The Learning To Lead Show with Mark J. Cundiff

#21 Leadership Insights from my conversation with Ali Merchant

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Leadership Insights from my conversation with Ali Merchant

In this episode of the Learning to Lead Show, host Mark Cundiff reflects on Ali Merchant's book The All-In Managerand shares key insights from their previous discussion. 

He highlights five major takeaways for leaders: 

  1. The common phenomenon of accidental managers
  2. The importance of trust is built on care, reliability, and competence. 
  3. The role of psychological safety and candor in fostering innovation.
  4. The necessity for leaders to actively seek feedback and address blind spots.
  5. The shift from being a problem-fixer to a question-asker and debate-maker.

Cundiff emphasizes that true leadership is about continual learning, meaningful results, and genuinely caring for team members. Listeners are encouraged to go back to the previous episode, download the leader notes, and subscribe to the podcast.

00:00 Introduction to the Learning to Lead Show

00:42 Key Takeaway 1: From Accidental Leader to All-In Manager

02:20 Key Takeaway 2: Building Trust as a Leader

03:35 Key Takeaway 3: Psychological Safety and Candor

05:00 Key Takeaway 4: Seeking Feedback and Busting Blind Spots

06:24 Key Takeaway 5: Stop Being the Fixer

07:57 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Ali Merchant:

Free Learning To Lead Resources

🔎 About LeaderNotes

LeaderNotes is a quick-hit companion to each episode of The Learning to Lead Show. In just 5–10 minutes, Mark Cundiff recaps the top leadership insights, frameworks, and action steps from each interview, designed for busy, growth-minded leaders who want to review and apply the episode’s biggest takeaways on the go. It’s like the highlight reel + playbook—all in one.


Contact Mark at: mark@markjcundiff.com