The 10-Minute Shift That Future-Proofs Your Leadership

In this post, you’ll meet three leaders who made one small shift—and sparked big changes.

Let me begin with a simple question:

If everything in your business changed tomorrow —

what part of your leadership would still stand?

Over the years, I’ve noticed that this is an uncomfortable question for many.

Because so much of leadership has been built on what we know— not on how fast we can unlearn.

And yet, here’s a truth we rarely say out loud:

What got you and your team here—your clarity, your grit, your decisions—might not get you where you need to go next.

This article is not about theories or frameworks. It’s about a shift. A simple 10-minute mental gear change that could help future-proof not just leadership, but your entire team culture.

Story #1 Kevin's Shift

A senior Operations Director I coached—let’s call him Kevin—had been in his role for nearly a decade. Steady. Respected. Known for having the answers.

Then came a merger.

Kevin’s company, with two offices in Sweden, joined forces with a larger one operating across four countries.

Suddenly, everything changed... New tools, younger teams, more layers of leadership, and less face-to-face connection.

For Kevin, this meant ... click below to read more

That his leadership style—built on being physically present, dropping by for informal chats, and solving things quickly—no longer worked.

“I kept trying to lead the new team the same way I led the old one,” he told me.“But they weren’t responding.”

Then he realized—it wasn’t them. It was him.

So Kevin did something powerful: He stopped talking and started listening—really listening. He invited even the most junior team members to share how they worked best. What they needed. What slowed them down.

And most importantly, he listened without defending his way.

A few weeks later, he said:

“I stopped leading from experience. I started leading from awareness.”

And guess what happened?

Conversations became more open. People began contributing more in meetings. Small, but meaningful shifts began rippling across the team.

Kevin gained trust—and many on the newly merged team began trusting each other.

That’s what future-proof leadership looks like:

Curiosity. Presence. Unlearning and relearning.

Let's pause and reflect:

What’s one thing you’re still doing because it once worked—

even though you know it’s not working anymore?

Take a breath 🌬️

Let that one land.

🟢 Feel free to share your reflection in the comments—or DM me on LinkedIn (@Lizzie Claesson) if that feels easier.

Story #2 A Culture Shift Without a Rollout

Another client—a Sales Director—was exhausted by the reactive culture on their leadership team. Everything was urgent. Tactical. Constant fire-fighting.

So he tried something small.

At the start of each weekly leadership meeting, everyone had to share one insight.

Not a win. Not a KPI. Just a learning.

The first meeting? Silence.

People were unsure.

Then one leader shared how a recent decision had gone sideways—and what they would now do differently.

It broke the ice. Tension eased. Vulnerability crept in.

Within a few weeks:

• The tone of the meetings shifted

• Leaders started bringing questions instead of just updates

• Posturing gave way to real collaboration

• And decision-making became faster—and smarter

All from one micro-shift.

Not from a rollout. Not from a rebrand or value statement. Just from behavior.

Another reflection for you:

When was the last time your team saw you learn in real-time— not behind closed doors, but in front of them?

Give yourself a few seconds.

Find the insight—and maybe a small action step.

Try This: The Leadership Unlearning Sprint

Let’s go from idea to action.

This is your moment to shift—right now.

It’s called the Leadership Unlearning Sprint. It’s simple. And powerful.

Here’s how it works:

1. Think of one situation at work where you feel stuck

Maybe it’s a person, a decision, a conflict, or something you’re avoiding.

Got one?

2. Ask yourself: What belief am I holding onto that no longer serves me?

It might sound like: “I have to fix this myself.” “They should already know better.”

Let it surface. No judgment. No blame.

3. Let go of that belief—for a week

Try it. You don’t have to commit forever. Just experiment.

4. Ask one better question

One of my clients asked herself:

“What am I assuming that might not be true anymore?”

That one question sparked a breakthrough.

This is the 10-minute shift:

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That’s leadership.

Not built on having all the answers — but on creating space for better questions.

Story #3 Leading by Being Real

A CEO I worked with had a brilliant business mind.

He knew how to scale. But his people felt afraid to speak up.

He wasn’t harsh—just fast. Always ahead. Always certain.

So his team stopped challenging him.

He didn’t like that.

“How do I create a team that tells me what I don’t want to hear?” he asked.

My answer? Model it.

He started sharing one uncomfortable truth per week—about himself. A mistake. A poor judgment. A missed signal.

Not as a performance. Just real. Human.

His team followed. Not perfectly—but with courage. And the culture changed.

Because future-proof leadership is not just about evolving your strategy—it’s about evolving your identity.

From the expert → to the learner

From the hero → to the facilitator

From being right → to being real

Final Reflection

What part of your leadership identity served you well five years ago—but might now be holding you back?

The best leaders today lead through learning—not certainty. They make curiosity normal, and make it safe for others to do the same.

Because future-proof leadership isn’t a set of skills.

It’s a mindset. A posture. A pattern of curiosity, practiced in public.

If this resonated with you:

💬 Share your reflections in the comments

💜 Like the post if it added value

🔁 Repost or send it to someone shaping the future of leadership with you

And thank you—for being the kind of leader who is brave enough to keep learning, unlearning, and evolving.

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Want to Go Deeper?

If the 10-minute shift sparked something in you—and you're ready to take your leadership to the next level—

👉 Explore my book: Performance Alchemy: Using Neuroscience and Coaching to Transform Performance

It’s written for leaders who don’t just want better results—but want to understand the why behind high performance.Inside, you'll discover how to:

🔆 Rewire habits that no longer serve you

🔆 Use neuroscience to strengthen leadership behaviors

🔆 Shift from pressure-driven performance to sustainable momentum

This book is your next step if you’re ready to lead not just harder—but smarter.

// With courage & curiosity,

Lizzie Claesson

High-Performance Coach