The Leadership Podcast by Niels Brabandt EMBA MBA / NB Networks

Niels Brabandt, the owner and founder of NB Networks, is your host. Sustainable Leadership. We are helping managers to become better leaders. This show dedicates time to help, to improve and to assist you in achieving your goals. You may already be a leader and aim to become better, or you want to be in a leadership position in the future and avoid mistakes on the way of getting there. Your host, Niels Brabandt, is in business since 1998. He worked for a large corporation as well as a global franchise company before he became full-time self-employed. This podcast is your free access to his knowledge, his experience and his network of experts. What can you expect? You will get scientifically proven expertise. Your host will make unambiguously clear when he is talking about opinion rather than facts. He will address your challenges as a leader or someone who wants to be one and how to overcome them. The challenges you face as a leader in today's business world come from many different aspects of an organisation. Finding the right way to communicate and managing conflicts are just the beginning. Excellent presentations skills are a must today besides dealing with change inside and outside the teams which you have to lead — keeping motivation high means that you must be able to have skills of influence without being manipulative. Negotiate and set goals, be creative and innovative, make the right decisions and position yourself in a business work which heavily relies on networking. You must deliver all this at the best quality with efficient and effective processes during projects which must be on time, on track, on target but under budget. Moreover, of course, you must recruit, develop and retain the best talents of your industry. Your employer's brand and business storytelling become a significant part of your work today. At the same time, hard skills as forecasting, planning, conceptualisation are part of you as a leader mastering Strategy. Of course, selling the products has to work as well in challenging and competitive environments. Niels Brabandt, owner and founder of NB Networks, your host, will help to become a (better) leader.

#471 Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Why AI Adoption Is a Leadership Challenge, Not a Technology One | Niels Brabandt 02/04/2026

#471 Trust in Artificial Intelligence: Why AI Adoption Is a Leadership Challenge, Not a Technology One | Niels Brabandt Artificial Intelligence is no longer experimental. It is embedded in daily business decisions, workflows, and leadership processes. Yet across organisations, trust in Artificial Intelligence remains fragile. In this episode of the Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt explains why AI adoption fails not because of technological limitations, but because leadership underestimates the human, cultural, and organisational risks attached to its use. Business leaders often interpret hesitation towards AI as resistance to change. In reality, scepticism is frequently rational. When Artificial Intelligence produces incorrect or fabricated results, the consequences inside organisations can be severe. Employees understand that using AI and being wrong may be punished more harshly than avoiding AI altogether and working without it. This episode explores: Why trust in Artificial Intelligence is primarily a leadership responsibility How organisational culture silently discourages AI usage Why poor AI awareness training destroys trust instead of building it The importance of scientific credibility and professional qualification in AI education Why leaders must actively use AI themselves to enable adoption How accountability, resources, and psychological safety determine successful AI implementation Drawing on international experience across large corporations and smaller organisations, Niels Brabandt outlines a structured approach to building trust in Artificial Intelligence through leadership behaviour, professional training, and organisational support systems. This episode is essential listening for executives, senior managers, HR leaders, and business decision makers responsible for AI strategy, digital transformation, and organisational change. Trust in Artificial Intelligence is not created by tools or mandates. It is created by leadership. Keywords: Niels Brabandt Trust in Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence leadership AI adoption in organisations Leadership and AI Digital transformation leadership Responsible AI in business AI and organisational culture Executive leadership and AI Change management and Artificial Intelligence AI awareness training Human trust in AI systems Future of work and AI Decision making with Artificial Intelligence Host: Niels Brabandt Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39977470

#470 Leading Generation Z: Why Credibility, Purpose and Psychological Safety Define Modern Leadership | Niels Brabandt 01/28/2026

