Not everyone dreams of running 1:1s, giving feedback, or mediating team drama — and that’s perfectly okay. In this episode of Leadership, Actually, we unpack why management isn’t the only path to leadership, how organizations get it wrong by forcing high performers into people-management roles, and what it really means to grow without a team reporting to you.

You’ll hear:

• Why leadership ≠ management (and the big difference between the two)
• Real-world examples of “reluctant managers” vs. “natural managers”
• Helpful vs. unhelpful ways to talk about career growth without people management
• How to reframe ambition when headcount isn’t your thing

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🌀 Lead Differently. Read Differently.

Join This Isn’t a Leadership Book Club — a free, low-pressure community for curious, thoughtful leaders who believe the best leadership lessons come from unexpected stories.

You’ll get a curated reading list, reflection prompts, and invites to quarterly conversations designed to help you lead with more clarity, care, and intention.

👉 [Join the Book Club Here]

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