In this episode, Michael Krumpak, CEO of L4 Learning Solutions and author of Why Smart Leaders Do Stupid Things, joins Meghan and Richard Taliaferro, Career Coach, to unpack why even experienced, high-performing leaders can quietly derail under pressure.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why leadership breakdowns often happen slowly and silently
• How stress and overwhelm trigger blind spots in decision-making
• What “liberation” means in leadership and why it fuels innovation
• The early warning signs that trust and workplace culture are eroding
• How empathy and accountability can coexist in strong leadership
• Practical ways leaders can rebuild trust and credibility with their teams

We explore how today’s fast-paced, resource-strained workplaces create conditions where smart leaders rely on past success instead of curiosity, reflection, and adaptability. Michael breaks down the difference between smart and legendary leadership — and why the ability to pause, ask better questions, and recalibrate is now a critical leadership skill.

This episode is for leaders, managers, founders, and anyone navigating leadership in a rapidly changing workplace.

You can find Michael at https://l4learningsolutions.com/about/