#470 Leading Generation Z: Why Credibility, Purpose and Psychological Safety Define Modern Leadership | Niels Brabandt In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt provides an evidence-based, executive-level analysis of how to lead Generation Z effectively in today’s organisations and why traditional authority-driven leadership models are no longer sufficient. Drawing on organisational psychology, labour market dynamics and practical leadership experience, Niels Brabandt explains why credibility now outweighs hierarchy, why purpose has become a decisive factor in motivation, and why psychological safety is a strategic prerequisite for performance, innovation and retention. He demonstrates how unscientific recruiting practices, outdated power structures and generational stereotypes damage employer branding, trust and long-term competitiveness. Key topics include: Who Generation Z really is and why generational stereotypes fail Why positional authority is losing impact and credibility is becoming the core leadership currency The role of purpose, values and meaning in motivating high-performing talent Psychological safety as a leadership responsibility and performance driver Evidence-based recruiting and the dangers of pseudoscientific assessment methods Situational awareness in an era of rising living costs, talent shortages and changing career expectations Generational diversity as a strategic advantage for leadership, culture, innovation and market relevance This episode is designed for board members, executives, HR leaders and senior decision makers who want to future-proof their leadership approach and successfully attract, retain and develop Generation Z in knowledge-driven, highly competitive environments. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Leadership, Leading Generation Z, Gen Z at Work, Modern Leadership, Psychological Safety, Credibility in Leadership, Purpose Driven Leadership, Employer Branding, Talent Management, Recruiting Strategy, Organisational Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Evidence Based Management, Future of Work, Executive Leadership, Sustainable Leadership, Change Management, HR Strategy, Workforce Transformation, NB Networks Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact with Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39889040

#469 The Success Guide: How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment - an interview with Edward Bjurstrom by Niels Brabandt 01/28/2026

#469 The Success Guide: How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment - an interview with Edward Bjurstrom by Niels Brabandt This interview is highly valuable for anyone who wants to do more than merely survive in the corporate world and instead build a truly successful, resilient, and fulfilling career. In his conversation with Edward Bjurstrom, former Vice President of Operations at Gilead Sciences and author of The Success Guide: How to Thrive in the Corporate Environment, Niels Brabandt explores what sustainable success in large organisations really requires. The discussion moves far beyond generic career advice and focuses on the practical realities leaders and professionals face every day: pressure, politics, constant change, technological disruption, and the challenge of remaining effective and credible over long careers Listeners gain rare insights from four decades of senior leadership experience in a highly regulated, high-performance industry. Bjurstrom explains why self-awareness is a decisive leadership competence, how lack of it destroys trust, and why senior executives must actively build systems for honest feedback if they want to avoid living in an echo chamber. He shows how focus and productivity can be regained in an age of permanent distraction, how the psychological state of flow can be cultivated for deep work and strategic problem-solving, and why emotional regulation and asking the right questions are often more powerful than issuing directives. The interview also provides a realistic view on leadership development across cultures and hierarchies, including what it takes to build trust, credibility, and performance in complex international environments. Bjurstrom’s reflections on purpose, learning, storytelling, and long-term career growth speak directly to decision makers who want to create impact rather than burn out in constant firefighting. For ambitious professionals, senior managers, and executives who want to understand how to thrive, not just cope, in demanding corporate systems, this conversation offers structured thinking, practical tools, and leadership wisdom grounded in real experience rather than theory. Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact with Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39889215

#468 Shifting Gears at the Crossroads - an interview with Darryl J. Heffline by Niels Brabandt 01/28/2026

#468 Shifting Gears at the Crossroads - an interview with Darryl J. Heffline by Niels Brabandt This podcast interview is a must-listen for anyone who is facing strategic, professional, or personal change and wants to navigate it with clarity, structure, and confidence. In his conversation with author and transformation expert Darryl J. Heffline, Niels Brabandt explores one of the most underestimated leadership challenges: recognising the need for change before disruption forces it upon you. Drawing on Heffline’s book Shifting Gears at the Crossroads, the discussion goes far beyond motivational slogans and addresses the hard questions decision makers rarely ask early enough. When do warning signs become impossible to ignore. How do you distinguish comfort from stagnation. Why do capable leaders and professionals so often realise too late that their environment, business model, or role is becoming obsolete. The interview provides a structured, intellectually rigorous framework for understanding transformation. It walks listeners through the key stages of change: recognising the need, assessing the current state, defining a credible future state, building objective decision criteria, and managing the psychological barriers that prevent people from acting even when the evidence is clear. Real-world examples illustrate how technological disruption, automation, and shifting markets can render long-established roles and business models vulnerable, and why denial is often more dangerous than the change itself What makes this conversation particularly valuable for executives, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders is its realism. It openly addresses fears around loss of status, income, identity, and relevance. It explains why stepping back can be a strategic investment rather than a failure, how rebuilding and reemerging are natural phases of successful transformation, and how long-term leadership success depends on the ability to reposition before external forces make the decision for you. Listeners gain not only conceptual clarity, but also practical orientation: how to develop situational awareness, how to create robust criteria for major career and business decisions, how to reframe uncertainty, and how to turn disruption into a platform for renewed growth and strategic advantage. For anyone at a professional or organisational crossroads, this episode offers rare depth, intellectual honesty, and actionable insight. It is not about change as a buzzword. It is about change as a leadership responsibility. Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact with Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39889150

