LME 054 – Behind The Scenes: Honest Conversation Between Two Leadership Coaches

Today’s podcast conversation is a special one. It’s not just about leadership. It’s about curiosity, courage, and connection.

I’m joined by Dr. Burkhard Bensmann, a dear colleague and longtime companion on the journey of leadership development.

Dr. Burkhard Bensmann phone

Burkhard is an author and executive coach. For decades, he’s helped leaders reflect more deeply, act more purposefully, and lead more consciously, always with a sharp mind and an open heart.

In our talk, we share stories from our recent travels from the entrepreneurial spirit of India to the emerging innovation hubs of Colombia.

We explore what it means to be a leader today, why cooperative leadership matters more than ever, and how small rituals like kickboxing, playing piano, or even building with LEGO can help us stay grounded in a noisy world.

This isn’t just a discussion about business. It’s an honest and personal exchange between two leadership coaches who care deeply about the people they serve.

We talk about challenges, doubts, insights and the simple habits that keep us inspired.

If you’re a business owner, a leader, or simply someone who wants to lead with more clarity and meaning, this episode is for you.

Let’s dive in.

10 Key Takeaways from the Conversation

  1. Leadership is shifting from system-centered to people-centered.
    Especially in SMEs, cooperative leadership and self-responsibility are essential for long-term success.

  2. Self-leadership is the foundation.
    Both coaches emphasized the importance of knowing your own values, rhythms, and limitations before effectively leading others.

  3. International perspective brings clarity.
    Experiences from India and Colombia revealed a hunger for growth and innovation that’s often missing in Europe prompting reflection and humility.

  4. Leadership rituals matter.
    Daily routines like journaling, meditation, kickboxing, and even LEGO-building help maintain mental clarity and emotional resilience.

  5. Social media has changed, less dialogue, more noise.
    LinkedIn is shifting toward polarized debates. Both speakers advocate for more real-life interaction and direct conversation.

  6. People-centered doesn’t mean soft.
    Leadership still requires clarity, boundaries, and consequences when goals aren’t met being kind and being clear go hand in hand.

  7. Deep work beats constant urgency.
    Start your day with something important but not urgen: this is often where real leadership and strategy work happens.

  8. Coaching is context-sensitive.
    Business owners and corporate executives need different approaches. Ownership brings unique emotional and strategic challenges.

  9. Tiny habits make a big difference.
    Small daily wins (like 10 minutes of piano practice) can reframe your day and build confidence, clarity, and momentum.

  10. Stay curious and connected.
    Leadership is not just about managing teams. It’s about staying open, learning from others, and finding meaning in your own journey.

Get in Touch with Burkhard

Burkhards Podcast:
https://bensmann-consulting.com/podcasts/

Burkhards Website:
https://bensmann-consulting.com/