How Pressure Corrupts Well-Meaning Leaders with Sabina Nawaz

In this episode of Transform Your Workplace, host Brandon Laws sits down with global executive coach and author Sabina Nawaz to discuss the unseen pressures of leadership and how they can unknowingly change the way we lead. Drawing from her own experience as a former Microsoft executive, Nawaz shares how relentless pressure—not power—can corrupt even the most well-intentioned leaders. Through practical strategies, she offers a path forward for leaders to stay connected, self-aware, and intentional in their management approach. Don’t let pressure derail your leadership—tune in now to learn how to lead with clarity, connection, and confidence.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• Leadership pressure can quietly push managers toward efficiency over empathy, distancing them from their teams.

• Strengths in previous roles, like efficiency or attention to detail, can be misinterpreted negatively in leadership.

• Employees often avoid giving honest feedback to leaders, leading to blind spots and poor decisions.

• When leaders voice their opinions first, others may hesitate to challenge them, creating blind consensus.

• Small habits, like putting away your phone in meetings, can improve leadership presence and connection.

• Leaders are always being watched—small actions and reactions can significantly impact team morale.

• Leadership is about creating an environment where others succeed, not doing all the work yourself.

 

A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST 

🔊 Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR 🎙️ 

Host: Brandon Laws 📋 

his own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.

About Xenium HR

Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. Whether managing employee relations, payroll processing, or implementing impactful training programs, Xenium is the trusted partner businesses rely on to elevate their workplace experience. Discover how Xenium can transform your workplace: Learn more

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