On this episode of Adapt or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, Andreas Pettersson welcomes Spencer Horn, President & CEO of Altium Leadership & Coaching and former NASDAQ company executive. Spencer reveals the hard-earned leadership lessons behind his “Delegate to Elevate” philosophy—helping overwhelmed leaders escape bottleneck mode and build high-functioning teams that think, act, and lead. He unpacks how micromanagement nearly cost him everything and why vulnerability and accountability are now his greatest strengths.
Challenge → Spencer went from running a struggling training firm during the 2008 recession to becoming CEO—with no budget, rising pressure, and a command-and-control style that backfired, fast.
Adaptation → Fired after trying to preserve the old culture, he rebuilt himself and his approach—shifting from control to trust, asking “Whose job am I doing right now?” and empowering teams to think critically and take ownership.
Success → Spencer now helps senior leaders dismantle self-imposed limitations, transform team culture, and create organizations where employees want to work—not just have to. His formula has driven 50% productivity gains and lasting culture change at fast-growing companies.
🔥 60-Second Hot Seat:
Spencer shares why letting go isn’t just about task lists, how conflict done right is a sign of real teamwork, and the surprising truth behind delegation: it’s not what you hand off, it’s what you invite people into. His go-to mindset shift? “Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about helping others think more.”
Tired of being the bottleneck? Spencer’s playbook will help you build teams that lead with you, not wait on you.
🔗 Learn More: altiumleadership.com
Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson
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