Learn how Trump assembled a diverse, sharp, and strategic team that boosted his leadership influence and inspired trust among voters
Leadership is never a solo endeavor— the key to exceptional leadership lies in the team you build around you. This article dives deep into the concept of creating your Dream Team—not just those who work for or with you, but a carefully curated circle of trusted advisers, a personal board of directors, and strategic allies who elevate your leadership journey. Learn how to identify the right people, harness their unique strengths, and align them with your vision. From understanding the role of personality types in hiring to fostering relationships that amplify your purpose, this article offers practical strategies to transform your leadership potential.
(I also have a video on this, in case you prefer watching/hearing over reading)
For related blogs, consider reading these articles: Trump’s Amazing Comeback from the Brink of Destruction: 5 Lessons for Leaders When They Are Down and Out and Why No Woman President for the USA, When India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka Have Had Female Leaders for Decades.
Let’s explore how Trump built his Dream Team, how it shaped his campaign, and ultimately helped secure his election victory. The right team doesn’t just provide support—it builds trust and credibility among the people and audiences a leader seeks to influence.
Certainty is a crucial trait for any leader, as it inspires trust and confidence in others. People are naturally drawn to those who exude the assurance that they will get the job done. However, certainty alone isn’t enough—it thrives when supported by a strong team. Trump understood this and excelled at building a team that reinforced his leadership and vision.
Trump’s team was not just a collection of individuals—it was a well-crafted alliance of strong personalities, each with a distinct role in supporting his campaign. From billionaires and tech leaders to outspoken politicians and influential public figures, many rallied behind him. Their support wasn’t purely altruistic; each had their own reasons for backing his cause. However, what united them was a shared belief in Trump’s mission to "Make America Great Again."
This clarity of vision was a powerful magnet. Despite making controversial statements and facing relentless criticism, Trump’s unshakable stance attracted people who not only believed in his philosophy but also recognized the opportunity to align themselves with his movement.
Trump’s ability to create and sustain such a team was pivotal. The individuals he attracted were like an Avengers-style ensemble—each bringing unique strengths to the table. Together, they amplified his vision, reinforced his certainty, and ultimately contributed to the success of his campaign.
In the sections ahead, I’ll take a closer look at how Trump’s Dream Team came together and the dynamics that made it an integral part of his victory.
Trump successfully attracted Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a lifelong Democrat running as an independent for president, to his side—a move that proved to be a game-changer. Kennedy, who had deep political roots and a reputation as a staunch environmental advocate and healthcare activist, found his campaign struggling. With diminishing budgets and unfavourable polls, Kennedy decided to endorse Trump in exchange for a promise: the role of Chief of the Department of Health and Human Services for the population.
This endorsement was a significant moment in the campaign. Kennedy’s influence, with 8.7% of voter support in the polls, became a critical asset for Trump, particularly in swing states. These key battleground areas often determine the outcome of elections, and Kennedy’s endorsement helped Trump solidify his position. The Democrats, unwilling to offer Kennedy much due to his independent candidacy, seemed to overlook the importance of his leadership. However, for Trump, Kennedy’s backing proved invaluable, contributing to a red sweep in nearly all swing states.
Kennedy didn’t just endorse Trump; he actively urged his supporters to vote for him. Although Kennedy stayed on the ballot in some non-swing states, his support strengthened Trump’s campaign by swaying his base toward the Republican leader. In a tight election, this shift in voter support—amounting to nearly 8.9%—could prove decisive.
Kennedy’s influence extended beyond his political endorsement. Known for his strong stance against vaccines, Kennedy resonated with many voters seeking change in the healthcare system. He often linked his own vocal cord spasms, which make his voice sound hoarse, to the effects of a flu vaccine, amplifying his message on vaccine-related concerns.
This partnership brought together two strong voices: Trump, with his bold opinions and unwavering clarity, and Kennedy, with his vocal advocacy on healthcare and environmental issues. Kennedy’s alignment with Trump added a new dimension to the campaign, appealing to voters who felt let down by the system and were eager for reform. As a critical part of Trump’s Dream Team, Kennedy’s support galvanized a segment of the electorate, making his role a pivotal factor in the campaign’s success.
Another key figure in Trump’s Dream Team is Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat who made the notable switch to the Republican side. Gabbard, who initially sought the Democratic presidential nomination during the 2016 election, faced significant opposition from within her own party. Despite her efforts, she was unable to secure the nomination, losing to Hillary Clinton. The experience was marked by harsh treatment; she was labelled a “Russian stooge,” a “pawn,” and a “useful idiot,” among other derogatory terms by members of her party.
