Fearless Possibilities with Sha Nacino

40: How Self-Aware Leaders Build High-Performing Teams


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What if leadership isn’t about working harder  but becoming more self-aware? 🤔

In this powerful episode of the Fearless Possibilities Podcast, Sha Nacino sits down with Dennis Akkerman, global leadership expert and author of Naked Leadership, to talk about self-leadership, emotional intelligence, stress, burnout, workplace culture, and building high-performing teams across 25 countries.

We unpack the hidden pressures leaders face, why many experience unhealthy stress without realizing it, and the mindset shifts needed to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

✨ If you’re a leader, manager, entrepreneur, HR professional, executive, or high-achiever, this episode is packed with insights, reflections, and practical tools you won’t want to miss.


⏱️ Chapters (Timestamps)

00:00 – Introduction & why this leadership conversation matters
 02:12 – The #1 challenge leaders face worldwide: pressure & uncertainty
 03:52 – Signs you’re experiencing unhealthy stress (even if you feel “fine”)
 05:30 – Workplace culture: healthy vs toxic environments
 09:18 – What is Naked Leadership? Understanding self-awareness & blind spots
12:14 – Why leaders struggle to find time for self-leadership
14:52 – Rest, productivity & the guilt of slowing down
17:11 – Fear, pressure & the real reason leaders overwork
18:07 – Dennis’ daily routine for clarity, energy & performance
20:58 – Powerful self-awareness questions every leader should ask
25:20 – Emotional triggers, healing & leadership growth
29:01 – Leading across 25 countries: cultural & generational differences
31:20 – Situational leadership & adapting to your team
37:45 – Psychological safety, vulnerability & authentic leadership
39:59 – One powerful leadership action you can apply today


👇 If this episode resonated…

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 💬 Comment: What’s one line that hit you the most?
 📩 Want to bring Sha to your organization (keynote / leadership training)? Message Sha on LinkedIn.


Connect with Dennis Akkerman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akkermandennis/

Connect with Sha Nacino:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/

https://www.instagram.com/sha_nacino



Interested to guest on the podcast or sponsor it? Visit shanacino.com/podcast 

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Fearless Possibilities with Sha NacinoBy The Possibility Igniter - Sha Nacino