#467 Leadership and Uncertainty | with Niels Brabandt 01/21/2026

#467 Leadership and Uncertainty | with Niels Brabandt Uncertainty has become a permanent condition for today’s business leaders. Geopolitical instability, technological disruption, economic volatility and shifting workforce expectations mean that executives can no longer rely on linear planning or long-term certainty. The central leadership question is no longer how to predict the future, but how to lead credibly when outcomes cannot be fully known. In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt, leadership expert, executive coach and organisational advisor, explores how decision makers can develop professional, sustainable leadership in times of uncertainty. Drawing on current research and real-world cases from Europe and the United States, Niels Brabandt explains why classical control-based leadership models fail in complex environments and what replaces them. Key topics in this episode include: Why certainty is an illusion in modern leadership and how this affects strategic decision making How leaders can provide direction without making false promises The role of risk, experimentation and a culture of exploration in organisational resilience How to handle emotional reactions to change and why psychological safety is a core leadership competence Why management buy-in at board and C-suite level is essential for dealing with uncertainty How sustainable leadership, trust and credibility are built when the future cannot be fully planned This episode is designed for business decision makers, including board members, CEOs, senior executives, HR leaders and transformation leaders who are responsible for guiding organisations through complexity and change. Niels Brabandt combines scientific evidence with extensive international leadership practice to show how organisations can remain capable, innovative and stable in uncertain environments. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, leadership, uncertainty, sustainable leadership, executive leadership, business leadership, strategic leadership, organisational change, transformation, decision making, risk management, culture of exploration, innovation, management buy in, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, organisational culture, C-suite leadership, board level leadership, HR leadership, change management, complexity, VUCA, BANI, future of leadership, organisational resilience, trust in leadership, leadership development, corporate strategy, executive coaching, organisational development Host: Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39796850

#466 Conflict Incompetence and Pseudo-Coaching in Organisations. Why Criticism Is Not an Attack and Leadership Must Set Clear Boundaries 01/14/2026

#466 Conflict Incompetence and Pseudo-Coaching in Organisations. Why Criticism Is Not an Attack and Leadership Must Set Clear Boundaries In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt analyses a growing and highly relevant challenge in modern organisations: conflict incompetence combined with pseudo-coaching. Based on a real, legally adjudicated case from an international company in London, Niels Brabandt explains how professionally conducted critique conversations are increasingly being interrupted or rejected with references to unqualified coaching advice, emotional self-protection and the misuse of concepts such as “safe spaces”. The episode explores why subjective discomfort is not a legal or organisational category, why feedback and critique are indispensable instruments of performance management, and how the confusion between coaching, therapy and personal well-being undermines leadership, accountability and organisational effectiveness. Niels Brabandt also examines the dangers of unregulated coaching markets, the responsibility of employees despite external coaching, and the necessity for leaders to respond clearly, legally sound and professionally to conversation refusal and conflict avoidance. This podcast is aimed at CEOs, board members, senior executives, HR leaders and decision makers who want to strengthen conflict competence, conduct critique conversations with authority and respect, distinguish professional coaching from pseudo-psychology, and protect their organisations from the cultural and legal risks of responsibility avoidance. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Leadership Podcast, conflict incompetence, conflict competence, pseudo-coaching, business coaching, leadership communication, critique conversation, feedback culture, performance management, executive leadership, organisational psychology, coaching vs therapy, safe space in organisations, legal responsibility, employment law, HR leadership, management development, organisational culture, accountability in leadership, decision making, change management, professional coaching, leadership training, corporate governance, workplace communication, leadership effectiveness Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact with Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39722575