Gabbard’s decision to join the Republican side stemmed from her growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party, which she viewed as increasingly hawkish and driven by warmongering agendas—something she could not support. Since 2021, Gabbard has served as a lieutenant colonel in the Army, further cementing her reputation as a principled and patriotic leader. A former Democratic congresswoman, she now also holds the position of director in the very organization that once placed her on a watch list. This transition underscores her resilience and unwavering commitment to her ideals.
Widely recognized for her strong ethics and firm stances on key issues, Gabbard adds significant credibility to Trump’s team. Her presence bolsters his campaign and helps to attract a broader base of voters, further strengthening his position. As a respected and well-liked figure, her alignment with Trump not only amplifies his message but also underscores the diversity of thought and values within his Dream Team.
While the Democrats benefit from the support of billionaires backing Kamala Harris, primarily through financial contributions, Elon Musk has gone beyond just funding Trump’s campaign. Reports indicate that Musk spent $250 million to support Trump’s bid for the presidency, creating a PAC and taking a hands-on approach in key battleground states, particularly Pennsylvania. Musk’s efforts included organizing transportation for the Amish community to vote and even running a lottery offering million-dollar checks. His involvement demonstrated a deep belief that Trump's return to office was essential to saving America. Musk’s role was not limited to financial backing; he actively worked on the ground to secure critical swing states.
Musk’s credibility in this context is undeniable. As the founder and co-founder of influential companies like Neuralink, X, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, xAI etc., Musk is recognized as a bold, fearless leader who walks the talk. His commitment to free speech, especially through his acquisition of X, and his support for Trump’s vision further solidify his influence. For many, Musk’s involvement lends tremendous trust and credibility to Trump’s campaign.
In stark contrast, Kamala Harris lacks strong, vocal support. While Barack Obama has endorsed her, he appears drained and disconnected from his previous vigour. His public appearances come across as attempts to guilt people, particularly Black voters, into supporting her. The endorsements Harris has received are mostly from celebrities like Cardi B, Oprah, and Jennifer Lopez. While these figures generate buzz, they don’t inspire confidence in Harris's ability to lead.
Trump, however, has solidified his credibility through his past business successes and the influential figures who back him. A growing number of voices, like Musk’s, have rallied around Trump’s vision, significantly boosting his credibility. Musk's leadership in supporting Trump also paved the way for other tech industry figures, who, despite initial fears, followed his example. This shift in support, especially from tech billionaires, has further strengthened Trump's position.
Vivek Ramaswamy, who initially sought the Republican presidential nomination, ultimately did not secure the position. Although it was rumoured that he might be selected as Trump’s vice president, this never came to fruition. Nevertheless, Ramaswamy continued to support Trump, which, as noted by Tucker Carlson in a recent interview, significantly enhanced his profile. While he did not clinch the nomination, Ramaswamy’s public presence, persona, and brand were undeniably elevated.
A clear and compelling speaker, Ramaswamy is a billionaire entrepreneur, the founder of Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, and Strive Asset Management. He is known for his exceptional oratory skills, his ability to articulate his points respectfully, and his knack for disagreeing with others while maintaining a diplomatic approach. As a young, successful businessman, Ramaswamy fully supports Trump, actively participating in rallies and meetings with voters to bolster the campaign.
Currently, Ramaswamy serves as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, collaborating with Elon Musk on a project aimed at achieving significant goals by 2026. As the son of immigrants, a Republican candidate, and a driven entrepreneur, his credibility adds substantial value to the Trump team. Ramaswamy’s presence further strengthened Trump’s influence, making him more relatable and respected among a broader demographic. The more accomplished and influential individuals who joined Trump’s cause, the more it amplified his appeal, contributing to his success in the campaign.
Next, JD Vance emerged as a key figure in Trump’s campaign, particularly as a potential vice-presidential pick. Vance’s story resonated deeply with the American public, coming from a scrappy, impoverished background that many could relate to. When he was considered for the VP ticket, Vance was vocal on issues such as U.S. funding to Ukraine, the country’s involvement in unnecessary wars, and the ongoing immigration crisis. His outspoken views caught the attention of Donald Trump Jr., who invited him onto his podcast. Their conversation sparked a strong connection, ultimately leading to Vance becoming a close ally of the Trump campaign.
A devout Christian, Vance was able to connect with voters through his personal story and the hard work that defined his rise. His background played a pivotal role in attracting blue-collar voters, particularly white blue-collar workers, who were drawn to his authenticity and relatable experience. Vance’s influence extended beyond swing states; he played a crucial role in strengthening the Republican base and energizing the working-class voter segment.
