In this episode of the ScaleX™ Insider Podcast, we welcome Michael Bungay Stanier, founder of Box of Crayons, best-selling author of The Coaching Habit, and award-winning thought leader in coaching. Michael shares his expertise on leadership, curiosity, and the transformative power of asking better questions.

As a Rhodes Scholar and globally recognised expert, Michael discusses the one skill that sets great leaders apart, how scaling with purpose starts with a single decision, and why curiosity is the secret weapon of effective leadership. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or team leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The One Skill That Sets True Leaders Apart – The leadership trait that distinguishes the best from the rest.
• Scaling with Purpose Starts with This One Decision – How to align business growth with meaningful impact.
• The ‘Possibility Virus’ and Its Global Impact – How embracing possibility transforms teams and organisations.
• Why Overthinking Can Cost You Everything – The hidden dangers of analysis paralysis and how to overcome it.
• Curiosity: The Secret Weapon of Great Leaders – Why asking the right questions is more powerful than having all the answers.
• Why Regular Check-Ins Matter More Than You Think – The simple yet game-changing practice that boosts engagement and performance.
• The Most Important Question Every CEO Must Answer – The single question that shapes company vision and direction.

Key Takeaways:

• Curiosity Drives Better Leadership – Great leaders don’t have all the answers; they ask better questions.
• Scaling Successfully Requires Purpose – Growth without intention leads to chaos; defining purpose is essential.
• Possibility Creates Momentum – Encouraging new ways of thinking fuels innovation and problem-solving.
• Action Beats Overthinking – Making decisions and iterating quickly is more valuable than waiting for perfection.
• Small, Consistent Conversations Matter – Regular check-ins with your team drive engagement, trust, and results.

About Michael Bungay Stanier:

Michael Bungay Stanier is the founder of Box of Crayons, a company that helps organisations move from advice-driven to curiosity-led leadership. He is the best-selling author of The Coaching Habit and eight other books, which have sold over a million copies worldwide.

A Rhodes Scholar, Michael was named the #1 thought leader in coaching in 2019 and won the Thinkers50 Coaching Award in 2023, often referred to as the "Oscars of Management." Before founding Box of Crayons, he held senior positions across corporate, consultancy, and agency sectors, living and working in Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada.

📚 Book: The Coaching Habit – Available now 🌐 Website: https://www.mbs.works 🔗 LinkedIn: Michael Bungay Stanier

About ScaleX™ and Simple Scaling:

ScaleX™ is a platform designed to help SME leaders grow their businesses using the proven ScaleX™ Framework. Hosted by Brendan McGurgan, the ScaleX™ Insider Podcast brings insights from world-class entrepreneurs and business thinkers.

Learn more about Simple Scaling:

• Website: https://simplescaling.com

• Podcast Episodes: https://simplescaling.com/podcast

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