#465 Efficiency and Innovation - Interview with Anne J. Thorensen 01/14/2026

#464 The Innovation Intelligence Advantage - an interview with Kris Poria and Jeff Penrose 01/14/2026

#463 A modern approach to coaching - an interview with Scott Abbott 01/14/2026

#462 Modernising Public Services - Interview with Vijay K. Luthra 01/14/2026

#461 Professional Goal Setting: How To Turn Ambition into Sustainable Results 01/07/2026

#460 Do New Year’s Resolutions Really Work? What Science Reveals for Leaders and Decision Makers | Niels Brabandt 12/31/2025

#460 Do New Year’s Resolutions Really Work? What Science Reveals for Leaders and Decision Makers | Niels Brabandt Do New Year’s resolutions genuinely lead to lasting change, or are they merely an annual illusion of progress? In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt examines the question through the lens of scientific research and executive leadership practice. Rather than relying on popular myths or motivational slogans, this episode is grounded in peer reviewed studies from behavioural science and psychology. Niels Brabandt explains why the frequently quoted claim that only nine per cent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions is not supported by scientific evidence. He presents what credible long term research actually shows, including why a significant minority of individuals do achieve sustainable behavioural change. The episode explores why many resolutions fail and why this failure is not a matter of weak willpower. Vague goals, outcome fixation without method, and excessive dependence on external factors are identified as the primary reasons why resolutions collapse within weeks. These insights are directly relevant to business leaders who face similar challenges in strategy execution and organisational change. Niels Brabandt also outlines what works. Drawing on both research findings and real world leadership experience, he explains why behaviour based goals outperform intention based goals, why measurability is essential for accountability, and how identity plays a decisive role in long term success. Particular attention is given to the difference between positive goals and avoidance goals, a distinction with significant implications for leadership, performance management, and personal development. This episode is designed for executives, senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision makers who want to understand how evidence based goal setting can improve both personal effectiveness and organisational outcomes. New Year’s resolutions are reframed not as motivational rituals, but as strategic instruments of self leadership when applied correctly. The Leadership Podcast with Niels Brabandt delivers rigorous thinking on leadership, self leadership, organisational behaviour, and sustainable performance, combining academic insight with practical relevance for those in responsibility. Keywords:Niels Brabandt, New Year’s resolutions, do New Year’s resolutions work, leadership podcast, business leadership, executive leadership, self leadership, goal setting, behavioural change, evidence based leadership, organisational change, management psychology, decision making, leadership development, performance management, business strategy, sustainable change, leadership science, personal effectiveness Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39565615

#459 End-of-Year Business and Leadership: A Thank You, a Reflection, and Why the Year’s End Still Matters | Niels Brabandt 12/24/2025

#459 End-of-Year Business and Leadership: A Thank You, a Reflection, and Why the Year’s End Still Matters | Niels Brabandt The end of the year is more than a date on the calendar. It is a leadership moment. In this end-of-year reflection, Niels Brabandt takes a deliberately humorous yet thoughtful look at end-of-year business—not as a last-minute rush for numbers, but as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and say thank you. Drawing on insights from The Leadership Podcast and Leadership Videocast, this piece addresses why leadership does not stop when the calendar year ends, why persistence matters more than hype, and why gratitude is one of the most underestimated leadership tools. This end-of-year article explores: Why end-of-year business is a leadership responsibility, not just an operational task How reflection strengthens leadership effectiveness The role of gratitude and appreciation in modern leadership Why sustainable leadership is built on consistency, not motivational noise How leaders can consciously close one year and prepare for the next Above all, this piece is a thank-you—to listeners, viewers, readers, and everyone who engaged in meaningful leadership conversations throughout the year. It also acknowledges those who continue working while others pause, reminding us that leadership includes visibility, respect, and recognition. Written for leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, this article invites readers to celebrate achievements—large and small—and to approach the coming year with clarity, calm, and intention. About the author: Niels Brabandt is a leadership expert, trainer, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. He works internationally with organisations and leaders on modern leadership, organisational development, and sustainable leadership practices. Through his podcast, videocast, articles, and live sessions, he provides research-based, practical leadership insights—always accessible and free of empty motivational rhetoric. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, leadership, end-of-year business, leadership reflection, modern leadership, business leadership, leadership podcast, leadership videocast, executive leadership, organisational development, leadership mindset, sustainable leadership, leadership at year end, management, decision-makers, leadership insights Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39511645

