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The rules of leadership are changing. Rapid advancements in technology, shifting workplace dynamics, and the increasing complexity of global markets mean that the leaders of tomorrow can no longer rely on traditional methods. The leaders who succeed in the future of work won’t be those who try to know it all but those who focus on mastering the right things. What does it take to thrive in this environment?
In the latest episode of Future Ready Leadership, three thought leaders—Diego Barreto, Jeff Kindler, and Frederic Laloux—shared transformative strategies to help leaders thrive in this era of uncertainty and change. Their insights touch on sharpening your expertise in one key area, fostering constructive disagreement, and embracing agile team management—actionable insights that will redefine how you approach leadership in the modern workplace.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Lifelong Learning: Mastering One Skill at a Time
With a world that changes faster than ever, leaders don’t need to be experts in everything—they need to be masters of what matters most. Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood, underscores the importance of focused learning. By dedicating time to one key area, whether it’s artificial intelligence or crisis management, leaders can build a deep well of expertise that drives smarter decision-making and fosters team trust.
Diego’s approach also highlights the value of humility in leadership, reminding us that collaboration and learning from others are essential tools for growth.
Let’s face it—no one can keep up with everything. But here’s a strategy you can try: Identify one critical skill or topic that aligns with your organization’s needs and commit to learning it thoroughly. Engage your team in the process by encouraging discussions and shared knowledge.
Positive Disagreement: The Power of Constructive Conflict
Conflict gets a bad rap, but Jeff Kindler, former CEO of Pfizer, believes it’s one of the most underutilized tools in leadership. Great decisions often come from what Jeff calls “positive friction”—the ability to create a culture where people feel safe to challenge ideas and present opposing views.
For leaders, this involves maintaining a “red team.” This is a group dedicated to questioning your decisions and poking holes in your plans, ensuring your ideas are battle-tested and ready for the real world.
Here’s what you can do: Build a culture where disagreement is seen as constructive, not confrontational. Encourage your team to challenge your thinking and celebrate the breakthroughs that come from diverse perspectives.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Self-Management Strategies: Adapting to Complexity
If there’s one thing Frederic Laloux, author of Reinventing Organizations, knows, it’s that traditional management models don’t work in today’s fast-paced world any longer. That’s why he explores the rising trend of self-management as a way to navigate the complexity of modern work. Instead of relying on rigid hierarchies and predictive control, Frederic advocates for a sense-and-respond approach, where teams are empowered to make decisions dynamically.
Transitioning to self-management can feel overwhelming, but Frederic offers practical advice: start small. Focus on areas where there’s already high energy or significant pain points, and involve your team in co-creating the change. It’s about fostering trust, building buy-in, and gradually expanding what works.
Begin with pilot projects that allow teams to experiment with self-management. Use those experiences to refine your approach and scale it over time.
The Future of Leadership Starts Now
The future of work isn’t some far-off concept—it’s happening right now. Lifelong learning, positive disagreement, and self-management aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundations of effective leadership in this new era. Leaders who adopt these strategies will be better equipped to navigate uncertainty, build resilient teams, and drive meaningful change.
Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode to hear Diego Barreto, Jeff Kindler, and Frederic Laloux share their insights, real-world examples, and actionable advice. This is your playbook for leading smarter in the future of work.
Are you ready to lead the future? Let’s get started.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
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