In this episode, we take a step back from our typical interview format to reflect on something many creative leaders are feeling right now: a subtle but persistent sense of drift amidst uncertainty. Drawing from recent conversations with leaders worldwide, Todd Henry digs into the changing dynamics of organizations, shifting marketplaces, and the unique challenges and numbness that come with these times.
Instead of providing easy answers, Todd shares five uncomfortable—but essential—questions designed to provoke deep reflection for anyone with influence, whether you lead a team, guide clients, or simply shape decisions in your organization. He explores how apparent success can mask underlying misalignment, the dangers of leading from within an echo chamber, the paralyzing fear of looking foolish, the temptation of ego-driven systems, and the fine line between creating stability and fostering complacency in teams.
This episode is an invitation to wrestle with the deeper work of leadership, sense-check our motives, and create environments where honest conversations and breakthrough ideas can flourish.
Five Key Learnings:
- Success Can Be a Trap: Achieving goals and hitting metrics doesn’t always equate to true progress if we lose sight of our original purpose. We must vigilantly check what we’re really optimizing for.
- Truth-Telling is Essential: Leadership naturally creates distance. If we don’t intentionally invite honest feedback (even if it stings), we risk operating in a false sense of alignment.
- Risking Embarrassment Fosters Innovation: Many great ideas die because we’re afraid to look foolish. Innovation demands courage, and that courage is strengthened by sharing bold ideas in safe, trusted circles.
- Ego vs. Mission: It’s easy to unconsciously build systems that feed our ego under the guise of excellence or mission. The real test: Would we do the work if nobody noticed?
- Stability Isn’t Safety: Teams crave both challenge and stability, but protecting them too much can lead to complacency. The goal is to create security so that bold, meaningful risks—and growth—are possible.
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Brave Habit is available now
My new book will help you make bravery a habit in your life, your leadership, and your work. Discover how to develop the two qualities that lead to brave action: Optimistic Vision and Agency. Buy The Brave Habit wherever books are sold, or learn more at TheBraveHabit.com.
Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable
Leading creative people is rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. That's why I've started Creative Leader Roundtable, a private community where leaders like you connect monthly to get practical insights, honest feedback, and real encouragement. You'll leave every round table with fresh perspective and tactical ideas. You can apply right away. So if you lead a team of talented people, go check us out at CreativeLeader.net, because creative work deserves brave leadership.
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