Díez Ruiz, FernandoIgoa Iraola, EleneQuevedo Torrientes, ElenaBaniandrés Avendaño, Josune2026-03-092026-03-092025-12-16Díez Ruiz, F., Igoa-Iraola, E., Quevedo Torrientes, E., & Baniandrés Avendaño, J. (2025). Leading in silence: a psychobiography of Amancio Ortega’s leadership and organizational impact. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-09-2025-08510143-773910.1108/LODJ-09-2025-0851https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14454/5389Purpose – This study aims to conceptualize and define the characteristics of Silent Leadership as a differentiated leadership style through a psychobiographical analysis of Amancio Ortega – one of Europe’s most influential business leaders. Design/methodology/approach – Using a psychobiographical design, the study analyzes the life and career of Amancio Ortega through the lens of Silent Leadership, drawing on multiple secondary sources including biographies, corporate documents, and academic research. Findings – Through the analysis of Amancio Ortega’s life and Inditex’s organizational outcomes, five characteristic dimensions of Silent Leadership have been identified: humility, behavioral coherence, attentive observation, indirect influence and disciplined willpower, which have positively contributed to shaping Inditex’s identity. Research limitations/implications – The results indicate a non-charismatic and low-visibility leadership style that has nevertheless proven to be highly effective. Future studies should further explore this form of leadership, as it remains an under-researched area in the existing literature. Practical implications – Practically, it offers insights into how discretion, organizational design and humility can drive strategic learning and adaptability in volatile business environments. Originality/value – The paper introduces Silent Leadership as a leadership style characterized by specific behavioral patterns, offering new perspectives on influence exercised through discretion and organizational design.eng© Emerald Publishing LimitedSilent leadershipAmancio OrtegaHumilityInditexLeadership theoriesOrganizational culturePsychobiographyStrategic learningjournal article2026-03-09