92: Modern Temples of Power

Show Notes
In this conversation, Chris Yates and Simon Western discuss how organizations have become modern temples of power, shaping societal norms in positive and challenging ways. Organizations offer spaces to be productive, to deliver services and to provide meaning and development for individuals, yet they also can stifle individuality and feedback through corporate conformity. The podcast reflects on how art, small acts of kindness and ecosystems thinking are the leadership approaches that can transform organisations and liberate employees to engage relationally and realise their full potential.
Chris questions traditional leadership models, highlighting the need to prioritize character over competence and move beyond the military-influenced structures that dominate corporate life. Leadership, they argue, is not about static positions but fluid relationships—emerging in unexpected places and shaped by small moments of humanity rather than grand, ego-driven achievements. The conversation also highlights the burden of projections on leaders, who risk becoming seduced by the images others place upon them.
Looking ahead, Simon and Chris consider the future of leadership in a world that increasingly demands authenticity and interconnectedness. They call for a shift to eco-centric leadership,  one that embraces moral responsibility, acknowledges the social role of organizations, and also seeks inspiration from art to reimagine work and leadership. Chris closes by reminding us that the smallest acts of kindness and courage in the face of adversity can reshape leadership, organizations, and society itself.

Key Reflections

• Organizations hold immense power as modern temples, shaping societal norms and driving change.
• Corporate cultures often enforce conformity, stifling individuality, feedback, and personal identity.
• Leadership discussions focus too much on competence and too little on the moral character of leaders.
• Leadership is not a fixed title but a fluid, relational process that can emerge from unexpected places.
• Leaders must resist being seduced by the projections and expectations placed upon them.
• The future of leadership requires shifting from ego-driven ambition to collective, eco-centric responsibility.
• True leadership is found not in grand gestures but in small, everyday acts of humanity.
• Creativity and art offers a powerful lens to rethink work, leadership, and our role in the world.

Keywords
corporate culture, society, leadership, power dynamics, identity, character, reimagination, eco-leadership

Brief Bio
Christopher Yates, Senior Vice President of Talent at Equinix, is a leader committed to professional and personal growth within organizations. He oversees Equinix’s global talent strategy, focusing on attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent while aligning leadership initiatives with the company’s growth and innovation objectives.  Previously Chris held senior OD positions in Microsoft, Ford, American Express, Caterpillar and HSBC bank, playing a vital role in shaping business transformation.  Chris is co-author with Pooja Sachdev of Rewire: A Radical Approach to Tackling Diversity and Difference and has also co-authored Share: How Organizations Can Thrive in an Age of Networked Knowledge, Power and Relationships. Chris brings a huge breadth of experience to organisational thinking, and is admired for his empathy, dynamism and original and imaginative leadership.