Why Leaders Need to Invest in Live2Lead: A Personal Reflection
I get it. As leaders, we're swamped. Meetings, deadlines, and decisions. It feels like there’s never enough time to attend leadership events like Live2Lead. But here’s the thing—these are exactly the moments that pull us ahead of the learning curve. The space we create to step back, reflect, and soak in new perspectives is often the very thing that propels us forward. I know this firsthand. Years ago, I attended a leadership conference just like Live2Lead. I picked up a book by John Maxwell, and that event became the catalyst for my own leadership journey. It wasn’t a big, earth-shattering moment, but a spark that set me on a path I could never have imagined at the time. Let me share some key takeaways from this year's Live2Lead in Gothenburg. These insights have the power to shift how you approach your leadership, your team, and even yourself. John C. Maxwell: The Abundance Mindset John Maxwell kicked things off with a powerful reminder about the importance of an abundance mindset....
Stop Chasing Shiny Leadership Strategies: The Basics Still Win Every Time
I’ve seen it happen so many times. A leader hears about a new app, tool, or framework, and suddenly, it’s the silver bullet. The one thing that’s going to transform the way they lead. The excitement is palpable. They sign up. They onboard their teams. They start tracking, measuring, and analyzing all sorts of engagement scores and sentiment metrics. But here’s the catch. They’re still not getting what they want from their teams. The results don’t match the promise. I worked with a company that got caught up in this exact cycle. They introduced a feedback app to “boost engagement” and “understand how people really felt.” It was a great tool on paper—sleek interface, easy to use, and promised all sorts of insights. They set it up, rolled it out, and started seeing positive Net Manager Promoter Scores (NMPS) and employee satisfaction rates. Leaders were happy. Everything looked good. But when I spoke with them, they were frustrated. They were seeing high scores in the app but struggling...
When Delegation Goes Wrong: How to Lead When You’re Still Accountable
A few weeks ago, I was attending the CBS Leadership Think Tank in Copenhagen. The room buzzed with energy. Around me were leaders and managers from various sectors—tech, engineering, pharmaceuticals—all gathered to discuss the challenges and strategies of effective leadership. I listened to questions from executives and felt the excitement of leaders coming together to share insights. In the middle of the discussion, a question caught my attention. Yvette, a VP from a leading pharmaceutical company, stood up and asked, “How do you handle the situation when you have empowered your team, delegated responsibilities, and things still go wrong—knowing that, as a leader, you’re still accountable for the outcome?” The room fell silent for a moment. It was the kind of question that cuts right through to the heart of leadership. I could see heads nodding in agreement as the panel took in her words. I’ve encountered this scenario many times in my coaching practice. It’s a question that haunts...
Leadership for the Future: Eight Simple Lessons from CBS Leadership Think Tank
Walking into the CBS Leadership Think Tank felt like stepping into a space buzzing with energy. You could feel the pulse of conversation, the sharp exchange of ideas, and the weight of big questions about leadership in today’s fast-changing world. The air was thick with curiosity and challenge. I came away with powerful insights that I believe every leader and manager in any sector can put to work right away. Let’s break them down, and I’ll guide you through simple, actionable steps you can take to make these ideas your own. 1. Embrace Complexity Without Overwhelm The world isn’t slowing down. Geopolitical tensions, sustainability pressures, and tech advancements are all accelerating. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in complexity. But here’s the thing: as leaders, we must swim in these waters. Instead of resisting the tide, we can learn to ride it. 💡 Implementation Tip: Start small. When things feel chaotic, take 10 minutes at the start of each day to write down just three...
From a Village in Romania to Global Leadership: The Power of Self-Investment
Last week, I found myself standing in front of a small building in a quiet Romanian village—Barasti de Vede. It was the same place where I spent summers as a child, in a kindergarten with peeling paint and worn-out playground equipment. Thirty-five years ago, the place looked different—post-communist, unpolished, a reflection of an environment still reeling from economic hardship. But as I stood there, under the same sky, staring at the same walls, I realized something: This was where my story began. And it’s not the kind of story you’d expect from someone in leadership today. The road to where I am now—a leadership coach and consultant—didn’t start in an entrepreneurial family or with a wealth of resources. My parents were workers. We didn’t talk about business strategies or investment portfolios over dinner. The idea of global leadership or professional growth wasn’t even a concept that entered the conversation. And yet, there was always something in me that pushed for more. As I...
