The crisis of leadership — and a new way forward | Halla Tómasdóttir and Bryn Freedman

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Halla Tómasdóttir addresses the crisis of conformity in leadership, emphasizing the urgent need for change in response to climate, inequality, and trust crises. She advocates for courageous, humble leaders guided by a moral compass, social purpose, and principles to solve imminent crises. Tómasdóttir highlights the importance of embracing sustainability, equality, and accountability, citing Emmanuel Faber of Danone as an example of effective leadership. She also stresses that leadership is not confined to those in power, but exists within everyone, urging individuals to release their inner leader and contribute positively to societal change.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Climate Crisis: There's a significant disconnect between the scientific evidence of a climate crisis and the attitudes of some board directors who don't consider it relevant to boardroom discussions.
• 👔 Conformity Issue: Halla Tómasdóttir identifies a crisis of conformity in leadership, where traditional business practices persist despite a clear need for change.
• 📊 Inequality Concerns: The script highlights a crisis of inequality, exemplified by movements like the Yellow Jackets, showing a societal demand for more equitable practices.
• 🔗 Interrelated Crises: The crises we face, such as climate and inequality, are interrelated and require a holistic approach to leadership and problem-solving.
• 👤 Trust Deficit: There's a record low level of trust in institutions, which is a significant barrier to addressing complex, interrelated crises.
• 🛡️ Moral Compass: New leadership should be guided by a moral compass that includes social purpose and a set of principles focused on sustainability, equality, and accountability.
• 💪 Courageous and Humble: Leaders need to be both courageous and humble, recognizing the need for change and being open to different perspectives.
• 🏆 Leadership Beyond Power: Leadership is not confined to those in positions of power; everyone has the potential to lead and make a positive impact.
• 🌱 Sustainability in Action: Emmanuel Faber, CEO of Danone, is highlighted as an example of a leader who has embraced sustainability, equality, and accountability throughout his business and supply chain.
• 👶 Generational Leadership: Young people, like Greta Thunberg, demonstrate that leadership can emerge from any age group and can significantly influence global discussions.
• 🔄 Transformative Leadership: The script calls for a transformation in leadership styles, advocating for less hierarchical structures and more inclusive, diverse perspectives.
• 💡 Power of the Individual: Even without positional power, individuals can effect change by leveraging relationships and building coalitions around shared concerns.

Q & A

What does Halla Tómasdóttir mean by a 'crisis of conformity' in leadership?

Halla Tómasdóttir describes a 'crisis of conformity' as a situation where traditional business and leadership practices continue despite overwhelming evidence that the world needs a change in approach to address pressing issues like the climate crisis and inequality.

What evidence does Halla Tómasdóttir cite for the need to change current leadership practices?

She points to the climate crisis, with 40% of board directors not considering it relevant to boardroom discussions, and the rise of social movements like the Yellow Jackets as evidence that the status quo is not sustainable.

How does Halla Tómasdóttir define the qualities of new leadership?

New leadership, according to Halla, should be courageous and humble, guided by a moral compass that includes a social purpose and a set of principles focused on solving imminent crises such as climate change, inequality, and trust issues.

What is the significance of sustainability, equality, and accountability as principles for The B Team?

For The B Team, these principles are essential for embracing a holistic approach to leadership that addresses the climate crisis, inequality, and the crisis of trust, moving beyond mere profit to consider the impact on people and the planet.

How does Halla Tómasdóttir view the concept of leadership beyond those in positions of power?

Halla believes that leadership is not limited to those in positions of power but exists within everyone, emphasizing the importance of each individual's role in contributing to positive change.

What example does Halla Tómasdóttir give of effective leadership in action?

She cites Emmanuel Faber, CEO of Danone, who has demonstrated commitment to sustainability, equality, and accountability by transforming his business practices, supply chain, and company culture, including creating a gender-balanced executive team and equal maternity and paternity leave.

What is the role of gender-balanced leadership in embracing a more effective leadership style?

Gender-balanced leadership, where both men and women embrace masculine and feminine values, is seen as a powerful and effective leadership style that can lead to better decision-making and outcomes.

How does Halla Tómasdóttir define 'hubris syndrome' in leadership?

Hubris syndrome is characterized by leaders who believe they have all the answers and do not need to surround themselves with diverse perspectives, which can hinder creativity, collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions.

What is the significance of the B Corporation model in the context of leadership and accountability?

B Corporations are companies that hold themselves accountable not just for profit but also for their impact on people and the planet, transparently reporting on their performance, representing a commitment to responsible business practices.

How can individuals without formal power influence change within an organization?

Individuals can build a coalition for their ideas, leveraging the trust between employees and employers to influence change. Halla suggests using data to make a case and finding allies within the organization to support the cause.

What is the role of diversity in thought, opinion, and background in leadership?

Diversity in leadership is crucial as it brings different perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation. It also helps in making decisions that are more inclusive and representative of various stakeholders.