Maxwell Leadership Executive Podcast – Episode #335

Recruiting the 21st Century Leader
Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Chris Goede & Perry Holly

Episode Overview

In this episode, Chris Goede and Perry Holly dive into the evolving characteristics of effective leadership in the 21st century. Inspired by the article “The Art of 21st Century Leadership: From Succession Planning to Building a Leadership Factory,” the hosts explore the essential traits organizations must seek and nurture to develop leaders ready to thrive in today’s complex, disrupted, and multi-generational workplaces. They break down six key characteristics, share coaching insights, personal stories, and actionable strategies for building resilient, humble, and inspiring teams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Need for a New Breed of Leader

• Today’s business landscape demands more than traditional leadership skills; leaders must be proactive in developing themselves and others as a "leadership factory.” (01:01)
• Forward-thinking organizations raise resilience and adaptability by making leadership development a core capability. (01:22)

2. Six Essential Characteristics of 21st Century Leaders

A. Positive Energy, Personal Balance, and Inspiration

• Leaders must manage their own mind, body, and spirit to maintain energy and motivation. (02:46)
• A multi-generational, post-pandemic workforce is seeking authentic, inspiring role models. Energy management is now a leadership commodity. (03:30)
• Notable Quote:

  “A mobile post-pandemic, multi-generational workforce…is looking for more authenticity and more inspiration from their leaders. And energy is becoming a critical commodity.”
  — Perry Holly (03:30)

• The importance of "guardrails" for personal balance—helping leaders (and teams) articulate and honor boundaries. (05:08)
• Different generations define balance and success differently; younger generations seek purpose and work-life harmony instead of work-as-life. (05:14)

B. Servant and Selfless Leadership

• Success is now measured by how leaders develop others, not just themselves. (07:41)
• Servant leaders align their actions with the organization’s purpose and the reasons employees join in the first place. (08:12)
• Notable Quote:

  “The highest-performing leaders are focused on making the team and others successful…in a way that aligns with the organization's purpose and impact.”
  — Chris Goede (07:41)

• Serving others is tied deeply to creating meaning and purpose; servant leadership is a core competency for new leaders. (08:36)
• Citing research: 70% of employees gain their sense of meaning and purpose from their work. (08:42)

C. Continuous Learning and a Humble Mindset

• The best leaders never position themselves as the smartest in the room, embodying humility and a learning mindset. (09:36)
• Vulnerability is a superpower—being open to learning from everyone in the organization. (09:59)
• Memorable Moment:

  “Don’t be a know-it-all, be a learn-it-all.”
  — Perry Holly (10:17)

• Nadella’s Microsoft leadership: favoring curiosity over certainty ("learn it all" attitude). (09:59)

D. Grit and Resilience

• Navigating disruption requires leaders to be stoic, steady, and consistent. (11:24)
• Cultivating a team’s resilience by calmly analyzing situations, making timely decisions, and fostering collaboration, not just consensus. (11:25 – 12:29)
• Maxwell Leadership's collaboration with Valerie Burton to create resilience systems and training for organizations. (13:14)
• Notable Quote:

  “When things are going crazy or there’s all kinds of chaos, I want to be able to be with someone that can calmly analyze the root cause...make decisions and then go from there.”
  — Chris Goede (12:18)

E. Levity (Humor at Work)

• High-performing leaders use humor—even average humor—to increase motivation and bonding. (14:11)
• Humor diffuses stress and unlocks creativity; work can be enjoyable without sacrificing seriousness of purpose. (14:36)
• Research Highlight:
  Leaders with a sense of humor are 27% more motivating and inspiring. (14:36)
• Memorable Caution:

  “Have fun, but not at somebody else’s expense…It’s only laughter if everyone’s laughing.”
  — Chris Goede (15:22)

F. Stewardship

• Leaders take the long view—caring for the organization and people, ensuring both are better off for their involvement. (16:03)
• Stewardship means leaving a legacy: success is not only personal but ensures the ongoing health of the organization. (16:34)
• Notable Quote:

  “When you’re done, you’ve left it in a better place than when you found it. And you left the people in a better place than where you found them.”
  — Perry Holly (16:53)

Actionable Takeaways

• Self-Check:
  Perry and Chris recommend writing the six characteristics down as a daily reminder. Assess your strengths and areas for growth, and seek mentorship or coaching to address gaps. (17:54)
• For Organizations:
  Integrate these traits into recruitment, training, and succession planning. Create discussion about how your team exemplifies these traits.

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp (MM:SS) | Segment | |----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:01 | Introduction to 21st century leadership challenges | | 02:46 | First characteristic: Positive energy, balance, inspiration | | 05:08 | Coaching stories on balance and guardrails | | 07:41 | Servant and selfless leadership | | 08:36 | Importance of servant leadership for meaning at work | | 09:36 | Continuous learning and humble mindset | | 11:24 | Grit and resilience in disruptive environments | | 13:14 | Partnering with Valerie Burton on resilience training | | 14:11 | Importance of levity and humor in leadership | | 16:03 | Stewardship: Legacy and leaving things better | | 17:54 | Recap and self-assessment for leaders |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Authenticity and Energy:
  “A mobile post-pandemic, multi-generational workforce…is looking for more authenticity and more inspiration from their leaders.” — Perry Holly (03:30)

• Meaning at Work:
  “The highest-performing leaders are focused on making the team and others successful…in a way that aligns with the organization's purpose and impact.” — Chris Goede (07:41)

• Learning Mindset:
  “Don’t be a know-it-all, be a learn-it-all.” — Perry Holly (10:17)

• Calm in Chaos:
  “When things are going crazy or…chaos, I want to be with someone that can calmly analyze…the root cause, make decisions and go from there.” — Chris Goede (12:18)

• Humor and Leadership:
  “It’s only laughter and fun if everybody’s laughing. If not, that’s probably a problem.” — Chris Goede (15:22)

• Stewardship:
  “When you’re done, you’ve left it in a better place than when you found it. And you left the people in a better place than where you found them.” — Perry Holly (16:53)

Conclusion

Chris and Perry emphasize that these six core leadership pillars—positive energy, servant leadership, humility, grit, levity, and stewardship—are not only vital for future leaders but also practical now, for anyone who wants to increase influence and lead people more effectively. Their call to action: Start with a little self-awareness, write these traits down, and be curious about how you, your team, and your organization can embrace the 21st century leader model.

For advanced leadership growth resources and upcoming programs, visit: maxwellleadership.com/podcast