You’re Never Too Young to Be a Great Leader, You’re Never Too Old to Be a Better One
I once walked into a room where the air buzzed with excitement—tech experts and engineers from all corners of the world gathered for a conference. A young developer stood at the podium, just 26 years old, giving a presentation on a breakthrough solution his team had been working on. You could feel the energy in the room shift. People leaned in. Some skeptical eyes softened as they realized the young leader before them wasn’t just knowledgeable—he was inspiring. What struck me wasn’t just his technical brilliance but his ability to lead, despite his age. He demonstrated a growth mindset, an empathy-driven mindset, and an ownership mindset in ways that many leaders twice his age struggle with. That day, it became clear to me: You’re never too young to be a great leader, and you’re never too old to be a better one. Let’s talk about these three mindsets that set the stage for great leadership, and more importantly, how you can know when you’re living them out—and when you’re not. Growth...
From Orlando to Your Office: The Secret to Developing Leaders, Not Followers
I recently found myself standing in the middle of a bustling conference room in Orlando, Florida, the air humming with the energy of hundreds of leaders gathered together, eager to learn and grow. The International Maxwell Conference (IMC) was in full swing, and as I looked around, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of excitement. T he room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee, the kind that jolts your senses and sharpens your focus, mingling with the faint scent of new carpet—a sign of a place that had been purposefully prepared for something important. As the crowd settled, John Maxwell, a man whose wisdom has shaped the lives of countless leaders around the world, stepped onto the stage. His presence immediately commanded attention, not just because of his reputation, but because of the profound respect that emanated from everyone in the room. I could feel the collective anticipation, a kind of electric buzz, as he began to speak. John didn’t just talk about...
The Best Investment a Leader Can Make
Imagine you're a leader in a tech organization. (This might be you, so you don't need to imagine; just recall when this happened last.) You’re in a meeting with your team. The usual frustrations bubble up—missed deadlines, lack of ownership, or just the sense that people aren’t fully engaged. You start thinking, “I need better people. Where can I find more talented, motivated folks who actually care?” It’s that frustrating mix of stress, uncertainty, and maybe even a bit of exhaustion—you’re doing everything you can, but things still aren’t clicking. You might be thinking, "Why can’t I just find the right people?" It feels like the solution has to be out there somewhere, just beyond reach. The question we should be asking isn’t “How can I get better people?” The real question is, “How can I become a better leader so I can attract better people?” John Maxwell nailed it when he said, “The first investment you have to make is in yourself. You cannot give what you do not have.” If we’re...
Why I Traveled 36 Hours for One Event – And Why It Was Worth Every Minute
Imagine this: It’s Friday evening in Denmark. The sun’s just starting to come down, and the cool breeze carries a hint of rain. My taxi pulls up outside my house at 5 p.m., and off I go. Not to a dinner, not to a relaxing weekend – but to a 36-hour journey across airports, time zones, and a mix of fast food and stiff airplane seats. Why would anyone do that? I’ll tell you why: growth. The kind of growth that isn’t comfortable, easy, or convenient. The kind of growth that pushes us to new levels so we can lead better, serve better, and show up as our very best selves. The Journey to Growth I spent the night at a small hotel near Aalborg Airport. The bed was a little too firm, the room too quiet – the kind of silence that makes it hard to sleep because your mind is racing about what lies ahead. An early flight out took me through Amsterdam, then Manchester, and finally, after 19 long hours, I touched down in Orlando. You know that mix of exhaustion and anticipation when you’re running...
The Power of Performance Reviews: A Personal Journey
A few years ago, I walked into my performance review feeling confident. I had led several projects to success, received positive feedback from my team, and felt I was on the right track. The sun was shining, the office was buzzing with the scent of fresh coffee, and I could hear the hum of conversations around me. I was ready for praise and perhaps even a discussion about my next steps up the ladder. But then, my manager's evaluation surprised me. He highlighted several areas where I needed improvement. Areas I hadn't even considered problematic. My confidence wavered as he went on, and I felt a mix of confusion and frustration. Why hadn't any of this come up before? Why was I only hearing about these issues now? That day was a turning point for me. It taught me a crucial lesson about the importance of regular 1:1s and performance reviews. Let me share why these practices are vital for leaders and their teams, especially in the tech and engineering sectors. Clarity is Key Imagine...
