What if the path to inspiring others starts with understanding yourself first? Kevin sits down with Bruce Mayhew to explore why inspired leadership starts with looking inward, not for self-focus, but to serve better and lead others. They discuss the connection between learning and leadership growth, the importance of saying "I don't know" as a pathway to curiosity and trust, and why so-called soft skills are better understood as human skills. Bruce also shares a powerful distinction between motivation and inspiration, reminding us that leaders cannot manufacture motivation in others, but they can create the conditions that help people do their best work. Along the way, they unpack why accountability should be seen as an opportunity rather than blame, how leaders must balance individual needs with team cohesion, and why organizations should focus less on trying to empower people and more on enabling their success.

Listen For

00:00 Introduction: The Path of an Inspired Leader 01:33 Meet Bruce Mayhew & His New Book 03:06 The Big Idea Behind Inspired Leadership 04:18 Why Leaders Must Keep Learning 05:10 The Importance of Saying "I Don't Know" 06:06 Human Skills vs. People Skills 08:24 Balancing Individual Needs & Team Cohesion 11:14 Difficult Conversations & Positive Accountability 14:23 Millennials, Work & Leadership Identity 18:35 Inspiration vs. Motivation Explained 20:50 How Leaders Inspire Their Teams 24:06 What Organizations Must Do Better 25:18 Stop Trying to Empower People 27:11 Books Bruce Mayhew Recommends 29:08 Where to Connect with Bruce Mayhew 30:15 Kevin's Final Leadership Challenge: "Now What?"

Bruce's Story: Bruce Mayhew is the author of The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team Culture. He is a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and author, with interviews in CBC, CTV, Global Toronto: The Morning Show, and bylined articles in HuffPost and The Globe & Mail. He holds over 11 years of leadership experience working at one of Canada's top 5 banks, and over 20 years' experience helping people and organizations succeed.

https://brucemayhewconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemayhewconsulting/

Looking to Develop Stronger Leaders?

Want help developing the leaders in your organization? Reach out to explore how the Kevin Eikenberry Group can support your team at info@kevineikenberry.com.

Book Recommendations

The Path of an Inspired Leader: Inspire Greatness, Lead with Integrity, and Build a Loyal Team Culture by Bruce Mayhew
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence by Kevin Eikenberry

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