Flexible Leadership with Kevin Eikenberry
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of the Kevin Eikenberry Group. Kevin discusses his 30-year journey in leadership development and his latest book, ‘Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence.’
They explore how Kevin’s role has evolved over the years, the importance of understanding the context in leadership, and strategies for dealing with uncertainty. Kevin explains the concept of flexors, which helps leaders find the best approach amid varying situations, promoting a nuanced perspective on leadership. They also touch upon building confidence and collaboration within teams and the importance of intentional actions. Kevin shares insights into mindset, skill set, and habit set to help leaders adapt and thrive in uncertain times.
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Eikenberry
00:47 Kevin’s Journey and Achievements
02:00 Evolving Leadership Roles
05:10 Challenges in Leadership Transition
06:36 Collaboration and Co-Authorship
13:05 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership
16:58 Flexible Leadership Explained
27:24 Building Confidence as a Leader
31:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Summary
In a World of Uncertainty, Flexibility Is a Leader’s Superpower
In a recent episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, I spoke with Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and a globally recognized leadership thinker. Kevin has helped leaders in over 50 countries and authored or contributed to more than 20 books. His latest work, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, is the culmination of decades spent not only studying leadership—but living it.
In this energizing conversation, Kevin unpacks why flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have skill for leaders. It’s essential. Whether you’re leading a team through rapid change or just trying to make the next best decision, Kevin’s insights will help you navigate complexity with clarity.
Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the art and mindset of flexible leadership.
Leadership Isn’t About Certainty—It’s About Navigating Uncertainty
“I think what an awful lot of leaders would like is some certainty. But what we really need is to know how to navigate things when they are uncertain.”
Kevin challenges the traditional desire for stability in leadership. While many crave a clear roadmap, the truth is that ambiguity is here to stay—whether due to technology shifts, hybrid work, or global disruptions. Instead of chasing clarity, Kevin encourages leaders to embrace a mindset of curiosity, discernment, and adaptability.
His message is simple: stop asking for a map and start learning how to read the terrain.
From Autopilot to Intentionality
“There’s a difference between knowing it and doing it. That’s the habit set.”
One of the biggest challenges leaders face is bridging the gap between knowledge and consistent action. Kevin breaks leadership development into three categories: mindset, skill set, and habit set. You may understand the value of flexibility and even have the tools—but without intention and practice, change won’t stick.
Instead of operating on autopilot, Kevin encourages leaders to ask: What does this moment require of me? That shift in awareness can be the difference between compliance and genuine commitment from your team.
True Collaboration Starts with Clear Expectations
“Most people think collaboration means being in the same room with a whiteboard. That’s cooperation—not necessarily collaboration.”
In our digital world, Kevin says collaboration isn’t about physical presence or even working synchronously. Instead, it’s about creating synergy through clear expectations—not just about how the work gets done, but why it matters. His coauthoring experiences, including writing books entirely over Zoom, prove that deep collaboration is possible—even across screens and time zones.
Confidence Isn’t Arrogance—It’s a Leadership Necessity
“Humility is not the opposite of confidence. We can be both humble and confident.”
For leaders facing unknowns, confidence can feel elusive. Kevin reframes confidence not as bravado, but as grounded belief in your ability to figure things out—and help others do the same. He teaches a “confidence-competence loop,” where small wins build skill, which in turn builds belief.
The key takeaway? Confidence isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself to ask better questions.
Take Action: Don’t Just Learn—Lead Differently
“No book on its own changes anyone. The only thing that changes us is the decision to try something different.”
Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned executive, Kevin’s insights offer a fresh lens for thriving in uncertainty. The next time you’re facing a decision, pause and ask: Where do I need to flex today? You might just find a better way forward.
Want more? Listen to the full podcast episode for actionable strategies, real-world stories, and Kevin’s generous free gift for our listeners.
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