What makes a great leader? Is leadership about commanding authority, or is it about inspiring others through action? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Marshall Goldsmith, the world’s No. 1 executive coach and a leadership mentor to Fortune 500 CEOs. With decades of experience coaching some of the biggest names in business—Alan Mulally (Ford), Hubert Joly (Best Buy), and Albert Bourla (Pfizer)—Marshall breaks down what separates extraordinary leaders from everyone else.
In this episode, he reveals why many successful people fall into the trap of “winning too much” and how the need to constantly prove yourself can actually hold you back. He shares why humility is the most underrated trait in leadership and how the best CEOs embrace their own growth instead of pretending to have all the answers. He also discusses how influence works without authority, explaining that leadership isn’t about forcing people to follow you—it’s about earning their respect by setting the right example.
One of the most thought-provoking moments in this conversation is when Marshall explains the importance of letting go. Leaders often struggle to move past failures or take on too much emotional burden, but as he explains, if you can’t let go, you can’t do your job. This ties into his bigger message about legacy—what remains when you are no longer in the room. True leadership isn’t about temporary power; it’s about shaping a culture that lasts beyond your presence.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive, or someone aspiring to lead in any capacity, this podcast will challenge the way you think about leadership. Marshall’s insights are not just theories—they are hard-earned lessons from coaching some of the most successful people in the world. His unique approach to coaching, his candid take on what makes leaders fail, and his reflections on purpose, decision-making, and influence make this conversation a must-watch for anyone looking to level up their leadership game.
🎙️About Qunba: Qunba is a first-of-its-kind platform designed to help the leaders of today empower the leaders of tomorrow. Join us every week as we engage with the titans of the industry to help build a culturally rich narrative, tools and vocabulary around leadership in India.
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