Culture Crush was a series of live events, podcast episodes, and newsletters. The newsletter have been archieved here as part of The Unremarkable Entrepreneur’s back catalogue.
Leadership is evolving.
The old ways—based on hierarchy, ego, and control—are giving way to something more human, more connected, and more authentic.
But this kind of leadership takes courage because there is safety in the status quo (and our unconscious selves love safety). It means letting go of the façade of perfection, inviting and allowing others to step up, and creating cultures where trust, safety, and growth can thrive.
This month in Culture Crush we’re exploring bold, human-centred approaches to leadership with the help of two recent guests, Alice ter Haar (Badass Unicorn) and Danny Wareham (Firgun). Together, we explore how vulnerability, adaptability, and intentional communication can reshape the way we lead.
But before we talk teams and culture, the work starts with ourselves; addressing the assumptions and labels that direct the way we lead and behave. On November 20th, Virginia Lacayo, Ph.D., will be joining me LIVE for Decolonizing Your Mind. It’s free, it’s online, and spaces are limited. I would love to see you there.
Vulnerability is Power
In episode 52, Alice ter Haar challenges the idea that leaders need to be invincible. Instead, she invites us to embrace vulnerability as a strength.
When leaders show their humanity—admitting mistakes, seeking feedback, and sharing their stories—they create an environment of trust. In these spaces, teams feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and grow together.
In the episode, Alice introduces her FIB (Frame, Inquiry, Bridge) Framework, a super-practical tool to help leaders translate psychological safety from a buzzword into a practice.
And that really matters, because psychological safety isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of high-performing teams.
Do We Even Need a Boss?
Maybe leadership doesn’t need to focus on titles and hierarchy, maybe there’s a better way that’s focused on expertise and context.
That’s the premise Danny Wareham introduces in episode 56. He called it “Constellation Leadership,” a dynamic approach where the right person leads at the right time.
Imagine a team where leadership flows naturally, shifting to whoever has the most relevant knowledge for the challenge at hand. This approach empowers teams to draw on their collective wisdom, building adaptability and resilience.
Rooted in years of research, Danny’s contrarian take on leadership is a true challenge to the status quo!
What’s Next for You?
As we rethink leadership and culture, one thing is certain: creating meaningful change starts when we turn our intentions into actions.
Alice and Danny push us to consider how we’re showing up, not just as leaders, but as collaborators, as culture-shapers. Leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or the right system; it’s about making intentional moves in the day-to-day that shift the dynamic.
So, what’s the small act of defiance you can take today?
Maybe it’s a simple as stepping back and letting someone else take the lead, and if they screw it up, making sure they know that’s OK.
Lasting change doesn’t usually look like a revolution. It starts with the small, deliberate choices we make every day. Let’s get to it.
Be well,
