Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer #331 – Kevin Akenberry: How Great Leaders Flex Without Losing Themselves — Part One

Release Date: April 29, 2025
Host: Vince Chen
Guest: Kevin Akenberry, Founder of the Kevin Akenberry Group and Author of Flexible Leadership

Introduction

In episode #331 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chen engages in a compelling conversation with Kevin Akenberry, a renowned leadership thinker and founder of the Kevin Akenberry Group. This two-part series delves into the concept of Flexible Leadership, exploring why rigid leadership styles may fail in today’s dynamic environments and how leaders can adapt without compromising their core selves.

Kevin Akenberry’s Early Life and Foundations

Kevin begins by sharing his unconventional path to leadership. Contrary to the typical corporate trajectory, he grew up on a farm in Michigan, where he was deeply involved in daily operations from a young age. This early exposure instilled in him a profound understanding of cause and effect, business systems, and the importance of discipline and responsibility.

Kevin Akenberry [04:29]:
“We had cash crops of a variety, a variety of them over the years and we raised hogs... I learned a really important lesson early about being clear about priorities, that some things must override them all because if you mess that up, everything else will fall away.”

This foundation in agriculture not only shaped his work ethic but also influenced his approach to leadership, emphasizing the need to prioritize effectively—a lesson that remains central to his leadership philosophy.

Transition to Corporate America and Early Career

Despite his agricultural roots, Kevin pursued higher education in agriculture at Purdue University, initially intending to manage the family farm business. However, his career took a different turn when he entered the world of sales and marketing in the fertilizer industry with Chevron. It was here that Kevin discovered his passion for training and development. By seizing opportunities to facilitate customer training sessions, he gradually moved into the training and development group at Chevron.

Kevin Akenberry [06:50]:
“I found myself with opportunities, I was asked to and took opportunities to do some training of customers... and I started finding myself getting the chance to facilitate things and to be involved in training.”

This pivot marked the beginning of his journey toward establishing his own leadership practice. After eight years in corporate America, driven by a desire to focus on training and speaking, Kevin left Chevron to found the Kevin Akenberry Group.

Founding the Kevin Akenberry Group and Early Entrepreneurship

Launching his own venture was a significant transition, especially in the competitive field of leadership training. Kevin candidly reflects on his initial approach:

Kevin Akenberry [09:13]:
“No one should do it the way I did it because I didn't do it well... I started with internal Chevron clients and left with a bunch of work, which made the exit easy but postponed my need to market myself beyond those clients.”

Recognizing the importance of consistent marketing for sustainability, Kevin adapted his strategies to ensure a steady flow of clients. A core principle of his practice has always been to empower clients to become self-sufficient, aiming to "work ourselves out of a job" by developing their leadership capabilities.

Exploring Flexible Leadership and the Upcoming Book

The conversation shifts to Kevin's latest work, Flexible Leadership. Vince Chen expresses curiosity about the book's genesis and its relevance in the current climate of constant change.

Kevin Akenberry [12:26]:
“It's a culmination of everything I've written to this point... It's the evolution of my thinking to this point, the evolution of my observations about leadership, and the evolution of my own leadership practice put into a format that people can use, I hope, practically.”

Kevin emphasizes that while Flexible Leadership builds upon his previous works, it stands independently as a fresh perspective on navigating uncertainty and leading confidently amidst change. The book aims to provide a playbook for leaders to adapt their strategies in a world where change is omnipresent.

Kevin Akenberry [13:59]:
“The subtitle of the book says navigate uncertainty and lead with confidence... It's super important for us to think about that and acknowledge that. If the world is changing and uncertain, that means that we likely need to do something different as those things change.”

He articulates that leadership must evolve in response to changing contexts without abandoning the unchanging fundamentals of leading effectively.

The Timeless Nature of Leadership Amidst Change

Vince probes whether Kevin's approach to writing is evergreen or opportunistic based on current trends. Kevin responds by highlighting his focus on timeless principles rather than fleeting trends, ensuring the content remains relevant despite rapid technological advancements.

Kevin Akenberry [15:49]:
“We write in ways that are timeless rather than evergreen... I believe this new book is very timely, but I believe it will also stand the test of time.”

He cites his previous work, such as The Long Distance Leader, which anticipated the surge in remote work even before the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his ability to align his insights with emerging trends while maintaining long-term applicability.

Core Principles of Flexible Leadership

Kevin introduces the central thesis of Flexible Leadership by addressing a pivotal statement from his book:

Kevin Akenberry [22:10]:
“Everything seems to be changing, yet the most important things aren't changing at all.”

He elaborates that effective change leadership involves recognizing and maintaining unchanging core values and principles amidst evolving circumstances. By balancing new processes with enduring fundamentals, leaders can reduce anxiety and enhance clarity within their teams.

Kevin Akenberry [23:10]:
“People have been leading other humans for centuries... there are truths about leading, there are truths about influencing, there are truths about human behavior and group dynamics that aren't changing.”

This perspective underscores the importance of foundational leadership skills—such as influence, behavior management, and team dynamics—which remain relevant regardless of the external environment.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode concludes, Vince previews the next installment, promising a deeper exploration into the heart of flexible leadership, including how intention, context, and personal flexors redefine leadership practices.

Vince Chen [25:55]:
“In part two, we dig into the heart of flexible leadership. How intention, context and personal flexors can change the way you lead, work and connect.”

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the show through various platforms to continue their journey in becoming effective Chief Change Officers.

Notable Quotes

• Kevin Akenberry [04:29]:
  “I learned a really important lesson early about being clear about priorities, that some things must override them all because if you mess that up, everything else will fall away.”

• Kevin Akenberry [09:13]:
  “No one should do it the way I did it because I didn't do it well... I started with internal Chevron clients and left with a bunch of work, which made the exit easy but postponed my need to market myself beyond those clients.”

• Kevin Akenberry [12:26]:
  “It's the evolution of my thinking to this point, the evolution of my observations about leadership, and the evolution of my own leadership practice put into a format that people can use, I hope, practically.”

• Kevin Akenberry [22:10]:
  “Everything seems to be changing, yet the most important things aren't changing at all.”

Final Thoughts

Part One of this insightful episode sets the stage for understanding Flexible Leadership through Kevin Akenberry’s rich experiences and thoughtful perspectives. By blending his agricultural roots with decades of corporate and entrepreneurial leadership, Kevin offers a unique lens on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of organizational leadership. Stay tuned for Part Two, where deeper strategies and applications of flexible leadership principles will be explored.

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