416. “Leadership is for everyone.” | We All Have a Role to Play with Ken Banta

Ken Banta, founder and CEO of the Vanguard Network, is a recognized expert in leadership and organizational change. With a rich background as a journalist—covering pivotal events like the Eastern European revolutions for Time magazine—Ken transitioned into corporate leadership, helping guide major turnarounds at companies such as Pharmacia and Bausch & Lomb. His latest book, Seeing Around Corners, gathers lessons from top leaders and is designed to inspire everyone, from emerging professionals to global executives.

Ken’s perspective on leadership is shaped by witnessing ordinary people drive extraordinary change, often guided by unexpected leaders like Vaclav Havel. These experiences reinforced his belief that leadership isn’t just for those at the top; anyone, regardless of background or title, can play a vital role. True leaders are consistent in their purpose, adaptable, and agile—qualities that matter as much in everyday life as in the boardroom.

Ken’s key takeaway is simple: leadership is for everyone. Whether you’re leading a team or contributing as an individual, you can make an impact by being clear on your purpose, staying flexible in your approach, and staying connected to those around you. Embrace your own ability to lead and remember—often, the most lasting change comes from ordinary people stepping up in extraordinary ways.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

Leadership is really for everybody. The idea that leaders sit at the top of a pyramid with everyone else below them is simply wrong. Not everyone can be the head of a large team, but within any team, everyone can play a leadership role—whether that's leading sideways with colleagues or leading upwards by influencing those at the top.

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Read Seeing Around Corners by Ken Banta
• The Vanguard Network website: thevanguardnetwork.com
• Connect with Ken on LinkedIn

Produced by NOVA