How One Leader’s “Failure Meetings” Cultivated a Thriving Growth Culture
Imagine you're sitting in a meeting room at a tech company led by Andrew, a visionary CEO known for his innovative approach. Andrew starts the meeting with a question most leaders never ask their teams: "What did you try last week that failed?" As odd as this sounds, it was not an unusual question for Andrew's team. Every time he asks it during their Tuesday "failure meetings," the room buzzes with anticipation as team members begin to share their stories of failed experiments, bold attempts, and lessons learned. Andrew's company thrives on these failure meetings, where failure isn't just tolerated—it's celebrated. By embracing failures, Andrew has cultivated a growth culture that fuels innovation and drives the company's success. If you were in Andrew’s meeting, what would you share to be your failures this past week? What about your team's failures? What would they report to the failure meeting? Andrew’s approach to failure is revolutionary. By holding regular failure meetings, he...
Seeing Failure in the Correct Light: The 7 Abilities Needed to Fail Forward
Imagine standing on the edge of a vast desert, the scorching sun overhead, the sand shifting beneath your feet. This was the atmosphere at SpaceX in 2008, as Elon Musk and his team faced the aftermath of their third failed rocket launch. The tension was palpable, the smell of burnt fuel still lingering in the air. The mood was somber, the weight of failure pressing down heavily on everyone. Elon Musk, however, had a different perspective. He saw this failure not as a defeat but as a stepping stone. "Every successful person is someone who failed, yet never regarded themselves as a failure," says John Maxwell. Musk knew that failure was a part of the journey, a necessary component of ultimate success. The Reality of Failure In the world of mobility, tech, and engineering, failure is inevitable. Projects don't always go as planned, and setbacks can feel insurmountable. But how we perceive and respond to failure makes all the difference. This is where John Maxwell's concept of "Failing...
One Leader’s 4-Phase Journey Through the Five Levels of Leadership
Leadership often takes a backseat to technical prowess in the bustling world of tech and engineering. However, leadership is the force multiplier that can elevate a team from good to great. Let me share a story that highlights the transformative power of leadership. Meet Emma, a brilliant software engineer in the mobility sector. Emma was exceptional at her job, always at the cutting edge of technology. However, she often found herself frustrated with her team's performance. Despite their technical skills, they struggled with collaboration and motivation. Emma initially dismissed the importance of leadership skills, believing that technical excellence was all that mattered. But her frustration led her to explore leadership further, and it transformed her career. Emma's journey started with the realization that there was more to leadership than she had imagined. One day, during a particularly challenging project, her mentor introduced her to John Maxwell's concept of the 5 Levels of...
47 Key Books Every Leader Must Read (this Summer? 😮)
What are you reading this summer? As we dive into the heart of the season, it's a perfect time to reflect on the power of reading. Books are more than just words on a page—they are gateways to new perspectives, strategies, and insights. They challenge our thinking, broaden our understanding, and equip us with the tools to navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and empathy. Reading has been a cornerstone of my development in my journey as an individual, a leader, and, lately, a leadership consultant and executive coach. It has provided me with the wisdom and inspiration to guide leaders like you towards achieving remarkable results. In the spirit of growth and continuous learning, I'm excited to share my personal library and reading recommendations with you. Whether you're an aspiring leader looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced leader seeking fresh insights, these books have the power to transform your leadership journey. Here’s a curated list of 47...
Attitude is always a ‘player’ on your team
As Mark walked into the high-tech automotive workshop, the scent of metal and grease mingled with the faint aroma of fresh coffee. Engineers were busy, their focus shifting between computer screens and electric car components. The atmosphere buzzed with activity, but beneath the surface, a different energy brewed—one driven by attitude. A few months ago, Mark, a senior manager at an automotive engineering firm, hit a rough patch. The state of the economy, geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, and top-down decisions from the mother company in China weighed heavily on him. These challenges cluttered his vision, and he became fixated on circumstances beyond his control. Mark’s once vibrant energy dulled. The workshop, once filled with enthusiasm and innovation, began to feel heavy. Conversations that used to hum with excitement now carried a somber tone. The soft whir of electrical components was overshadowed by a palpable sense of frustration. Mark’s attitude was seeping into the...
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