What does it really mean to be an adaptive leader — and why does it matter more than ever in today's rapidly changing world? In this episode, we sit down with Suzie Bishop, a leadership development expert with over 15 years of experience in the situational leadership framework, to unpack what it takes to lead effectively when everything is shifting.
We explore why adaptive leadership isn't about changing who you are, but rather about adjusting your approach based on what your team needs to succeed. Suzie shares practical guidance on pausing before reacting in high-pressure environments, managing your own emotions as a leader, and having the difficult conversations that most people would rather avoid — including why 40% of employees would rather quit than have a hard conversation at work.
Through real-world stories, from a star salesperson whose management style alienated her experienced team, to a generational clash over workplace norms, Suzie illustrates how unspoken expectations and typecasting derail teams. We also dive deep into building trust through consistency, the difference between being nice and being kind (channeling Brené Brown's "clear is kind"), and why authentic leadership means giving yourself permission to be human.
The conversation closes with a candid discussion on navigating maternity leave as a leader — the identity shift, the value of having a coach, and the powerful moment when stepping away lets others step into their own leadership.
Thank you for listening
Alex
https://linktr.ee/thementoringeffect
You can connect with me directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-terrey/
Or connect with Suzie https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-bishop/