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The Leadership Podcast

The Leadership Podcast

We Study Leaders

TLP475: Democratic Leadership: Building Agency with Nicola Ilic

September 3, 2025

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Nicola Ilic is a social entrepreneur, activist, and adjunct professor of leadership at Georgetown University. He’s the founder of Changelab and applies lessons from grassroots movements to transform how leaders build agency in others. In this episode, Nikola defines democratic leadership as enabling people to exercise leadership regardless of title when facing uncertainty rather than…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: activism, agency development, basketball, business transformation, challenging environments, change management, circle of influence, coaching questions, collective intelligence, culture by design, delegation, democratic leadership, Democratic Leadership: Moving Beyond Authority to Build Agency, employee empowerment, experiential learning, Georgetown University, idea competition, Jan Rutherford, Jim Vaselopulos, leadership development, meritocracy, moral compass, nicola ilic, nonviolent resistance, office politics, organizational change, parenting lessons, purpose-driven work, reflection, Serbia, social entrepreneurship, social movements, startup methodology, strategic change, Team Dynamics, The Leadership Podcast, trust building, uncertainty management, workplace culture

TLP472: Embracing Uncertainty with Dr. Margaret Heffernan

August 13, 2025

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Dr. Margaret Heffernan has written six books including “Willful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious at Our Peril” and “Uncharted: How to Navigate the Future,” both widely recognized as top business books. Dr. Heffernan returns to the Leadership Podcast with insights from her new book “Embracing Uncertainty: How writers, musicians and artists thrive in an…

Filed Under: Podcast Tagged With: adaptive leadership, artists and business, board leadership, business books, Business Strategy, CEO insights, creative leadership, decision making, embracing uncertainty, Executive Coaching, experiential learning, failure and learning, innovation leadership, intuition in leadership, leadership development, Leadership Podcast, leadership retreat, Listening skills, live music and leadership, managing uncertainty, Margaret Heffernan, mindful leadership, organizational leadership, planning vs spontaneity, risk management, Strategic Planning, validation and leadership, Vulnerability in Leadership, wandering for insights