#458 Is Your Recruiting Up to Date? Why Modern Talent Acquisition Is a Leadership Strategy | Niels Brabandt 12/17/2025

#458 Is Your Recruiting Up to Date? Why Modern Talent Acquisition Is a Leadership Strategy | Niels Brabandt Is your recruiting process truly fit for today’s talent market – or is it silently driving the best candidates away? In this episode, Niels Brabandt, leadership expert, executive coach, and organisational advisor, examines why recruiting can no longer be treated as an administrative HR task. Instead, modern recruiting must be understood as a core leadership strategy that directly influences organisational performance, employer reputation, and long-term competitiveness. Drawing on real-world examples and evidence-based insights, Niels Brabandt explains how arbitrary hiring practices, excessive interview rounds, lack of transparency, and outdated process design undermine trust and decision quality. He outlines why candidate-first design, speed, and radical clarity are now decisive factors in attracting and retaining high-performing talent. Key topics include: Why recruiting is a strategic leadership responsibility, not a back-office process How arbitrary judgement and ego-driven decisions damage hiring outcomes The importance of candidate-first design in modern recruiting processes Why transparency and speed are competitive advantages in talent acquisition The risks of excessive interview rounds and unstructured decision-making Why recruiting decisions must be evidence-based, not driven by intuition or personal bias How Artificial Intelligence can support recruiting – and where human leadership remains essential Why recruiting is always a two-way assessment between organisation and candidate This episode is aimed at CEOs, board members, senior executives, HR leaders, and business decision makers who want to future-proof their organisations by aligning recruiting with leadership, strategy, and evidence-based management. Recruiting is not about control. Recruiting is about leadership. And recruiting reveals how seriously organisations take people, performance, and the future. Host: Niels Brabandt Topics: Leadership, Recruiting, Talent Acquisition, Candidate Experience, Strategic HR, Evidence-Based Management, Organisational Development, Executive Leadership, Future of Work Keywords: Niels Brabandt, recruiting up to date, modern recruiting, strategic recruiting, leadership recruiting, talent acquisition strategy, candidate experience, candidate-first design, evidence-based recruiting, executive leadership, HR strategy, recruiting process, hiring decisions, artificial intelligence in recruiting, future of work, organisational development, employer branding Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39431570

#457 Leadership and Long-Term Planning: How Credible Strategy Shapes Organisational Success – Insights from Niels Brabandt 12/10/2025

#457 Leadership and Long-Term Planning: How Credible Strategy Shapes Organisational Success – Insights from Niels Brabandt Long-term planning has become one of the most decisive leadership responsibilities in today’s volatile business environment. Yet many leaders struggle to provide clear direction, manage uncertainty and communicate strategy in a way that earns trust. In this episode, Niels Brabandt, international leadership expert and founder of NB Networks, delivers a rigorous, evidence-based analysis of how modern leaders must approach long-term planning to ensure organisational stability and performance. Drawing on real-world examples and executive-level experience, Brabandt explains: • why overconfident predictions and vague statements both erode trust, • how uncertainty triggers organisational overthinking when leaders lack clarity, • why gut feeling fails as a strategic tool and how evidence-based decision-making must replace it, • the essential role of professional forecasting, data science and stochastic modelling, • how leaders can manage expectations and negotiate strategic targets effectively, • why experience and expertise together form the foundation of credible leadership, • and how fact-based communication strengthens organisational alignment. This episode is designed for business decision makers who demand more than inspirational leadership rhetoric. It offers a practical, analytical and academically grounded framework for leading with integrity, clarity and strategic depth. For further insights, articles, videos and access to weekly leadership content, visit . Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Leadership, Long-Term Planning, Strategic Leadership, Organisational Strategy, Executive Decision Making, Forecasting, Stochastic Forecasting, Data-Driven Leadership, Overthinking Effect, Leadership Communication, Managing Expectations, Leadership Development, Business Leadership, Sustainable Leadership, Organisational Performance, NB Networks. Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandts Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandts Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39347795

#455 Excellent Executive Coaching: How Top Leaders Grow Through Real Impact – with Niels Brabandt & Ash Seddeek 12/03/2025