Despite other potential VP candidates, many with stronger financial backing, Trump’s team trusted their instincts and selected Vance. This decision proved to be a brilliant one, as Vance’s presence added credibility and broadened the appeal of Trump’s campaign, ultimately contributing to its success.
As we’ve seen with Donald Trump, all leaders can derive valuable lessons from his approach to building strategic alliances. Trump didn’t achieve success in the election single-handedly—no leader does. His campaign’s strength came from the network of allies he built around him, including even his own children. For example, his 17-year-old son was instrumental in advising on strategy, such as recommending which podcasts to appear on. This underscores the truth that leadership success doesn’t happen in isolation; it requires a strong, supportive team.
As a leader, it’s essential to have a clear vision of your objectives—what you want to grow, achieve, and create. However, success depends not only on the clarity of your vision but also on having the right people backing you. Ensuring you have strategic alliances in place to help you achieve your goals is crucial. Trump’s circle of allies, including figures like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Bobby Kennedy, and Vivek Ramaswamy, significantly contributed to amplifying the MAGA message and championing causes such as reducing government spending, questioning foreign interventions, and challenging wokeism. These alliances bolstered his credibility and helped extend his influence across various voter segments.
Every leader must consider their own strategic circle. Who are the individuals supporting and amplifying your voice? As you continue to build momentum, this network becomes increasingly important to achieving your goals, whether in business or in broader leadership contexts.
A personal board of advisers is indispensable for any leader. These trusted individuals, often from diverse backgrounds, serve as sounding boards, helping identify blind spots, offering guidance, and providing a broader perspective. One critical member of this board could be an executive coach, offering insights into refining your leadership skills and keeping you focused on your goals.
Building these alliances requires ongoing effort. As a leader, consider: How much time each week are you investing in cultivating relationships and expanding your network, in comparison to focusing purely on the work at hand? It’s this balance that elevates your position as a leader and increases your influence.
Building an effective team requires more than just filling positions with capable individuals—it involves strategic decisions about who best complements your leadership and helps execute your vision. While big names and high-profile figures can enhance your credibility, it is often the behind-the-scenes contributors who play a pivotal role in achieving success. This was certainly the case with Donald Trump’s campaign, where key figures like Donald Trump Jr. and Melania Trump, though not always in the public eye, made significant contributions that were essential to the campaign's victory.
When constructing your own team, it’s crucial to think about the people who will work in harmony with you, support your leadership, and execute your goals. Success cannot be achieved alone, and this applies not only to your strategic alliances but also to the hires you make. The people you bring on board should help enhance your vision and complement your strengths while supporting the areas where you may need assistance.
One of the best practices for making these strategic hires is understanding the unique personality types of the individuals you’re considering. At LeadWithEase Academy, we teach leaders how to assess personality types based on observable cues—body language, communication style, and actions. This insight allows you to place individuals in roles where they will naturally excel. Each personality type has specific strengths, and it’s vital to match those traits to roles that align with their natural abilities.
For example, some individuals are highly driven and focused on achieving their goals, regardless of the challenges they face. Others are more analytical, thoughtful, and suited to roles requiring detailed planning and strategy. Similarly, some people thrive in social environments, excelling in client-facing or team-building roles, while others are more adept at maintaining structure and systems behind the scenes. Recognizing these differences and leveraging them effectively will enhance team cohesion and performance.
A balanced team, with diverse personality types, ensures that all roles are covered effectively. The Ayurvedic system, which categorizes individuals according to the five basic elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—provides a valuable framework for understanding how these traits manifest in each person’s behavior. By applying such frameworks, leaders can delegate tasks more effectively and communicate with their team in ways that resonate with individual strengths.
In addition to the personal qualities, understanding the risk tolerance of your team members is critical. For instance, someone who is risk-averse may not be the best fit for roles in dynamic environments, like startups, where innovation and calculated risk-taking are crucial. Recognizing these factors allows you to make informed decisions that support both the individual’s success and the organization’s goals.
At LeadWithEase Academy, we provide the tools and strategies to help leaders implement these hiring practices, ensuring they build strong, efficient, and balanced teams that will support long-term success
Download your FREE Bold Leadership Journal Prompts to Strengthen Your Core and Lead Decisively.
Start your journey today by enrolling in the LeadWithEASE Academy and boost your leadership capabilities and build a winning team. Don't let adversity define you—let it refine you.
This step-by-step program is designed to guide you from where you are now to the next level in your leadership, helping you grow from the inside out and make an impact that lasts.
Click here to know more and enroll now
Categories: : Leadership