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At 23, Barry Jesinoski got promoted over two peopl At 23, Barry Jesinoski got promoted over two people with 20+ years experience each. He was terrified. His secret? He told them the truth about what he didn't know and what he needed from them. Three decades later, every new Disabled American Veterans (DAV) employee hears these same two priorities from him personally.Listen to the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Integrity #Communication #VeteranLeadership #DAV #WorkplaceCulture
People kept asking Admiral McRaven how to lead mil People kept asking Admiral McRaven how to lead millennials and Gen Z differently. His answer? You don't. Yeah, they listen to different music and have different ideas, but leadership fundamentals haven't changed since his parents' generation. Integrity, hard work, leading from the front, that stuff still works. Stop overthinking it.Full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-500?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Millennials #GenZ #AdmiralMcRaven #LeadershipMyths #TheLeadershipPodcast #NavySEAL #TimelessLeadership
Three-star General Ray Palumbo breaks down somethi Three-star General Ray Palumbo breaks down something most people never think about - the real difference between being a leader and being a general. The distinction he makes about mission focus will hit you differently when you realize what military leaders actually sacrifice. Listen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Military #Generalship #ThreeStarGeneral #MissionFirst #Constitution #Sacrifice #CorporateLeadership
TLP473: Leading Those Who've Served with Barry Jes TLP473: Leading Those Who've Served with Barry Jesinoski Our latest episode with Barry Jesinoski https://bit.ly/TLP-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP473%3A%20Leading%20Those%20Who%27ve%20Served%20with%20Barry%20Jesinoski #leadership #Veterans #DAV #DisabledAmericanVeterans #Military #Marines #Integrity #Communication #VeteranBenefits #Entrepreneurship #PatriotBootCamp #VeteranEmployment #ServiceDisabledVeterans #WorkplaceCulture #RemoteWork #Collaboration #Mentorship #Advocacy #VeteranSupport #NonProfit #CharityWork #VeteranServices #Leadership473 #TheLeadershipPodcast #RaftyAdvisors #SelfReliantLeadership #VeteranAdvocacy #VeteranCare #MilitaryService #VeteranEntrepreneurship
Dr. Margaret Heffernan just dropped some truth abo Dr. Margaret Heffernan just dropped some truth about why we're all making terrible decisions. We're so busy being efficient that we're not giving our brains time to connect the dots. Sometimes the best leadership move is to close the laptop and go for a walk. Your next breakthrough might be waiting on the sidewalk.Full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Intuition #DecisionMaking #Leadership #BusinessWisdom
You don't always need to do more to be effective—s You don't always need to do more to be effective—sometimes the smartest move is to pause. In this episode, Jim and Jan explore the power of doing nothing—and how stepping back can lead to better clarity, stronger decisions, and more aligned action. This isn't about being lazy—it's about being intentional. Tune in for lessons, stories, and real talk on character, values, and leadership. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipPodcast #SelfLeadership #DoNothing #PauseAndReflect #LeadershipLessons #HighPerformance #JimAndJan #MentalClarity #DecisionMaking #LeadershipTools #SlowDownToSpeedUp #BusinessLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #WorkSmarter #LeadershipDevelopment
Sometimes the scariest thing isn't the unknown, it Sometimes the scariest thing isn't the unknown, it's staying stuck in what we already know. Dr. Margaret Heffernan's latest book "Embracing Uncertainty" hits differently when you realize we're all just making it up as we go anyway.Full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#EmbraceUncertainty #Leadership #Innovation #Podcast #MargaretHeffernan #Growth
Ever wonder why throwing facts at people never wor Ever wonder why throwing facts at people never works? Kurt Gray's research reveals the uncomfortable truth about how our brains actually process disagreements. Spoiler: it's not about the data.🎧 Full episode breaks down why we argue the way we do - https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders // https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Facts #Psychology #Arguments #Communication #Research #Leadership #Podcast
TLP471: How Fear Drives Behavior and Why Tradition TLP471: How Fear Drives Behavior and Why Traditional Leadership Backfires with Kurt Gray Our latest episode with Kurt Gray https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP471%3A%20How%20Fear%20Drives%20Behavior%20and%20Why%20Traditional%20Leadership%20Backfires%20with%20Kurt%20Gray #leadership #leadership #psychology #moralpsychology #teamdynamics #workplaceconflict #vulnerability #outrageculture #socialmedia #humanbehavior #evolutionarypsychology #communication #teambuilding #organizationalculture #conflictresolution #empathy #neuroscience #decisionmaking #moraljudgment #workplacerelationships #employeeengagement #leadershipdevelopment #workplacepsychology #civilconversation #harmnarratives #preynotpredator
In today's episode, Sara Sabin said AI might be ma In today's episode, Sara Sabin said AI might be making us lazy, but it's not the tool itself, it's how we're using it. When everything starts looking the same - marketing, emails, even school essays - we've got a problem. The real danger isn't robots taking over, it's us stopping our brains from doing the hard work that makes us, us.Listen to the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-477?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #AI #criticalthinking #neuroscience #podcast
This hit different. We're not having fact debates This hit different. We're not having fact debates - we're having harm debates. Everyone's protecting what they see as threatened. Once you get that, everything changes.🎧 Full episode drops truth bombs - https://bit.ly/TLP-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders // https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-471?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Communication #Facts #Morality #Psychology #Podcast
