What leadership lessons emerge when you step back, reflect, and take stock of everything you’ve learned? In this episode, hosts Drew Dudley and Brett Elmgren reunite after a short hiatus to share the biggest insights they’ve gained in recent months. They discuss appreciating life’s defining moments, building resilience through the mindset of “this too shall pass,” and strategies for navigating both success and adversity. They also explore the unintended consequences of traditional change management, why organizations should shift their focus from managing resistance to building business readiness, and how leaders can embrace shifting workplace cultures. They also examine why organizations should protect people, not just jobs, in an AI-driven world, the role of emotional intelligence, and how one simple question can unlock more solutions and better decision-making. Tune in to discover practical leadership insights that will help you build resilience, embrace change, and lead with greater confidence in an increasingly uncertain world.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Introduction, an update, and what listeners can expect from this episode. [0:00:00]
• Drew shares the inspiration behind his new creative space. [0:02:20]
• Brett reflects on family milestones and appreciates life’s special moments. [0:05:07]
• Hear why “this too shall pass” should be a guiding philosophy for leaders. [0:09:15]
• Learn strategies for building resilience and humility through life’s highs and lows. [0:13:26]
• Explore how good intentions can create unintended consequences. [0:19:42]
• Discover how to navigate differences in work culture between generations. [0:27:40]
• Uncover why it is pointless to demand reality apologize to you. [0:31:43]
• Find out why leaders should protect people, not jobs, in the age of AI. [0:35:23]
• Understand the power of asking yourself, “What would have to be true?” [0:46:46]
• Agree to Agree: AI, the future of work, and clapping when the plane lands. [0:50:56]
Quotes:
“Feel good about yourself but make sure you don’t make other people feel [like] less.” — Brett Elmgren [0:18:55]
“The system won’t change if you keep collecting the paycheque and just complain about it, because it’s working.” — Drew Dudley [0:26:35]
“It is pointless to demand reality apologize to you.” — Brett Elmgren [0:31:47]
“Emotional intelligence isn’t about emotional interaction.” — Brett Elmgren [0:39:08]
“There is no emotional intelligence without self-awareness and self-regulation.” — Drew Dudley [0:43:25]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works
The Opposable Mind
Drew Dudley | Everyday Leadership
Brett Elmgren | Axom Leadership