#455 Excellent Executive Coaching: How Top Leaders Grow Through Real Impact – with Niels Brabandt & Ash Seddeek In this week’s episode, Niels Brabandt welcomes internationally recognised executive coach Ash Seddeek for a deep, evidence-based conversation on excellent executive coaching—what it is, how it works, and why it has become essential for today’s business leaders. The unregulated coaching market is crowded with self-proclaimed experts, online “gurus,” and superficial advice. This episode separates substance from noise. Drawing on his corporate background at Deloitte and Cisco, and his certification in the Marshall Goldsmith stakeholder-centered coaching methodology, Ash Seddeek explains how top-level coaching actually delivers measurable results. Together, Niels Brabandt and Ash Seddeek outline a clear, practical framework for leaders who want coaching that is credible, impactful, and aligned with organisational goals. This episode is a must-listen for business decision makers seeking clarity on: What defines excellent executive coaching—and how to distinguish real expertise from market hype How stakeholder-centered coaching creates measurable behavioural change Why even highly successful executives face perception barriers that coaching can remove How to evaluate and select the right coach, including references, credibility, and methodology How leaders can overcome communication challenges, from speech fillers to keynote delivery Why introverted or reluctant speakers can still become inspiring leaders How to build a coaching culture in organisations that currently resist investing in leadership development What realistic coaching timelines look like, and how structured, sequential improvement works in practice How coaching strengthens leadership impact, organisational trust, and long-term performance Throughout this conversation, Niels Brabandt and Ash Seddeek provide actionable insights, practical examples, and guidance grounded in real executive experience. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Ash Seddeek, executive coaching, excellent executive coaching, leadership development, stakeholder centered coaching, Marshall Goldsmith coaching, business decision making, organisational leadership, sustainable leadership, communication mastery, executive presence, leadership communication, perception management, behavioural change, coaching culture, leadership performance, corporate governance, talent development, high-impact coaching, executive growth, NB Networks. Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39244140

#456 Standing Up for Values: Why Modern Leadership Fails Without Conviction – with Niels Brabandt 12/03/2025

#456 Standing Up for Values: Why Modern Leadership Fails Without Conviction – with Niels Brabandt In this new episode, Niels Brabandt, international leadership expert and founder of NB Networks, examines one of the most overlooked but decisive factors in modern business leadership: standing up for values. Across industries, executives frequently speak about values, ethics, and integrity—yet real-world decisions often tell a very different story. Triggered by a recent, highly controversial event involving the German Association for Family Businesses and its decision to engage with a secured far-right extremist organisation, Niels Brabandt analyses why value-based leadership collapses when conviction is missing. Drawing from historical and contemporary examples—including supply-chain failures, compliance breakdowns, and corporate ethics scandals—this episode reveals how organisations drift into reputational crises when leaders choose convenience over principles. This episode answers the questions every decision maker must confront: Why acting without values is impossible, and what actually determines a leader’s ethical compass. How organisations lose credibility when leaders rely on “pseudo-reasons” instead of transparent justifications. Why engaging with extremist actors poses profound operational, cultural, and democratic risks. How mission, vision, and values must be implemented to build a culture that consistently lives its principles. What authentic leadership looks like—and why employees quickly identify and disengage from inauthentic behaviour. How value-driven leadership strengthens trust, retention, organisational resilience, and long-term business performance. Grounded in practical leadership experience and supported by evidence from real corporate cases, Niels Brabandt outlines a clear roadmap for leaders who aim to build organisations that are credible, resilient, and trustworthy. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, leadership, value-based leadership, business ethics, organisational culture, sustainable leadership, decision-making, corporate governance, authenticity in leadership, compliance, ethical leadership, organisational trust, executive responsibility, leadership development, business decision makers, NB Networks, standing up for values, mission vision values, leadership integrity, organisational behaviour. /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39244200

#454 When Leaders Need a Script: How Off-Script Moments Become Strategic Risks | A Leadership Analysis by Niels Brabandt 11/26/2025