Sometimes, the smartest move isn't action—it's sha Sometimes, the smartest move isn't action—it's sharpening your axe. Jim reminds us why leaders need to pause and think before jumping in. Thoughtful effort beats busy work every time. https://bit.ly/TLP-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersYou can also watch it in our YouTube channel - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-468?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#LeadershipPodcast #SharpenTheAxe #ThinkBeforeYouAct #JimAndJan #LeadershipTips #SmartLeadership #DoNothing #DeepWork #MindfulLeadership #StrategicThinking
This isn't about collecting business cards at netw This isn't about collecting business cards at networking events. It's about building genuine relationships that become the foundation for everything meaningful you'll accomplish.Hear more from Jed Brewer at https://bit.ly/TLP-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-476?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#networking #relationships #success #leadership #theleadershippodcast
Dr. Margaret Heffernan just blew our minds talking Dr. Margaret Heffernan just blew our minds talking about how the chief economist at the Bank of England would wander London streets before big decisions - not to think about the problem, but to absorb the mood of the country. Turns out your brain needs random, unplanned input to make brilliant connections. We're all so obsessed with efficiency that we're starving our intuition of the very thing it needs most: time to wander and wonder.Listen to the full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-472?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #DecisionMaking #Intuition #BusinessStrategy
Nicola Ilic is a former activist who helped overth Nicola Ilic is a former activist who helped overthrow a dictator just explained why your top-down company structure is losing to competitors. Democratic countries dominate economically because they harness everyone's ideas, not just the CEO's. Wild how the same principles apply to boardrooms.Full episode at https://bit.ly/TLP-475?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-475?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#democraticleadership #business #competition #ideas #innovation #leadership
Barry Jesinoski's path from Marine to CEO of Disab Barry Jesinoski's path from Marine to CEO of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) wasn't exactly linear. After a medical discharge that left him feeling "devastated" as a young Marine, he found himself needing help navigating VA benefits. Listen to the full episode to hear how Barry built a culture where every single employee knows their two non-negotiables: integrity and communication. https://bit.ly/TLP-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Veterans #DAV #MilitaryTransition #ServiceBefore #VeteranSupport
From tavern owner's grandson to three-star general From tavern owner's grandson to three-star general - Ray Palumbo's journey proves that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary leadership. This episode dives deep into the difference between leadership and generalship, why some of our best military minds won't run for office, and the power of using your "scraps of time." Listen here - https://bit.ly/TLP-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here - https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-469?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Military #ThreeStarGeneral #ValuesBasedLeadership #SpecialOperations #160thSOAR #Leadership469 #LeadershipPodcast
TLP502: Never Fire Anyone with Mark Morgenfruh Ou TLP502: Never Fire Anyone with Mark Morgenfruh Our latest episode with Mark Morgenfruh https://bit.ly/TLP-502?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders&utm_content=TLP502%3A%20Never%20Fire%20Anyone%20with%20Mark%20Morgenfruh #leadership #leadership, #trustbasedleadership, #hrleadership, #neverfireanyone, #leadershipdevelopment, #theleadershippodcast, #leadershippodcast, #workplaceculture, #leadershipcoach, #performancemanagement, #accountability, #accountabilityleadership, #peoplemanagement, #valuesbasedleadership, #employeeperformance, #compassionateleadership, #leadershipandempathy, #difficultconversations,
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) spends only 1% of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) spends only 1% of their budget on lobbying but gets massive results. Barry Jesinoski's secret? Stay laser-focused on veterans, not politics. When you call out lawmakers, it's not about their party affiliation, it's about whether they're supporting those who served. Leaders take note: mission over politics wins every time.Listen to the full conversation https://bit.ly/TLP-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleadersWatch the full episode here https://bit.ly/TLP-YT-473?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#Leadership #Politics #DAV #VeteranAdvocacy #Lobbying #ApoliticalLeadership #NonProfit
You're a great dad, a loyal friend, a real person You're a great dad, a loyal friend, a real person on Saturday. Then Monday comes and somehow you turn into a different human. Mark Morgenfruh spent 33 years watching it happen and he's got a lot to say about why. Episode 502 is worth your commute. https://bit.ly/TLP-502?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=westudyleaders#leadership #trustbasedleadership #workplaceculture #leadershippodcast #theleadershippodcast #neverfireanyone
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  • TLP501: Failure as Fuel: When to push through and when to quit
  • TLP500: The Leadership Myths We Keep Getting Wrong with Admiral Bill McRaven
  • TLP499: You’re Charging for the Wrong Thing with Joe Pine
  • TLP498: Why Grit Isn’t Enough: Rethinking Resilience in Leadership

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