How Shadow Work Helps Leaders Overcome Triggers and Lead with Authentic Power with Steven D’Souza

Описание: If the themes in these podcasts resonate, and you sense your mid-level managers could benefit from deeper reflection and peer exchange, consider joining our monthly online community. Hosted by Roddy Millar, it’s a relaxed yet purposeful space where leadership challenges are unpacked with insight and camaraderie. Each session offers structure without rigidity, and conversation without jargon. To learn more or explore joining, drop us a line at: [email protected]
__________________________________________

In this episode of The Power Between by Ideas for Leaders, host Roddy Millar speaks with Steven D’Souza, an executive coach, author, and leadership expert. He is Senior Client Partner - Leadership & Professional Development at Korn Ferry. Steven talks about his latest book Shadows at Work, exploring how leaders can grow by understanding their hidden sides. He explains why middle managers are key to healthy workplaces, and how self-awareness, reflection, and wisdom help leaders handle stress, power, and change better.

Steven D’Souza, executive coach and author, shares insights from his new book Shadows at Work, which explores the hidden sides of leaders. He talks about the pressures on middle managers and how doing “shadow work” helps leaders understand their habits, emotions, and triggers. Steven highlights the power of self-awareness, reflection, and curiosity in building strong, honest, and healthy workplaces.

Key Topics:
1. Understanding the Shadow: How hidden thoughts, emotions, and habits shape a leader’s actions without them knowing.
2. Supporting Middle Managers: Why middle leaders need tools, space, and reflection to handle stress and lead well.
3. Leadership and Self-Awareness: How knowing your strengths and blind spots helps you lead with care and wisdom.
4. The Role of Power: Why leaders must notice how power affects choices, and avoid letting it cause harm.
5. Creating a Safe Culture: How honest feedback, curiosity, and space to grow build strong, healthy teams.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Teaser
[01:13] Introduction to Steven D’Souza and his leadership journey
[01:58] Why middle managers are under pressure and need more support
[04:31] The return of strongman leadership and its risks in complex times
[06:36] Why people seek simple answers in a complex world
[09:43] What “shadows” means and how it shows up at work
[11:50] The impact of stress and biology on leadership behavior
[15:20] Why leaders need to explore their shadows, not avoid them
[23:51] Steps to help leaders notice projections and triggers at work
[28:15] The role of peer groups and feedback in self-awareness
[33:18] Building brave spaces to speak up and face discomfort
[34:40] Leading through darkness and finding growth in tough times
[40:43] Why middle managers are vital for lasting change and culture

📚 Resources:
👉 Subscribe to DLQ just for $3 for 3 months - https://developingleadersquarterly.com/
👉 Read this article from DLQ46 for free on ‘From Compete and Compare to Collaborate and Care’- https://developingleadersquarterly.co...
👉 Shadows At Work - https://a.co/d/6bBVeUN

Follow our guest, Steven D’Souza:
LinkedIn:   / steven-d-souza-5351712  
Website: https://stevendsouza.com/

Follow our guest’s company, Korn Ferry:
LinkedIn:   / kornferry  
Website: https://www.kornferry.com/

Follow the Host, Roddy Miller:
LinkedIn:   / roddymillar  

Follow Ideas For Leaders:
Website: https://ideasforleaders.com/
LinkedIn:   / ideas-for-leaders  
Instagram:   / ideasforleaders.dlq  
Facebook:   / ideasforleaders  
X (Twitter): https://x.com/ideas4leaders

Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NHgbWd...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Podcast site: https://ideasforleaders.com/

Subscribe for more on leadership, team culture, emotional intelligence and share your thoughts in the comments!