In this eye-opening episode of BizBlend, we sit down with Travis Schachtner—author of Employment Ethics—to challenge long-standing beliefs about leadership, power, and the workplace. Travis lays out a bold redefinition: leadership isn’t top-down—it’s reciprocal. Together, we dissect why trust, mutual accountability, and professional respect matter more than performative company culture or “family” slogans. We explore the blurred lines between ego and confidence, and how modern leaders can recognize and prevent toxicity in their teams. Whether you’re a founder, HR leader, or simply navigating your career, this episode is packed with sharp, actionable insight.
About the Guest:
Travis Schachtner is a leadership reformist and the author of Employment Ethics, a book that redefines how we understand the employee-employer dynamic. Travis emphasizes leadership as a two-way street rooted in trust and ethical reciprocity. His framework for workplace accountability challenges toxic hierarchies and advocates for professional relationships that honor both sides of the employment contract.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership is not authority—it's built through reciprocal trust.
The distinction between management and leadership must be clearly understood.
Employees shouldn’t be labeled “followers” by default; the relationship is transactional, not familial.
Ethical workplaces prioritize both performance and well-being, not performative culture.
Leaders must be active participants in professional respect, not passive figureheads demanding loyalty.
Connect with Travis:
Visit www.ftsleaders.com to connect, learn more, and get early access to Employment Ethics—available globally from July 7th on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more.
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