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 Diane Hessan, Kat Cole, Mary Mack, Katherine Barr, and Jack Ma.

From Donna Fenn: How Communispace CEO Diane Hessan found her second act

“Former CEO of Communispace, Diane Hessan, explains her zig zag path to the Startup Institute.”

From Wharton: Cinnabon’s Kat Cole: Savoring the Sweet Taste of Success

“Kat Cole, the 30-something president of Cinnabon, doesn’t have an Ivy League resume or famous family pedigree. She’s a leader whose life experiences — including being raised by a single mother and working her way up from washing dishes at Hooters — have led her to the top of business world.”

From Hilary Burns: President of Wells Fargo Advisors Mary Mack on the importance of change in her career

“With 31 years of finance experience behind her, Mack now oversees 35,000 employees and more than 15,000 financial advisers around the country as president of Wells Fargo Advisors.”

From Sean Silcoff: Female venture capitalist is breaking the mould in Silicon Valley

“Katherine Barr is used to standing out. When she was in university, she managed the top-performing College Pro painting franchise in Quebec and led Japanese tourists around Banff, Alta., on horseback. ‘It was me and 80 cowboys,’ she says.”

From Hanneke Siebelink: 5 Unusual Statements that Reveal how Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Thinks

“How did the founder and chairman of the Alibaba Group (Alibaba’s recent IPO was the largest in world history) build his success, and that of the countless people using Alibaba’s trading platforms? What lessons does he want to share? Let’s take a look at 5 unusual statements Jack Ma made at Davos 2015, when he was interviewed by Charlie Rose. 5 Unusual statements that reveal how Jack Ma thinks:”