Our latest podcast episode features a fascinating conversation with Adam Bryant, the author of “The Leap to Leader” and a recognized leadership guru. With over a decade of interviews with top-tier CEOs, Bryant offers a wealth of knowledge and insights into the transformative journey from individual contributor to leader.
Bryant asserts that leadership involves a significant mental shift, which is pivotal for individuals stepping into leadership roles. This internal shift is just as significant as the external one, encompassing strategy, team dynamics, customer interactions, and more. In essence, becoming a leader is not just about the actions you take but also about the mindset you cultivate.
One of the interesting topics discussed during the podcast is the concept of 'accidental entrepreneurs'. These individuals unexpectedly find themselves at the helm of a ship, navigating the choppy waters of leadership. Often, these individuals may not have had time to reflect on their vision and values, making the leadership journey even more challenging.
We also delve into the paradoxes and complexities inherent in leadership literature. From the outside, leadership advice can seem contradictory and confusing. Bryant, however, illuminates the concept of leadership as an 'and' proposition rather than an 'or'’ This means that leaders must learn to balance and reconcile seemingly contradictory aspects, like creating urgency while also being patient or being compassionate while also holding people accountable.
Another important aspect of leadership that we discuss is the importance of resilience, informed decision-making, and fostering a spirit of teamwork. Leadership, particularly in today's uncertain world, involves making informed bets. It's about assessing the risks and rewards associated with making decisions and protecting your team from the daily stress of making big decisions.
Leadership also requires transparency and authenticity. Bryant emphasizes the importance of leaders doing internal work to determine their values and act with humility, humanity, vulnerability, and authenticity.
Overall, the podcast episode provides a wealth of insights and practical advice for anyone looking to transition into a leadership role or hone their leadership skills. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an established veteran, this conversation with Adam Bryant promises to challenge and stimulate your leadership perspective.
Adam Bryant
Adam Bryant is senior managing director of The ExCo Group, a leadership development and executive mentoring firm. Prior to joining ExCo, Adam worked for 30 years as a journalist, including 18 years as a reporter, editor and columnist at The New York Times. He interviewed more than 500 CEOs for “Corner Office,” a series on leadership that he created in 2009. He continues to conduct leadership interviews for his LinkedIn series with CEOs, board directors, chief human resources officers, and prominent Black executives that have more than 230,000 subscribers. He also writes a monthly column for Strategy+Business magazine and is the Senior Advisor to the Reuben Mark Initiative for Organizational Character and Leadership at Columbia University.
Adam is the author of four books based on the themes that have emerged from his interviews and consulting work. His new book is The Leap to Leader: How Ambitious Managers Make the Jump to Leadership, published by Harvard Business Review Press. His most recent book for HBR was The CEO Test: Master the Challenges that Make or Break All Leaders.
His first book, The Corner Office: Indispensable and Unexpected Lessons from CEOs on How to Lead and Succeed, was a New York Times bestseller, drawing on insights from CEOs to identify the qualities that help explain why certain executives are promoted over others to become CEOs. In his second book, Quick and Nimble: Lessons from Leading CEOs on How to Create a Culture of Innovation, Adam distilled the wisdom of hundreds of business leaders to identify the secrets to a high-performing corporate culture.
