Innovation Through Individuality and Leadership

Joan

So, Brunello, let’s dig into this metaphor of the blue suits you used in your book. Why do you think it’s such a fitting image for conformity in the business world?

Brunello E

Because it’s everywhere, Joan. The blue suits—they’re, well, symbolic of something deeper. These uniforms represent a mindset, one that values fitting in over standing out. And in today’s world, that mindset can be... dangerous.

Joan

Dangerous how? I mean, it’s just a suit, right? What’s so risky about blending in?

Brunello E

It’s not just about the suits. It’s what they signify, Joan. When everyone conforms to the same template—not just in appearance, but in thinking, in leadership styles—it stifles innovation. Conformity breeds stagnation, and let me tell you... stagnation is a fast track to irrelevance.

Joan

Absolutely! And I’ve seen this firsthand. Take, for instance, a local business I know—a small vegan bakery, super quirky, run by a team that throws out all the rules. They’ve gone completely against corporate norms, and they’re thriving. Customers love them because they’re bold and... different.

Brunello E

That’s exactly it. They’re creating something unique, something people connect with. It’s the opposite of those blue suits. And they probably weren’t worried about mimicking what everyone else was doing, were they?

Joan

Nope! They leaned into their uniqueness, like... fully. It makes me wonder though, why don’t more companies embrace that kind of individuality? What’s holding them back?

Brunello E

Fear, Joan. Fear of standing out, fear of failure, fear of the unknown. It’s easier to play by the old rules, even when those rules no longer make sense. But the cost of staying safe—of playing it safe—is enormous.

Joan

Ugh, that reminds me of Blockbuster. I mean, talk about clinging to the past. Their refusal to innovate, to embrace streaming when it was right in front of them—what a disaster. What happened to them was so predictable!

Brunello E

Predictable, yes. And avoidable. Blockbuster is a cautionary tale. They failed because they resisted change, even when the signs were clear. The world was shifting, but they stayed rooted in their old strategies. They wanted predictability in a world that thrives on uncertainty.

Joan

And yet, other companies adapted. Those who embraced change innovated their way to the top. Like, what was it you said earlier? Conformity can’t keep up in a world that’s constantly evolving?

Brunello E

That’s right. In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, you can’t afford to just follow the crowd. Leadership isn’t about blending in anymore—it’s about breaking free.

Joan

So, Brunello, building on what you said about breaking free and standing out, I’m curious—these "personality leaders" you mention versus "functionaries"... what does it mean for someone to lead with personality? How does that play out in the day-to-day?

Brunello E

It starts, Joan, with visibility. A leader with personality doesn’t hide behind emails or titles. They’re present. They actively engage with their teams, they... spark conversations. People see them, feel their energy, and that creates trust. It’s not about being the loudest voice, but—being real, being human.

Joan

So, authenticity over authority. But isn’t showing up like that kinda risky? What if people don’t react positively to your real self?

Brunello E

There’s always risk in leadership, Joan. But the alternative—not showing up at all—is far riskier. When leaders just execute without connecting, they become invisible. And, as I mentioned in the book, invisibility erodes relevance.

Joan

Ugh, I love that phrase—"invisibility erodes relevance." I mean, Uber versus taxis tells that story perfectly. Uber's leaders didn’t just follow rules—they redefined them. Meanwhile, taxis stuck to their playbook and crumbled.

Brunello E

Precisely. Uber’s leadership saw opportunity in chaos. They rewrote the rules to fit a new reality. That’s what inspiring, adaptable leaders do—they challenge the status quo. They evolve.

Joan

So, let me ask, what do you think separates those leaders who thrive during change from those who just… crumble?

Brunello E

Adaptability, set against a foundation of principles. They stay flexible to external changes but firm on their core values. Add to that visibility, Joan—it’s crucial. People have to see them making decisions, not just dictating orders from some distant office. Leaders must embody their message.

Joan

Okay, that makes sense... and yet, so many leaders still hesitate to step into the spotlight. Why is that? Are they just scared of messing up?

Brunello E

Fear can certainly play a part, but there’s also this old mindset—a belief that leadership is about separation, not connection. Leaders used to think distance equaled authority. But today, it just equals isolation.

Joan

Exactly! Authority through connection—that’s the mindset we need. And thinking about this, it makes me wonder... are there common traits you see in the most successful modern leaders?

Brunello E

Certainly. Beyond adaptability and visibility, I would add presence, humility, and a willingness to listen. True leaders make people feel seen and heard. They lead with character, not command.

Joan

So, it’s about leading through influence, not control. Like becoming the person people genuinely want to follow, not just someone they’re forced to obey. Got it.

Joan

Brunello, as you pointed out earlier, visibility and character are key traits for leaders. But I’ve been thinking—what holds some leaders back from stepping into that visibility? Is it fear, or is there something deeper at play?

Brunello E

Ah, Joan, several things: fear of judgment, of failure, and often—simple inertia. Many people grew up in environments where humility was about staying in the background, not about carving out their space. They were taught that blending in was safer. But today, staying hidden makes you, well, irrelevant.

Joan

Right! And in the digital age, if you’re not telling your story, someone else will... and not always in a flattering way. But let’s get concrete for a second. How does someone even start crafting their narrative?

Brunello E

Start where it feels natural. Reflect on what you stand for. Ask yourself: What are my values? What’s the impact I want to make? Then, share it in a way that’s authentic to you. For some, it’s social media. For others, it might be engaging more visibly within their organizations.

Joan

Mmm, authenticity—I love that. Being real, even when it’s scary. I had this one guest a while back who used to be terrified of sharing anything online. Then, one day, they wrote a post about failing at their first business. You know what happened? That post blew up—it got, like, thousands of likes and shares. And suddenly, they weren’t just another professional—they were someone people could relate to.

Brunello E

That’s a brilliant example, Joan. Vulnerability is such a powerful tool. When you open up, you’re not just telling your story—you’re inviting others to connect with you. And connection, I’d argue, is at the heart of great leadership.

Joan

Totally agree. And it’s not just about connection—I think it makes you memorable. Like, when you put yourself out there, the narrative sticks. People don’t just see you—they remember you.

Brunello E

Absolutely. Visibility fuels opportunity. And for leaders, being memorable is vital. But it’s not just about being loud—it’s about being purposeful with what you say and share. Your narrative isn’t just your story—it’s your legacy.

Joan

Wow, "your narrative is your legacy." I love that. So, if someone’s listening right now, thinking, "That all sounds great, but I have no clue where to start," what’s your advice?

Brunello E

Start small. Share one insight, one story, one moment that speaks to who you are and what you believe. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking—it just has to be real. And, Joan, consistency is key. Building a narrative isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a practice.

Joan

That’s solid. And if I could add one thing—it’s to take the leap even if it feels uncomfortable. Because, honestly, isn’t growth always uncomfortable?

Brunello E

Very true, Joan. Comfort zones are lovely, but nothing ever grows there. Leaders who want to thrive must embrace the discomfort of visibility. It’s how they, and their teams, grow.

Joan

Well, on that note, I think this conversation has been... a game-changer, honestly. For me, for our listeners—you’ve given us so much to think about and act on, Brunello.

Brunello E

And it’s been a pleasure, Joan. If this conversation inspires even one leader to step up and rewrite their narrative, then we’ve done something valuable here. Thank you.

Joan

And thank you! I know you’ve got a packed schedule, but this has been incredible. To everyone listening, remember—visibility isn’t just about being seen. It’s about showing the world who you really are. And that’s where your power lies. Until next time, take care—and get out there!