Episode 139: Learning To Lead With Darja Gutnick

Are leaders born or made? That is the one of the most often-asked questions about leadership. The answer is that it’s “mostly made”. Researchers indicate that leadership is about one-third born and two-thirds made. So, in short, leaders can indeed be developed.

In this episode, you’ll meet Darja Gutnick, Co-Founder and CEO of Bunch, who believes all of us have an inner leader and the best results happen when we dance with leading, allowing ideas to flow freely, unencumbered by roles and titles. Darja shares how leadership is a mindset that can be learned and not some hidden talent that we need to discover. It’s hard work, attitudes, and behavior that we show every day. It’s showing up every day for our team.

Featured in Forbes, Darja is a rebel academic-turned-entrepreneur with a knack for making psychology tangible. Her motto is grow, inspire, and stay humble. As CEO at Bunch, she’s working to redefine leadership for millennial managers - partly because she is one, and is on her own leadership journey too.

Visit https://www.iambeyondbarriers.com where you will find show notes and links to all the resources in this episode, including the best way to get in touch with Darja.

 

Highlights:

[02:19] Darja’s story

[04:07] The decision to become an entrepreneur

[09:01] Weighing the risks and rewards of a big decision

[13:47] Helping people find their inner leader

[21:51] Gaining access to the right people

[26:45] Darja’s daily success habits

[30:40] Bunch team rituals

[33:58] We are all a work in progress

[38:04] Advice to women on accelerating success

 

Quotes:

“In the end, being transparent, vulnerable, and straightforward wins the game. So if you can find the strength to do that, it’s always the better choice.” – Darja Gutnick 

“Leadership is a mindset. You can learn it. It’s not something you’re born with. It’s not some hidden talent that we need to discover. It’s hard work, attitudes, and behavior that you show every day. It’s showing up every day for your team.” - Darja Gutnick

“The more we encourage each other to step up and lead, the more we benefit from each other.” - Darja Gutnick 

“Be kind to yourself and thankful for everything you bring to the table.” – Darja Gutnick

 

About Darja Gutnick:

Darja is a rebel academic-turned-entrepreneur with a knack for making psychology tangible. Her motto is grow, inspire, and stay humble. As CEO at Bunch, she’s working to redefine leadership for millennial managers - partly because she is one, and is on her own leadership journey too.

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darjagutnick/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darjagutnick

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darjagutnick/