#454 When Leaders Need a Script: How Off-Script Moments Become Strategic Risks | A Leadership Analysis by Niels Brabandt Leaders are expected to communicate confidently, clearly and without notes. Yet the reality inside organisations — and on the global stage — shows a different truth: some leaders need a script, and when they abandon it, organisations pay the price. In this episode, Niels Brabandt, international leadership expert and founder of NB Networks, examines why scripted communication is often essential for leaders operating at high stakes — and what happens when they deviate from prepared messaging. Drawing on real-world cases and high-profile examples, this episode provides senior decision makers with a strategic blueprint for preventing communicative missteps before they escalate into reputational, political, or organisational crises. Key insights include: Why communication risks increase sharply with leadership seniority How upbringing, social context, and limited rhetorical experience shape communication flaws Why off-script remarks can damage brands, diplomatic relationships, and internal trust The difference between authentic communication and uncontrolled spontaneity How organisations decide between scripting and upskilling — and when each is necessary Why leaders without self-awareness create systemic risk How rhetorical training, communication architecture, and structured reflection improve leadership performance Why sustainable leadership requires clarity, preparation, and disciplined messaging This episode by Niels Brabandt delivers a rigorous, actionable analysis designed for executives, board members and leaders responsible for brand reputation, political navigation, and organisational stability. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, leadership communication, scripted leadership, off-script failures, leadership crisis communication, executive communication, sustainable leadership, leadership mistakes, communication strategy, organisational reputation, leadership development, high-stakes communication, rhetorical training for leaders, leadership analysis, Niels Brabandt podcast, business decision makers, leadership risks, executive behaviour, communication failures Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39173315

#453 Critical Intelligence: Strengthening Human Thinking in the Age of AI | Niels Brabandt Interviews Geoff Gibbins 11/26/2025

#453 Critical Intelligence: Strengthening Human Thinking in the Age of AI | Niels Brabandt Interviews Geoff Gibbins Artificial intelligence is transforming industries at unprecedented speed — but the organisations that thrive will not be those that automate the fastest. They will be those that think the best. In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Geoff Gibbins, author of Critical Intelligence: Strengthening Human Thinking in the Age of AI and founder of Human-Machines. Together they explore how AI exposes a global critical-thinking deficit — and why human judgment, not automation, is the defining leadership skill of the future. This episode delivers essential insights for executives, board members, and senior decision makers: Why AI adoption fails when organisations overlook human thinking The global crisis of critical thinking — and why it intensifies in the age of AI How to avoid the twin risks of AI over-reliance and under-utilisation The eight capabilities of Critical Intelligence every leader must master How AI can strengthen human reasoning rather than replace it Why 74% of employees using AI receive no formal training — and what that risk means for organisations What Fortune 500 companies learned (and got wrong) in early AI implementation How mid-sized organisations can benefit from AI without enterprise-scale resources Why human–AI collaboration requires new workflows, not old processes How leaders build judgment, resilience, and clarity in an environment defined by uncertainty Niels Brabandt and Geoff Gibbins offer a clear, strategic framework for executives who want to combine human intelligence with artificial intelligence — responsibly, effectively, and competitively. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Geoff Gibbins, Critical Intelligence, AI leadership, human thinking in AI age, leadership podcast, leadership decision making, AI literacy, AI critical thinking, organisational transformation, business AI strategy, human–AI collaboration, executive leadership, sustainable leadership, AI adoption risks, workforce AI training, AI in business, leadership development, strategic thinking, information literacy, mental models, metacognition, Fortune 500 AI lessons, human intelligence vs AI, Niels Brabandt podcast, Geoff Gibbins interview Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39173265

#452 Disrupt Everything and Win: How Leaders Take Control of Their Future in Times of Radical Change | Niels Brabandt Interviews Dr. Patrick Leddin 11/26/2025

