I got very interested in this topic, too, for similar reasons.

A thing that I know now, and did not know five years ago, is the tectonic impact a leader can make without having any formal bestowed authority. Leadership without authority has quite different properties from naked authority, or even authority-derived leadership. It's been one of the most fruitful things to think deeply about.

If you haven't already encountered him, Jocko Willink writes and speaks eloquently and with great authority on this topic. I've read several of his books and recommend them highly. Don't be put off by his military context, they are wholly applicable regardless of what leadership context you inhabit.