The noun 领导 (lǐngdǎo) means "leader" and refers to a person in a position of authority or guidance. It can also function as a verb meaning "to lead." As a noun, it is used in phrases like 领导人 meaning "leader" or "person in charge."
我们的新领导很平易近人。
wǒmen de xīn lǐngdǎo hěn píngyìjìnrén.
Our new leader is very approachable.
她是这个项目的领导,大家都很信任她。
tā shì zhège xiàngmù de lǐngdǎo, dàjiā dōu hěn xìnrèn tā.
She is the leader of this project, and everyone trusts her.
领导说明天开会讨论这个方案。
lǐngdǎo shuō míngtiān kāihuì tǎolùn zhège fāng'àn.
The leader said there will be a meeting tomorrow to discuss this plan.