Today in Tech Why most leaders fail in a crisis — and how to fix it | Ep. 231
Jun 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Robert Siegel, a Stanford lecturer and author of The Systems Leader, shares insights on effective leadership in challenging times. He emphasizes the shift from authoritarian styles to collaborative approaches, highlighting stories from Nike and 23andMe on resilience during crises. Siegel discusses balancing innovation with accountability, adapting to AI impacts, and the importance of empathy. He sheds light on generational perspectives, urging leaders to embrace transparency and learn from mistakes, ultimately redefining what modern leadership requires.
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Systems Leadership Defined
- Systems leadership is about managing multiple cross pressures simultaneously in a turbulent environment.
- Leaders must embody dualities internally and respond differently to rapid technological and societal changes.
Leading Beyond Silos
- Traditional siloed leadership styles fail in today's interconnected, fast-changing world.
- Leaders must understand and manage impacts across functions like sales, engineering, and manufacturing.
Iron Fist, Velvet Glove
- Kathy Mazzarella of Graybar demonstrates balance by commanding respect with strength while showing genuine empathy.
- She holds people accountable but seeks root causes like personal issues behind missed targets.
