The StoryBrand Podcast #47: Why Narcissists Rise to Power and What Self-Aware Leaders Do Differently
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Nov 24, 2025 
In this conversation, leadership advisor Les Corba, a former White House speechwriter and author of 'Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly,' delves into the critical role of self-awareness in leadership. He distinguishes between productive and destructive narcissism, explaining how grandiosity can attract followers while blind spots can lead to catastrophic failures, as seen in Enron and Lehman Brothers. Les emphasizes the importance of trust, feedback cultures, and leading with vulnerability to foster authentic leadership amidst a landscape rife with ego-driven behaviors.
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Productive Vs. Destructive Narcissism
- Narcissistic leaders can be 'productive' when their grandiosity fuels bold visions and results.
- But lack of self-awareness turns productive traits into destructive blind spots that harm others.
Jobs Paired Vision With Operations
- Les Corba cites Steve Jobs as a visionary who admitted his difficult leadership style and partnered with Tim Cook.
- That partnership balanced visionary excess with operational discipline and mitigated damage.
All Or Nothing Messaging
- Narcissistic messaging often frames people as either for you or against you, eliminating middle ground.
- Such leaders surround themselves with sycophants and mistake isolation for self-awareness.
