Start with Who, Not Why: Dr. David Burkus on Leadership and Building Impactful Teams

Join Staffbase Head of Content Brian Tomlinson as he chats with Dr. David Burkus, bestselling author and one of the world’s top business thinkers, to explore what it takes to build the best team ever. With insights from his books like Best Team Ever and The Myths of Creativity, David unpacks the traits of high-performing teams, why creativity is a team sport, and how leaders can rethink traditional management norms to foster innovation and connection.

In this episode, David shares actionable advice for leaders navigating today’s workplace, from building trust in remote teams to cultivating a resourceful mindset. He also challenges long-held myths about creativity and reveals why storytelling and networks are vital tools for team success. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a large organization, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you inspire, empower, and lead with purpose.

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Selected People, Places & Things Mentioned: David Burkus books; David Burkus website; Brazilian jiu-jitsu; Judo; Taekwondo; UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship); Royce Gracie; Blockbuster Video; Jigorō Kanō; Amy Edmondson; Brené Brown; Boris Groysberg; Philadelphia Eagles; Ford Motor Company; Alan Mulally; Mark Fields; Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs; Simon Sinek; Jon Levy; Brian Uzzi; Nick Christakis; James Fowler; Jim Rohn

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Follow the host and guest: Brian Tomlinson on LinkedIn & David Burkus on LinkedIn

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About Staffbase:

Staffbase is the fastest-growing, most experienced employee communications platform provider for enterprise companies seeking to inspire diverse, disconnected, and distributed workforces. Staffbase is on a mission to empower communicators worldwide with a platform that helps companies connect with every employee through inspiring communication that drives collaboration and achieves business results.

Headquartered in Chemnitz, Germany, Staffbase has offices worldwide, including New York City, London, Berlin, Sydney, and Vancouver.

Learn more at staffbase.com.