I think that one of the best ways to learn leadership isn’t studying “leadership” at all. Instead, study individual leaders in their natural habitat and decide what they do that you want to try. Articles by and about leaders and interviews with them are mini-case studies that show you an actual leader in a real situation.

That’s why, every week, I bring you a selection of post about individual leaders. This week I’m pointing you to posts by and about Satya Nadella, John Paul DeJoria, Satish Bagalkotkar, Nisreen Shocair, and John W. Rogers Jr.

From the NY Times: Satya Nadella, Chief of Microsoft, on His New Role

“In his first interview since taking over as chief executive of Microsoft, Satya Nadella talks about leadership, the future and Bill Gates.”

From the Wall Street Journal: Hair-Care CEO John Paul DeJoria on Being Homeless at 36 and Advising the CIA

“How do executives stay organized? What are their management strategies? And what do they do for fun? Executive Suite seeks answers to the behind-the-scenes questions. Edited excerpts follow.”

From the Mercury News: Q&A: Satish Bagalkotkar, CEO of Synapse Design, on expanding during a tough economy

“Since the 2008 global economic collapse, San Jose-based Synapse Design has doubled its revenue every 18 months as it designs and engineers high-end chips and systems for Fortune 500 companies.”

From Wharton: Virgin MENA’s Nisreen Shocair: Transforming a Record Store into an Entertainment Destination

“Sir Richard Branson founded Virgin Megastores in 1971. Forty years later, after a long and successful run, they have closed down one by one in the West. In the Middle East, however, the stores have been playing the right music since Nisreen Shocair took over as president in 2006.”

From the NY Times: John W. Rogers Jr: A Great Teammate Is a Great Listener

“The C.E.O. of Ariel Investments says it’s crucial that leaders always hear and respect their workers’ ideas.”