279. The Courage to Lead: Embracing Humility and Belonging in Leadership with Mick Spiers

The courage to say "I don't know" might be the most powerful leadership trait in today's rapidly changing world. Through reflections on conversations with five remarkable guests, this episode explores what authentic leadership truly means in 2023 and beyond.

Randy Lyman introduces us to the often-overlooked "third element" of success – the emotional and spiritual dimensions that complement our intellectual achievements. When leaders prioritize connection by asking "How are YOU going?" rather than just "How's the project going?", they create space for their teams to bring their whole selves to work. As Teddy Roosevelt wisely noted, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

From Doug Zarkin, we learn that your internal culture inevitably becomes your external brand. The consistency between stated values and lived behaviors builds the trust that fuels brand loyalty. Jonathan Stutz reveals how belonging doesn't happen by chance but through intentional leadership where psychological safety is protected. His message resonates universally – we've all felt excluded at some point, and it feels terrible. People deserve workplaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Bill Zujewski offers crucial insights on leading through perpetual change, emphasizing that agility combines clarity, curiosity, and communication. His advice to normalize saying "I don't know yet, but let's figure it out together" transforms uncertainty from a weakness into a strength. Kelli Lester confronts the politicization of DEI, reframing inclusion not as a trend but as fundamental leadership responsibility.

Across all conversations, certain themes emerge clearly: we need a return to authenticity over performative leadership, a recommitment to inclusion because it's right (not because it's trendy), and the balance of moving quickly without leaving people behind. The African proverb reminds us: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The world doesn't need more bosses – it needs more human leaders who create environments where everyone can contribute their best. What might change if you approached leadership with more curiosity, kindness,

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