allowed him to build allies rather than adversaries. “When you actively listen and acknowledge someone’s feelings, suddenly they become an ally, even if it doesn’t happen immediately,” he said. This approach, he noted, has helped him not only address issues with people more effectively but also foster healthier, more productive relationships.

Conflict resolution, a skill Reynolds first encountered in his 20s during a workshop he attended on a whim, left a lasting impact on him. “I was a little bit lost, I was a little bit angry,” he shared. “I wanted to get better … and I didn’t expect it to, but it really changed my life.”

His ability to manage conflicts and lead with empathy has, in his own words, “changed every relationship in my life and the trajectory of my career and businesses.” In addition to honing his communication skills, this leadership quality has shaped his brand and business ventures, contributing to his reputation as not only a successful actor but also a respected entrepreneur.

For Reynolds, the formula for effective conflict resolution starts with showing appreciation for others, listening intently, and emphasizing a collaborative approach to solving problems. While he humorously acknowledged that there’s “still room for backstabbing someone and then tasting the blood of your enemies,” he quickly added, “It’s never going to be as effective as trying to understand somebody.”

Ryan Reynolds’ journey underscores the power of empathy and understanding in leadership—a valuable reminder that in today’s competitive world, success often hinges on our ability to connect with others and resolve conflicts with kindness.