Episode 44: Highlights 2021 (ft. Jared Hummel, Kristi Venta Diemoz, and Dr Nadya Zhexembayeva) in Leadership Is Changing Podcast by Denis Gianoutsos

Reinvent or Perish

In this stirring episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva joins Leadership Is Changing to explore why reinvention is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s turbulent world. Drawing from her own history—growing up in post-Soviet Kazakhstan, surviving systems collapse, and rising as a global reinvention thought leader—Dr. Nadya shares her journey and the lessons that shaped her philosophy.

She and Dennis discuss why the traditional concept of leadership is outdated, how titles don’t define real leaders, and why the most powerful leadership is circular, fluid, and shared. From nomadic wisdom to modern C-suites, Dr. Nadya reframes leadership as a space you enter and exit daily—and reinvention as the literacy skill every executive must master.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why reinvention is no longer optional, how Dr. Nadya’s experience with collapse and resilience shaped her work, and what it means to lead through constant disruption. The episode explores the role of adaptive systems, the power of nomadic leadership, and how businesses can future-proof their decision-making with reinvention-ready models.

Who This Is For

• CEOs, founders, and executives navigating constant disruption
• Leadership development professionals building adaptive cultures
• Business educators and reinvention consultants
• Women leaders balancing impact and reinvention
• Professionals from post-crisis, post-Soviet, or emerging markets seeking practical transformation models

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvent or Be Reinvented

Reinvention as the New Survival Skill for Leaders. You can no longer rely on stability—reinvention must become part of your system. Whether you're running a startup or a multinational, you'll either lead change or be replaced by it.

2. Leadership is a Space, Not a Title

The Nomadic Philosophy of Circular Leadership. Dr. Nadya reframes leadership as a fluid, shared space—an energy you enter and exit. It's not about permanent authority but timely contribution.

3. Build Reinvention-Ready Systems

From Annual Budgeting to Weekly Agility. To survive rapid shifts, companies need systems that can pivot weekly—not quarterly. Reinvention requires financial, operational, and cultural structures designed for continuous adaptability.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook by Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
• The Chief Reinvention Officer Certification Program
• Leadership Is Changing Podcast