Authoritarian, fear-based leadership might seem loud and everywhere—but that doesn’t mean it’s working. In this solo episode, LaTonya Wilkins, award-winning executive coach and author of Leading Below the Surface (second edition out Sept. 24), unpacks why dominant leadership standards—rigidity, perfectionism, and toxic meritocracy—are failing organizations today. Drawing on Chapter 2 of her book, LaTonya contrasts authoritarian and relational leadership, shares personal insights from the field, and explains why relational leadership is the future in an era of mental health challenges, AI disruption, and broken systems.

Episode Summary

She also teases upcoming guest conversations on mental health and conscious leadership. If you’ve been told to “toughen up” or “lead with fear” to get results, this episode will give you evidence, strategies, and courage to lead differently.

Key Insights

  • Dominant leadership standards (rigidity, fear, optics) are outdated and erode innovation and psychological safety.
  • Authoritarian leadership thrives on fear and appears louder than it is—but relational leadership creates sustainable performance.
  • Relational leadership is essential as workplaces face unprecedented challenges and employees bring their whole selves to work.
  • Situational leadership and coaching cultures are powerful relational tools that drive inclusion, collaboration, and trust.
  • Sticking with relational leadership—even when pressured to adopt authoritarian tactics—pays off in alignment, creativity, and resilience.

Calls to Action

  • Subscribe/Follow: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Change Coaches YouTube Channel to catch every episode.
  • Leave a Review or Share: If this episode resonated, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share it with a colleague or friend.
  • Explore More: Visit LeadingBelowTheSurface.com and ChangeCoaches.io for book updates, keynotes, workshops, and coaching.
  • Book Talks: Want a Leading Below the Surface book talk for your team? Email [email protected] to schedule—limited slots each month.
  • Connect with LaTonya: LinkedIn — share your thoughts or let her know how relational leadership is showing up in your world.
  • Next Episode Preview: Don’t miss next week’s conversation on Everyday Mental Health Practices for Leadership and Life—practical ways leaders can support wellness in a world that feels broken.

Resources & Links

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For More on the Book Leading Below the Surface

Podcast Summary Transcript:

Note: These are approximate, based on transcript — not pulled directly from the audio)

[00:00] Welcome + second edition book update

[02:15] Why revisit dominant leadership standards now

[05:10] Different types of leadership (authoritarian, relational, servant, situational)

[10:20] Authoritarianism’s rise & why fear-based control fails long term

[14:50] Chapter 2 insights: The Dominant Leadership Standard explained

[19:30] Returns on relational leadership—alignment, innovation, and trust

[24:40] Situational leadership & coaching cultures as relational tools

[28:15] How to stick with relational leadership when pressured to conform

[32:00] Closing thoughts + teaser for next episode on mental health practices