Episode 38: Can You Kill Your Company | Essential Leadership Skills with Glenn Daniels Podcast with Glenn Daniels [Nov, 2021]

The Leadership Risk No One Talks About

In this compelling episode of Essential Leadership Skills, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins Glenn Daniels to expose one of the most dangerous blind spots in leadership: the myth of stability. Drawing from decades of consulting experience, Nadya unpacks why the very systems that brought success often become the biggest threats during disruption—and what leaders can do to avoid collapse.

Through sharp insights and memorable metaphors, she offers a reinvention roadmap that’s both practical and urgent for today’s turbulent world.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why many leadership systems fail not because of a lack of intelligence, but because of outdated assumptions. Nadya walks through the data behind failed transformations, introduces the concept of “Titanic Syndrome,” and shares her six-pillar reinvention framework. From practical audit tools to the emotional roots of resistance, you’ll gain clarity on how to lead change with more confidence, resilience, and results.

Who This Is For

• Senior leaders and executives navigating constant change
• Leadership coaches and facilitators looking to stay ahead
• Professionals responsible for organizational strategy and culture
• Business owners rebuilding after crisis
• Anyone who wants to lead without falling into the illusion of certainty

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Must Be a Leadership Habit, Not a One-Time Pivot

Dr. Nadya emphasizes that the pace of change is no longer cyclical—it’s constant. Leaders must embed reinvention into everyday thinking and systems, or risk being left behind when disruption inevitably hits.

2. Titanic Syndrome Is the Silent Killer of Great Organizations

Using the metaphor of the Titanic, Nadya explains how successful companies fall in love with their past and ignore the signs of change. Avoiding this fate means making reinvention a proactive strategy, not a crisis response.

3. The Emotional Side of Change Matters More Than the Rational

People don’t resist change because they’re ignorant—they resist it because they’re exhausted and scared. Nadya outlines how emotional intelligence and psychological safety are essential tools for leading effective reinvention.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• Titanic Syndrome Diagnostic Tool
• Reinvention Academy Programs and Free Tools