

EP209 - The Future of Leadership Is Human – Former Accenture Partner Brad Englert Explains Why
In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with former Accenture Partner, CIO, and author of Spheres of Influence, Brad Englert, for an eye-opening conversation on trust, leadership, and building relationships that actually last.
Across his 22-year career at Accenture and through his time leading massive transformations in higher education, Brad saw one truth repeat itself: relationships aren’t soft skills—they’re strategy. In a world obsessed with speed, hustle, and hierarchy, Brad makes a compelling case for slowing down, connecting deeply, and leading with intention.
He shares how learning to say “whoa” instead of “yes” saved his marriage, preserved his energy, and ultimately made him a more respected leader. From bomb threats to burnout, vendor funerals to Winnebago leadership tours, Brad unpacks the principles that helped him create trust-rich environments in companies with over 70,000 people.
Together, they explore why most leadership training skips the stuff that matters most, how fire-drill cultures kill innovation, and what it really takes to empower people to lead themselves. If you’ve ever felt overworked, undervalued, or unsure how to scale your impact without sacrificing your values—this episode is your blueprint.
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https://www.facebook.com/BradEnglertAdvisory/
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What We Discussed:
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00:00 Introduction
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01:25 Why relationships are the real key to success
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04:15 “Don’t say no—say whoa”
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08:17 How to be a better boss (and human)
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09:58 Trust is built in the small moments, not just in crises
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14:20 Are You Willing to Get in the Foxhole With Your Team?
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16:18 How COVID reinforced the power of real relationships
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19:23 Good work doesn’t require an office
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24:39 How to build trust that lasts decades
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28:14 Saying yes to everything is a leadership mistake
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30:04 Hero culture is not a sustainable work culture
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34:40 Why slowing down is the smartest leadership move
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40:26 Why Gen Z doesn’t trust leadership
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42:35 The funeral of a vendor who didn’t listen
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44:48 The best leaders make themselves replaceable
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