the word is leadership

The Future of Leadership Is Shared As we close Season 2 of The Word is Leadership, this 100th episode explores a concept that may just define the next era of work: dispersed leadership. From the definition of the word “disperse” to the deeper implications for how we build agile, resilient, and empowered organisations, this final chapter is both personal and practical. Learn: • Why shifting from a...

Can something as simple as being chipper be a superpower for leaders? In this penultimate episode of the season, I discuss the contagious power of mood. Being chipper, in the grounded, optimistic sense, isn’t just about cheerfulness; it’s about setting the tone, creating psychological safety, and unlocking creativity in teams during complex times. You’ll find out why upbeat leaders inspire real ho...

Most leaders don’t walk into a blank slate, they inherit a legacy. In this episode, I unpack what it really means to step into a leadership role once someone else has left it. Whether your predecessor was loved, loathed, or simply long gone, their shadow shapes the expectations around you. Explore how to acknowledge what came before, define your leadership stance, reshape the transition narrative,...

This week, our random word is panther which leads me to a new leadership insight: mastery often lies in purposeful invisibility. In this episode, we explore how great leaders create trust, growth, and innovation by knowing when to step back rather than dominating the. From conducting a "visibility audit" to practicing "silent leadership," I offer practical tips for using both presence and absence...

At first glance, nim (a simple game of removing matchsticks) may not seem like a deep leadership metaphor. But look closer, and it reveals powerful truths. In this episode, I explore how leaders can use games not just for relaxation, but for self-regulation. We also uncover the broad range of social strategies (from cooperation to competition) and how mastering the full spectrum enables faster, mo...

In this 95th episode, I confront the deeply ingrained image of leaders as parents. While well-intentioned, this perspective can inadvertently position team members as dependent children, stifling creativity and fostering a culture of compliance rather than innovation. I unpack why the "parental" leadership style may lead to burnout for leaders and disengagement for teams. But what's the alternativ...

This week, we travel to Japan through the lens of language. Hanami is the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms each spring. It’s not just a picnic. It’s a ritual of awe and renewal. In this episode, I explore how this concept applies to leadership. What if you could view your budgeting cycle, your performance reviews, or even your team rituals with the same sense of intentional presence and quiet...

This week’s random word - clothes- invites a fresh look at how leaders present themselves, and more importantly, how they shape their leadership identity. Inspired by the classic sayings “the clothes maketh the person” and “the emperor’s new clothes,” this episode explores the visible and invisible layers of leadership. From Savile Row insights to the difference between off-the-peg, tailored, and...

What if "listless" isn’t laziness, but leadership? In this reflective episode, I explore the surprising upside of being listless (a state often dismissed as disengagement or lack of energy). Instead, I ask myself, and you, could stepping back, slowing down, and letting go of the constant doing actually lead to deeper insight, presence, and innovation? From challenging productivity culture to redis...

Step into episode 91 of "The Word is Leadership," where I explore the deeper meaning behind the Hawaiian word “aloha.” More than just a greeting for hello or goodbye, aloha embodies a way of being rooted in genuine presence, grace, and the powerful act of truly seeing others. I draw parallels between Hawaiian and Indian welcoming rituals, highlighting how authentic acknowledgment transcends cultur...

What does “speed” really mean for leaders? In this 90th episode, I look into the many faces of speed. I explore why it is more than just moving fast, and how it shapes the way we lead teams and drive results. Through personal stories (including my stint in the French Airforce!) and sharp business insights I gained from my clients, I explore the five key lessons of speed: • Speed is relative: Doubl...

What does it mean to truly be authentic as a leader? In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, I explore the concept of "provenance" (the origin and authenticity of something) and how it applies to leadership. I challenge the idea that authenticity is simply "being yourself." Instead, I introduce the concept of valuable authenticity: being yourself with intent and impact. Through three key...

This week’s episode takes us to a beach as we explore the metaphorical power of the humble hammock. I unpack how the tension that makes a hammock both comfortable and precarious mirrors the challenges of leadership. I look into the duality of comfort and discomfort and how embracing tension can unlock resilience and adaptability. I introduce the fighter pilot-inspired OODA loop (Observe, Orient, D...

In this week’s episode of The Word is Leadership, given our random word ‘overnight’ I explore the concept of "overnight success", a term often misunderstood as instant achievement which, in reality, represents years of unseen effort. I break down the myth of sudden success and reveals six essential pillars that underpin true leadership and sustainable achievement. Discover why relentless consisten...

In this episode of The Word is Leadership, we look into the concept of "interim" and its implications for leadership in uncertain times. I unpack the critical differences between temporary, permanent, and interim decisions and why understanding these distinctions is essential for effective leadership. I explore: • Temporary vs. Interim: Why temporary fixes are about testing and tweaking, while int...

Join me on "The Word is Leadership" as I explore the fascinating world of mechatronics - the fusion of mechanical engineering, computing, and electronics. This episode isn't just about technology; it's about how different fields come together to create something innovative and impactful. Drawing inspiration from mechatronics, I look into the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary teams....

Another week and another thought-provoking random word on "The Word is Leadership." For this episode the focus is on the word "boo." Beyond its common use to startle or express dissatisfaction, "boo" offers valuable lessons for leaders. When you stand for something, you'll inevitably face both cheers and boos. The question is, how do you respond? The episode explores four strategies: Ignore, Confr...

Join me for episode 82 of "The Word is Leadership" as I explore the concept of "lightsome," a term that embodies producing and reflecting light and is our random word of the week. This poetic idea reveals the essence of effective leadership, emphasising the importance of relationships and social interaction. Leadership isn't just about personal traits; it's about how those traits impact others and...

Discover how to avoid actions that yield no results and learn from the insights of Rita Gunther McGrath on the importance of learning faster than the rate of change. I introduce you to the "Luck Maximiser Framework," a practical tool to ensure your decisions aren't futile. This framework focuses on four dimensions: Alignment, Accountability, Alternatives, and Achievement. By integrating these elem...

Join me this week for a heartfelt episode of "The Word is Leadership" as I explore what insights we might get from our random word "train." I take you on a personal journey through my childhood, growing up in a train community where my father was a proud train driver. From the nostalgia of toy trains to the high-speed TGV, I look into how identity and community can transform a job into a vocation....

In this episode I reframe "muddle" as a leadership strength rather than weakness. I challenge the myth of perfectly coordinated organisations and reveal why most grand conspiracies fail the organisational behaviour test, while trying to make a compelling case for embracing muddle as the foundation of agility in our VUCA world. I outline how "sense and respond" trumps "plan and control" in volatile...

In this episode of "The Word is Leadership," I explore the connection between monument (our random word) and leadership. I am in a thoughtful mood today as I ask myself, and you, the question: who would you immortalise as a leader worthy of a monument? I challenge you to consider not just famous figures, but the everyday leaders who've shaped your own leadership approaches. The episode unveils wha...

For this episode, our randomly selected word is "hooligan" (a rough lawless young person") which gives me the opportunity to challenge everything we think we know about generational differences in the workplace. I dismantle three pervasive myths about workplace generations. First, the "foundational myth" suggesting each generation possesses unique values and motivations, when research shows humans...

In Episode 76 of "The Word is Leadership," a delicious Swiss dish becomes the gateway to profound leadership wisdom. The podcast explores raclette- that communal experience where everyone gathers to melt cheese onto their plates - as more than just a meal, but a powerful metaphor for workplace connection. I contrast the formal Christmas dinner (meticulously planned, hierarchical, with designated r...