#452 Disrupt Everything and Win: How Leaders Take Control of Their Future in Times of Radical Change | Niels Brabandt Interviews Dr. Patrick Leddin In a world defined by volatility, disruption and rapid transformation, leaders face a critical question: Do you merely react to disruption, or do you use it to take control of your future? In this episode, Niels Brabandt speaks with Dr. Patrick Leddin — professor at Vanderbilt University, bestselling author, former U.S. Army officer, entrepreneur and one of the world’s leading voices on leadership in times of uncertainty. Together, they unpack the core message of Dr. Leddin’s new book: Disrupt Everything and Win. This conversation delivers deep insights for executives, board members and organisational decision makers: Why disruption is not a threat but a strategic opportunity How to turn fear of change into constructive action The 27 positive disruptor moves that empower leaders and teams How to manage AI-driven uncertainty without losing credibility Why the best leaders openly acknowledge what they don’t know The critical difference between performing today and transforming for tomorrow How to build resilience while still delivering on KPIs What leaders can learn from Dr. Leddin’s three-year research study of 350 disruptors Why small experiments outperform big promises How teams become stronger when they decentralise decision making during crisis How mid-level leaders take control even when they cannot control circumstances This episode provides a practical, evidence-based roadmap for leaders who want to thrive — not survive — in an era where disruption has become constant. Hosted by Niels Brabandt, founder of NB Networks, global leadership consultant and expert on sustainable leadership practices. Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Patrick Leddin, Disrupt Everything and Win, leadership disruption, leadership podcast, organisational transformation, executive leadership, positive disruptor moves, leadership resilience, business decision making, AI and leadership, crisis leadership, team performance, future-ready leadership, sustainable leadership, Vanderbilt University, leadership research, leadership development, leadership strategy, organisational change, workplace disruption, KPIs and disruption, leadership credibility, Niels Brabandt podcast, leadership interview, business transformation, change management Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/39173145

#451 Ghosting in Business: Why Leaders Must Stop Disappearing | Insights from Niels Brabandt 11/19/2025

#450 Why Hybrid Work Depends on Great Leadership — Insights from MIT Sloan and Niels Brabandt 11/12/2025

#449 Are Strong Opinions Dangerous? – How Effective Leaders Separate Confidence from Competence - with Niels Brabandt 11/05/2025

#448 Do You Have a Right to Get Answers? – Leadership, Communication, and Accountability | Niels Brabandt 10/29/2025

#447 Leading Change with SAP – Transforming Business, Technology, and People | Niels Brabandt & Christopher Carter 10/29/2025

#446 Career Minimalism vs. Maximalism – What the New Work Divide Reveals About Leadership | Niels Brabandt 10/22/2025

#446 Career Minimalism vs. Maximalism – What the New Work Divide Reveals About Leadership | Niels Brabandt What defines success in today’s workplace — ambition or balance? In this episode, Niels Brabandt, international leadership expert and Founder of NB Networks, explores one of the most important debates shaping modern business: career minimalism versus career maximalism. Across industries, a cultural shift is unfolding. Younger professionals value security, flexibility, and meaning more than titles or long hours. At the same time, organisations still depend on individuals who push boundaries and pursue growth. The result is a widening gap — and a test for leadership. In this episode, Niels Brabandt analyses: Why career minimalism is more than a social-media trend — and what drives it. How employers unknowingly push motivated talent into disengagement. Why career maximality still matters — and how to make it sustainable. What leadership must do to align ambition, well-being, and performance. How organisations can build cultures that support both balance and excellence. This episode delivers clear, research-based insights for executives, HR leaders, and decision-makers seeking to build resilient, future-ready teams. About Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt is the Founder and Owner of NB Networks, a global consultancy focused on Leadership, Organisational Culture, and Sustainable Performance. He is a regular contributor to leading publications including Handelsblatt, Forbes, and The Guardian. Learn more at Keywords: Niels Brabandt, Leadership, Career Minimalism, Career Maximalism, Sustainable Leadership, Organisational Culture, NB Networks, Work-Life Balance, Generation Z, Employee Engagement, Business Leadership, Leadership Strategy, New Work, Motivation, Management. Host: Niels Brabandt / Contact to Niels Brabandt: Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: Niels Brabandt's Website: /episode/index/show/niels-brabandt-nb-networks/id/38725605

#445 Perspectives in Recruiting and Leadership – Why Many Organisations Fail at Their Own Viewpoint | Niels Brabandt 10/15/2025

#444 Leading Beyond Labels – Rethinking Leadership, Identity, and Organisational Culture | Niels Brabandt with Merry Carole Powers 10/15/2025

#443 The Truth About Annual Appraisal Interviews: How Great Leaders Turn Routine Reviews into Real Results - with Niels Brabandt 10/08/2025

#442 Handling Leadership Mistakes: Why Accountability Defines Sustainable Leadership | Niels Brabandt 10/01/2025

The Leadership Podcast by Niels Brabandt EMBA MBA / NB Networks

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