My answer was No.
Yes, you can create and share your vision without having the title of a manager. You can inspire people to follow you. But that's just half the battle. Vision without a clear direction and concrete steps on how to achieve that vision is futile. And this is where you will need your experience and skills as a manager to become an effective leader. How can you best lead a team of managers if you have literally not "been there, done that"? There is a huge difference in knowing and walking the path.
Please let me know your thoughts on the comments section. Convince me otherwise! :-)
I am still quite unsettled that the answer to this question is Yes.