Colin Fisher: Why Teams, Not Stars, Create Lasting Success

The core message of Colin M. Fisher’s new book, The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups, is simple but profound: we dramatically overestimate the role of individuals in success and underestimate the extraordinary power of groups. History celebrates “great men” like Edison, Jobs, and Musk, but the truth is that real breakthroughs nearly always come from teams—groups that learn how to cooperate effectively, stick together, and build upon one another’s strengths.

Too often, workplace managers mirror this cultural bias becoming infatuated with star performers. They lavish praise and resources on individuals, hoping one person’s brilliance will carry the whole. But as Colin makes clear, the true competitive advantage lies in developing cohesive, resilient teams. A star may dazzle for a while, but groups that collaborate well produce enduring results—driving innovation, loyalty, and resilience that no single person can deliver on their own.

Colin argues that our obsession with individual genius has left workplaces fractured and often mismanaged. And when leaders cling to fear-based tactics—believing pressure and intimidation will push people to perform—they undermine the very conditions groups need to excel. Negative experiences weigh five times more heavily on the human brain than positive ones. They consume energy, erode trust, and ensure people take fewer risks. Fear creates compliance, at best, but never the creativity, loyalty, or innovation required for long-term success.

Our conversation zeroed in on what makes groups thrive. Loyalty, belonging, and well-being aren’t “soft” ideas (as our podcast audience knows very well); they are competitive advantages. Teams that stay together outperform those plagued by turnover. Organizations that invest in caring for people not only attract and retain talent but also become more adaptable in times of disruption. Colin’s research powerfully confirms what many of us already know: well-being is not separate from performance—it’s the fuel that allows groups to commit fully, collaborate deeply, and sustain high achievement over time.

Colin’s research also reveals that truly effective cooperation requires more than just hitting goals—it demands that members feel satisfied enough to remain personally committed. That’s why enduring teams, like the Rolling Stones, last for decades: they balance performance with the relational glue that keeps people engaged.

We also explored some of Colin’s most compelling insights for leaders not previously heard with past guests. In a world increasingly divided and polarized, Colin’s work is a reminder that our greatest strength comes not from going it alone, or idolizing lone stars, but from rediscovering the collective edge—unlocking the trust, creativity, resilience, and well-being that only groups can deliver.