Humble Leadership is Not an Oxymoron: Stephen Baxter on PYP 620

Stephen Baxter lives in Tasmania, which has Tasmanian devils which sadly are nothing like the one that gave me nightmares as a little kid watching Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday mornings.

He’s a leadership mentor who promotes a style of leadership very different from the stereotypical command-and-control style of celebrated CEOs and generals: a humble, relational, and community-centered style of leadership rooted in influence, story, and service.

Drawing from his diverse experience—as a former pastor, mentor to political leaders, and grassroots organizer—Stephen explains the power of "leading leaders" rather than followers, and how narrative, self-awareness, and collaboration shape a more human and sustainable model of leadership.

He shows us how it’s possible to lead without ego and create culture without control. These qualities can foster change in  local communities and global systems.

From church pews to parliament halls, from jazz bands to ultimate Frisbee teams, this conversation unpacks how leadership shows up in ordinary places—and why that's where it matters most.

What We Talked About

• The unique leadership ecosystem of Tasmania
• How leadership is different when people come voluntarily (vs. for a paycheck)
• The myth of the "alpha" leader and the power of facilitation
• Leadership as storytelling, not status
• Cultivating leadership in community, not in hierarchy
• How fear and unmet needs distort leadership
• The hidden leadership potential in all of us
• Tips for stepping into leadership in your family, workplace, or community