Abstract
<jats:p>The article examines the development of leadership potential within the context of self-employment. Based on the analysis of the Korn Ferry and CCL models, as well as Daniel Goleman’s research, the core components of leadership potential have been identified, namely: competencies, experience, personality traits, and internal drivers. The author defines "leadership potential of a self-employed individual" as a complex characteristic encompassing personal, business, and professional attributes; capacities and abilities, specifically the aptitude for learning and the proficiency in applying acquired knowledge and experience within individual entrepreneurship. Self-employed leadership represents an individual's intellectual and social capital, while leadership potential serves as the investment resource that ensures the growth of this capital. The transition from possessing leadership qualities to their active development constitutes a critical juncture in professional evolution. The study establishes that the manifestation of self-employed leadership lies in the results of one’s labor, regardless of the nature of the work. The level of dissatisfaction with the outcomes of one's intellectual and physical efforts determines the required degree of leadership potential development. The presence of leadership potential is not a sufficient condition for effective self-actualization in professional activities, as the transformation of latent capabilities into stable professional competencies is only possible through the purposeful development of leadership qualities. It is demonstrated that for the self-employed, leadership transforms into the capacity for strategic self-management, risk-taking, and personal brand formation. Conclusion: The development of a self-employed individual's leadership potential involves the continuous, systematic, and spatio-temporally coordinated improvement of knowledge, skills, and abilities, thereby enhancing competitiveness and ensuring the sustainability of their business venture.</jats:p>