A leadership reflection on wine, ego, and building something bigger than yourself.

What can a decades-long trademark dispute between two Napa Valley wineries teach us about leadership?

In this episode of Leadership by the Glass, Elizabeth explores the ways in which leadership often pulls us in two directions. We work to stand out, move up, and make our mark, yet the most lasting impact comes from building collective efficacy, shared ownership, and systems that outlive us.

Drawing on research from Michael Fullan, distributive leadership theory, and collective efficacy studies, Liz unpacks the tension between ego and impact, and the connection between leaders and wine makers as they work to build a name, but also strengthen a region.

This week we are drinking a classic Napa Cab!

Resources:

Here is the link to the SommTV Podcast episode that I referenced, it's worth a listen and they tell the story of the Apostrophe War so well:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-apostrophe-war/id1470283431?i=1000719746177

For more on Michael Fullan's work in collective efficacy, I suggest his book Nuance: https://michaelfullan.ca/books/nuance-why-some-leaders-succeed-and-others-fail/

The Friday Pour Substack that this episode is based on: https://open.substack.com/pub/leadershipbytheglass/p/the-apostrophe-and-the-ego?r=5yione&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

What does sharing a bottle of wine have to do with leadership?

In this episode of Leadership by the Glass, we explore the disappearing ritual of sharing a bottle and what it reveals about commitment, attention, and human connection. Drawing on research from Paul LeBlanc, Daniel Goleman, Amy Edmondson, and Motivating Language Theory, Liz unpacks how love in leadership means committing to sharing the bottle.

Because leadership, like wine, is not built in the first glass. It unfolds when we choose to stay.

What can the Super Bowl teach us about leadership- and what does it have to do with wine?

In this episode we explore Situational Leadership and Servant Leadership through the metaphor of Cabernet Sauvignon. Using Super Bowl week as a real-time leadership case study, we will look at how leaders respond to pressure, build trust, and adapt to the needs of others.

Paired with the 2022 Bledsoe Family Cabernet Sauvignon, this episode offers practical reflection prompts for leaders who want to show up with consistency, care, and authenticity, day to day and on the biggest game days.

**Please note, I mistakenly referred to Bledsoe's flagship winery as "Double V" the winery is, "Doubleback." First time podcast nerves! Here is the link for Bledsoe's Doubleback winery: https://www.doubleback.com/About-Us/Our-Story

The Bledsoe Family Winery can be found here: https://www.bledsoefamilywinery.com

If you're interested in listening to the Wine Access interview with Drew Bledsoe, that episode can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/washingtons-booming-wine-scene-featuring-drew-bledsoe/id1535280411?i=1000597710561

If you’d like to explore some of the leadership research woven into this week’s espisode:

• Situational Leadership
  Developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, this model emphasizes adapting leadership style based on an individual’s competence and commitment in a given context.
  https://situational.com/situational-leadership/

• Servant Leadership
  Introduced by Robert Greenleaf, Servant Leadership centers on leading through service, shared responsibility, and prioritizing people.
  https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/

Interested in being on the show or want to learn more? Visit Leadership by the Glass: https://www.leadershipbytheglass.com

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If there's a leadership topic or a wine you want to explore, please let me know!

Before we start pairing leadership ideas with what’s in the glass, this episode sets the table.

In this introduction, Dr. Elizabeth Connolly shares the story behind Leadership by the Glass and how a background in educational leadership research, a love of wine, and a belief that leadership should be more human came together in one podcast.

You’ll hear what this show is (and what it isn’t), who it’s for, and how to listen. Whether you’re here for leadership insight, wine curiosity, or both- you'll find something to like. Think of this as the moment before the first pour.

Settle in, pour yourself something you enjoy, and welcome to Leadership by the Glass.