Positive Leadership Leadership: a matter of love. With Gianpiero Petriglieri
Sep 17, 2025
Gianpiero Petriglieri, a Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD and former psychiatrist, dives into the heart of leadership and personal transformation. He discusses how childhood shaped his explorations of identity and belonging. Leadership, he argues, transcends skills and is deeply tied to emotional courage and authenticity. Gianpiero boldly claims that leadership is akin to love, emphasizing care and connection. He also calls for a reimagining of leadership education to prioritize community and experiential learning over traditional models.
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The 12 Pizzas That Taught Dignity
- Gianpiero recounts a childhood memory of his father taking psychiatric residents to a pizzeria to restore dignity.
- The story of the man ordering 12 pizzas taught him work can humanize and restore people's dignity.
Skeptical Patient Shaped Professionalism
- Gianpiero describes a skeptical therapy client who began by saying she didn't believe in psychotherapy.
- The exchange taught him professionalism is holding theory and the person in front of you simultaneously.
Inner Work Is Attention Plus Conversation
- Inner work is about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, temptations and the conversation you have with yourself.
- Reflection and refinement let leaders convert passion into care and avoid burning people with untempered energy.
