In this episode of the Unseen Leadership Podcast, Chandler Vannoy and Dan Iten are joined by William Vanerbloemen, CEO and Founder of the Vanderbloemen Search Group, to discuss the topic of leadership and his latest book, “Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest.” Vanderbloemen shares insights from his research on exceptional leaders and their common habits, aiming to provide people with a guide to becoming exceptional leaders themselves. The interview also delves into Vanderbloemen’s diverse background and experiences, including his time as a pastor and starting his own firm.

QUOTES FROM EPISODE 84

“God called us to be fishers of men, not keepers of an aquarium.” – Lyle E. Schaller

“The leadership that I had to learn when I was a pastor might be more important now than ever because I had to learn how to get people to follow when they didn’t have to.” – William Vanderbloemen

“Until you learn your own weaknesses, you won’t ever be able to help anybody else.” – William Vanderbloemen

“If you’re thinking of making a change, the best transitions I’ve seen are when you sense completion where you are and then a step towards something good that’s coming. Don’t just step away from your job with nothing in hand. If you’ve completed what you were called to do and you’re headed towards something new, there’s a higher likelihood that you’re walking in step with the rhythm that you need to.” – William Vanderbloemen

“Particularly in 18-35-year-olds, they get a job offer and then they counter. Obviously, if they’re not paying you fairly, then you can have that conversation. But there are so many times I see people in that age range counteroffer and shoot themselves in the foot. Even if they land the job and get the counter, they’re starting workday one with the label of that the guy knows everything. I think the longer, slower, more successful play is to prove yourself, and you’ll never have to ask for a raise.” – William Vanderbloemen

I think particularly if you’re a new leader where you’re serving some people that are older than you, go ask them to tell you about the best days of this company or the best days of this church. You can learn so much by learning the history of where you’ve been.” – William Vanderbloemen

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest by William Vanderbloemen

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Wisdom from Lyle E. Schaller: The Elder Statesman of Church Leadership by Lyle E. Schaller and Warren Bird