Gail McDonald sits down with Ed Brenegar, leadership thought leader, writer, podcaster, and social catalyst, to explore what leadership really means in a time when old systems are breaking down and new models are emerging.

Ed, author of eight books and writer of The Future of Leadership on Substack, shares why leadership has nothing to do with titles and everything to do with initiative, clarity, and community. Together, they unpack how great organizations are built—not through hierarchy—but through trust, human connection, and the willingness to empower people at every level.

This conversation covers:

• Why most companies run their business but don’t truly lead
• How clarity of values, purpose, and impact transforms organizations
• The hidden leadership already happening in the “lower” levels of every company
• The Five Actions of Gratitude and why they can shift an entire culture
• Why kindness is strategic—and how to embed it into daily work
• How to help teams think clearly, innovate, and speak up
• Why “saying no” is essential for leaders
• The dangers of the Dunning–Kruger effect and how to stay curious
• How to believe in yourself without posturing or ego
• The surprising sleep routine that helped Ed write his most impactful book

Ed’s storytelling, insight, and lived experience offer a refreshing, human approach to leadership, rooted in dignity, community, and genuine impact. If you’re a leader, manager, or anyone who wants to make a difference, this episode will change how you see your role and your capacity.

Ed Brenegar:

edbrenegar.com

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Books Referenced

• Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman
• May Your No Be a Yes by Ed Brenegar
• The Circle of Impact by Ed Brenegar
• Generational Memory: Restoring Community in the Continuity of Time (Ed’s forthcoming book; working title)