Episode #214. Chris Smith on leadership doesn’t need a title

Today, we explore leadership with retired Australian airline captain and author Chris Smith, known for his book Leadership at 43,000 Feet.

With decades of senior experience in aviation, now a senior lecturer and aviation counsellor, Chris advocates globally for engagement and mental health in organisations. He draws compelling parallels between piloting and team management, highlighting humility as a leader's "superpower." In aviation, it’s not about titles but specialist knowledge—no one can be an expert in every field. Genuine humility encourages openness, reducing the hierarchy that often stifles growth.

Shelley and Chris discuss the paradox of humility in leadership, where leaders frequently trade it for strength, courage and ego, especially as they advance in their roles. He believes dropping the traditional "command and control" facade is crucial for effective leadership. Transforming culture from the ground up remains one of Chris's most rewarding aspects of leadership, fostering genuine change across the organisation.

Grab a copy of Chris's book: https://www.aculturalleadership.com/store

Connect with Chris: https://www.aculturalleadership.com/ Connect with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyflett/⁠⁠ Work with Shelley: ⁠⁠https://shelleyflett.com ⁠