In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I am joined by Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed. D, leadership expert and author of the thought-provoking new book Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership. Together, we explore how leadership is evolving and how traditional distinctions between "leader" and "follower" no longer apply in dynamic, modern organizations. Dr. Fuzie shares insights from his 28-year career in law enforcement and his academic journey in organizational leadership. Dr. Fuzie is a seasoned leader, educator, and consultant with a passion for transforming organizations through innovative leadership practices.

He introduces the concept of liminal space—a transformative, in-between zone where individuals often occupy roles of both leader and follower simultaneously. Through engaging storytelling and a practical behavioral framework, he challenges us to think differently about how we lead, how we follow, and how we cultivate organizational cultures of adaptability, accountability, and grace.

Whether you're in the C-suite, a middle manager, or just starting your leadership journey, this episode offers fresh and applicable insights to help you navigate fast-changing times.

In This Episode, You'll Learn about Leaderology and Liminal Space:

• What liminal space is and why it matters for today's leaders and followers
• Why leadership is behavior, not position—and how followership is just as critical
• How Chris developed his Tessellations of Behavior model for strategic, tactical, and operational alignment
• The power of clearly defined behaviors like integrity, teachability, and grace in shaping organizational culture
• How the National Leaderology Association is working to elevate leadership and followership as scientific disciplines
• Why grace and empathy are essential tools for modern leadership in a world of rapid change and AI integration

You will enjoy watching our podcast on YouTube. Other podcasts you will enjoy:

429: Embracing the Future: How Matt Leta is Guiding Companies

428: Al Must Transform Our Communication Strategy. Just Ask Dan Nestle!

427: Empowering Women in STEM: Rashmi Chaturvedi's Journey

Additional resources for you

• My two award-winning books: Rethink: Smashing The Myths of Women in Business and On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights
• Our latest book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success, co-authored with Edie Fraser and Robyn Freedman Spizman
• All of our white papers, particularly those on Blue Ocean Strategy
• Our website: Simon Associates Management Consultants

Connect with me:

• Website: www.simonassociates.net
• Email: [email protected]
• Books:
  • Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business
  • Women Mean Business
  • On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights

Listen + Subscribe:

Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey.

Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk!

From Observation to Innovation,

Andi Simon, PhD

CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net [email protected] @simonandi LinkedIn