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 pieces by and about Ana Patricia Botin, Richard Sheridan, Stephanie Soerens-Borkowski, and Roger Ferguson.

From Caroline McMillan Portillo: Banco Santander Chairwoman Ana Patricia Botin makes her mark

“Ana Botín has made this much clear: She’s not afraid to step out of her father’s shadow, even with the world watching”

From Linda Kerstin and Paul Glader: 5 Questions With Richard Sheridan, Chief Storyteller Of Menlo Innovations

“Richard Sheridan’s business card at Menlo Innovations in Ann Arbor, Mich., identifies himself as ‘Chief Storyteller, Tour Guide and CEO.’ His unusual re-imagining of a software firm and the workplace, in general, has made him a sought-after speaker at lean management conferences worldwide. His ideas were codified in the book, Joy Inc.”

From Melody Petersen: How I Made It: Simon ‘Si’ Ramo

“Simon ‘Si’ Ramo helped lead the Cold War development of the intercontinental ballistic missile, which could send a nuclear warhead thousands of miles. The aerospace pioneer co-founded two Fortune 500 companies, including TRW Inc., for which he built a sprawling campus in Redondo Beach known as Space Park. There, engineers invented rocket-destroying lasers, a robotic space probe to Jupiter known as Pioneer 10, and engines for the Apollo moon-landing missions. Ramo has received dozens of awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His name appears on dozens of patents. Last year, at age 100, he received Patent #8606170B2 for a computer-based learning invention — becoming the oldest person ever to receive a patent.”

From Joe Taschler: As family dealership owner, she’s the top ‘nice guy’ at Soerens Ford

“As the fourth-generation owner of Soerens Ford, Stephanie Soerens-Borkowski holds a spot in a growing demographic in the U.S. new vehicle business. She is a woman who is the dealer principal, also known as the boss.”

From Adam Bryant : Roger Ferguson of TIAA-CREF: Always Act as if You’re an Owner

“A C.E.O. says he emphasizes personal accountability: ‘One of the phrases I use is that if you owned this company, what would you do? And if your colleagues were owners, what would you want them to do?'”