In this special mashup edition, four global voices -  Ernest Azzam, Stephanie Cousins, Simon Peterson, and Anneliese Olson -  join Denis Gianoutsos to explore what leadership means in a world of constant disruption, decentralization, and demand for emotional intelligence.

From the rise of co-CEOs to the necessity of creating "brave spaces," these leaders reflect on what’s required of today’s changemakers: self-awareness, courage, and the discipline to not just start change, but to see it through.

If you're leading in an environment where expectations are shifting and stability is elusive, this episode offers practical wisdom and powerful reframes to help you grow with change, not against it.

EP119  -  Ernest Azzam: Brave Spaces Over Safe Spaces

• Leadership is no longer about authority - it’s about influence and conviction
• Great leaders create “brave spaces,” not just safe ones
• Success is measured by how many leaders you empower, not how many report to you
• “Safety does not drive change. Brave space allows for that change to happen.”

EP120  -  Stephanie Cousins: Decentralized Leadership Works

• The co-CEO model fosters collaboration and flattens hierarchy
• Tag-team leadership offers global agility and crisis resilience
• Empowered country leaders and shared decision-making are the future
• “A co-CEO structure forces alignment - and models it for the team.”

EP122  -  Simon Peterson: Leadership Is About Time and EQ

• Great leaders don’t just identify change - they see it through
• Timing, consistency, and understanding organizational life cycles are key
• EQ matters more than IQ in today’s fast-evolving world
• “Leadership is about time-time for yourself, your people, and your decisions.”

EP123  -  Anneliese Olson: Transform Through Perseverance

• Change is constant - but it’s also an invitation to innovate
• Transformational leadership involves collaboration across differences
• Embracing discomfort leads to growth for leaders and their teams
• “Change is all about opportunity. Are you ready to meet it with flexibility?”

Key Quotes:

“Safety does not drive change. Brave space allows for that change to happen.” – Ernest Azzam

“A co-CEO model keeps us collaborative and accountable—there’s no room to be dictatorial when every decision needs alignment.” – Stephanie Cousins

“Leadership is about time: time for yourself, for others, and for making thoughtful decisions.” – Simon Peterson

“Change is all about opportunity. It's not about resisting it—it's about preparing for it.” – Anneliese Olson

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World - FREE Executive Guide Download https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos