Episode 120 - Influencers 21 - Stalin: Influence, Leadership and Legacy Part 2

In the second part of our Influencers series on Joseph Stalin, hosts Chris and Gareth dive deep into Stalin's rise to power, his manipulation of leadership dynamics, and his long-lasting impact on global politics. Drawing comparisons to modern influencers like Donald Trump and recent events such as tariff wars, they explore how powerful figures can shift the world order.

This episode examines Stalin’s consolidation of power, including the elimination of rivals like Trotsky and Kirov, the Holodomor famine caused by forced collectivization, and the culture of fear that stifled opposition—paralleling toxic leadership in today’s workplaces. The discussion also covers Stalin’s complex relationship with Hitler, the Soviet response to WWII, and the geopolitical fallout of the Potsdam Conference and the Cold War.

Gareth and Chris conclude by reflecting on Stalin’s brutal legacy, including the purges of scientists and doctors, and the ongoing romanticization of his regime despite its horrors. They unpack the psychological and organizational lessons leaders today can learn from Stalin’s example—both in what to emulate and what to avoid.

Listen now for insights into leadership, influence, and how historical patterns continue to shape today’s political and corporate environments.