What’s the ROI of vulnerability at work? It’s big—personally and professionally. In today’s Leadership Spark, I explore why being a vulnerable leader pays off. We’ll break down the concept of Mismatch Theory—why the “tough boss” style of the past doesn’t cut it today and why leaders who don’t evolve may get left behind. Vulnerability—when done right—not only boosts your team’s trust and engagement but also directly contributes to business success. Yet, less than 11% of employees view vulnerability as a strength in their leaders, which leaves a lot of untapped potential.

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During times of rapid growth and disruption, aligning teams and sustaining a strong culture can be daunting, but Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood, has successfully led his company to unicorn status by focusing on these essentials. In this episode, we dive into his leadership strategies, exploring why team mobilization is central to a CEO’s role and how effective communication fosters alignment. Diego reveals how iFood’s non-negotiable culture supports an entrepreneurial mindset, values radical candor, and encourages big thinking. He shares insights into how iFood adapted during the pandemic, balancing employee comfort with high performance by instilling grit. We also discuss how iFood’s six-month cultural sprints inspire innovation and resilience and examine the role of the “pendulum effect” in guiding flexible leadership strategies.

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How does vulnerability fit into leadership? Being vulnerable as a leader is tricky, but there’s a clear difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability. In today’s Leadership Spark, I share how my own journey with panic attacks reshaped my understanding of vulnerability. Through interviews with executives, I found that while vulnerability in personal life is crucial, in the workplace it’s a different story. Many executives ask if they should project unwavering confidence, or share their struggles? The answer is both! The key is not just exposing your weaknesses but demonstrating how you’re closing the gaps—combining vulnerability with action, as shown by examples from leaders like Fleetwood Grobler and Hollis Harris. Vulnerability alone can be risky, but combine it with action, and you’ve got leadership gold. I also share stories from top executives that illustrate how leading with vulnerability makes all the difference in building trust and resilience.

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Did you know that those most eager to lead might actually be the worst at it? Have you ever worked with a leader who’s always eager to step up, but when they get the role, things fall apart? We often think that leadership is about willingness and eagerness, but recent research shows the opposite—leaders chosen for their desire to lead often perform worse than those randomly selected. In this episode, we break down these surprising insights with Professor David Deming at Harvard Kennedy School. David shares why effective leadership is about having the right skills, not just wanting the role. We dive into key traits like overconfidence, emotional intelligence (EQ), and economic decision-making, and how they play critical roles in leadership success. You’ll learn why overconfidence can backfire and prevent leaders from truly understanding their team. Plus, we discuss how randomly selected managers often outperform eager volunteers and why organizations need to rethink how they develop and choose strong leaders—it’s not just about who raises their hand.

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Can you be strong by showing your weakness at work?

Leadership isn’t just about being strong and visionary, nor is it simply about being vulnerable. It’s about balancing both. In today’s workplace, leaders are faced with a unique dilemma—should they lead with authority or with authenticity? You need to do both. In today’s Leadership Spark, I unpack the critical difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability with insights from 140 CEOs I interviewed. We'll explore how the best leaders aren’t afraid to show their gaps, but they take action to close them. From stories like Hollis Harris at Continental Airlines to Fleetwood Grobler at Sasol, you’ll learn why sharing challenges without a plan can cost you the job, but leading with vulnerability can rebuild entire companies.

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People leaders are moving beyond traditional HR to shape the future of work and employee experience, and this community provides the resources and connections to do that effectively. Existing communities fall short: they’re expensive, focus on superficial discussions, and constantly upsell products. Future of Work Leaders fixes that. As a member, you shape the community, decide on topics, provide feedback, and interact directly with me, (Jacob Morgan) for insights... and it’s budget friendly! Join CHROs and CPOs from Northrop Grumman, Johnson & Johnson, Lego, and Tractor Supply who are already part of this elite group. If you’re CHRO or CPOI you can request an invite at FutureOfWorkLeaders.com and lead your organization into the future.

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Every leader wants to make an impact in their organization, but running a giant like Sam’s Club requires next-level leadership. How do great leaders like Chris Nicholas balance the demands of leading an $84 billion business with a focus on people?

As President and CEO of Sam’s Club, Chris’ approach to leadership is all about impact and purpose. Growing up in Hull, England, Chris learned the value of hard work early, and it’s shaped how he runs one of the largest retailers in the world today.

In this episode, we dive into Chris’ purpose-driven approach to leadership and explore the strategies that make him so effective in empowering his teams. We discuss why leading with purpose is not just a buzzword but essential in creating a loyal and motivated workforce, and how trust serves as the foundation for building high-performance teams. Chris breaks down his unique Trust Equation and shares how he uses it to inspire and empower employees at every level of the organization.

We also explore Sam’s Club’s innovative club model, where membership fees and a focus on curated, high-quality products allow the company to offer exceptional value to its members. Chris explains how leveraging Walmart’s technology and supply chain capabilities gives Sam’s Club a competitive edge in both convenience and pricing. You’ll learn how Chris fosters an environment where frontline employees are empowered to make decisions and why this approach is key to driving innovation and customer satisfaction.

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Is leadership changing or staying the same? Leadership today is harder than ever, with rising pressure from all angles—public scrutiny, polarized workplaces, and a workforce that's losing interest in climbing the leadership ladder. If leadership is this tough, why should anyone step up? We need MORE leaders, NOT FEWER. In today's Leadership Spark, we dive deep into the challenges and evolving expectations of leadership in the modern world. Leaders often believe they’re performing well, but there’s a massive disconnect—employees disagree. It's no longer just about setting vision and hitting targets. Leaders must redefine their roles, spend more time with their teams, and guide others like lighthouses leading ships through rough waters. Leadership today requires self-awareness, continuous growth, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/