In this episode of Work’s Not Working… Let’s Fix It!, Siân Harrington sits down with Steven D’Souza – award-winning educator, executive coach and senior partner at Korn Ferry – to explore a question few leaders dare to ask: what if the problem isn’t our systems or strategies… but ourselves?
Because as Steven explains, every leader carries a “shadow” – the unseen habits, fears and defences that quietly shape decisions, relationships and culture. When ignored, these shadows can derail even the smartest leaders. When understood, they can become a source of wisdom, empathy and real change.
Drawing on psychology, biology, culture and meaning, Steven reveals how our past shows up in the present – from childhood messages that still drive our behaviour, to toxic corporate patterns that reward overconfidence and silence feedback.
Together, we unpack:
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re a CEO, manager or HR leader this episode will change how you think about leadership maturity and what it really means to be whole at work.
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