The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Failure as a Feature, Not a Bug

Perspectives • 6 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Failure is a necessary tool for growth and staying competitive, so take smart risks and treat setbacks as learning opportunities.
  2. Leaders should model vulnerability and normalize failure so their teams feel safe to experiment and innovate.
  3. Build simple habits—start with small bets, separate your identity from outcomes, create external accountability, and run blameless reflections and stories to capture learnings.

Are Women Equally Violent to Men?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Research shows that women in history, specifically queens, actually expanded territories more than kings. This suggests that while women may have engaged in wars, they were also effective leaders capable of achieving significant goals.
  2. Many claims about women being equally violent as men lack context. Particularly in relationships, women often use violence defensively or due to past trauma, rather than to control or dominate.
  3. The narrative that men are the real victims in domestic violence overlooks the reality that women face greater threats from their partners. Men typically use violence to control women, making it harder for women to leave abusive situations.

What is Leadership?

The Leadership Lab • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
🚌 Education Leadership
  1. Leadership is about responsibility, not just managing a team.
  2. A true leader takes full responsibility for their impact, emotions, and relationships.
  3. Great leadership starts with individuals embodying a way of being and moving through the world, taking radical responsibility.

Why your manager sucks [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 99 implied HN points • 12 Nov 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The Dilbert Principle explains how incompetent employees may be promoted to management to get them out of the way.
  2. The Invisible Man Principle highlights how mediocre employees may end up in important projects when all the top performers are busy with other tasks.
  3. The Peter Principle shows that competent workers may be promoted until they reach a role where they struggle, impacting their career progression.

When You Don't Know It All

QUALITY BOSS • 39 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. It's normal to feel like you don't know everything, especially when starting a new job. Accepting that you don't have to know it all can help ease your fears and open up opportunities for learning.
  2. Building relationships with your new coworkers is really important. Connecting with others can help you learn and grow in your new role.
  3. When feel like an impostor, try to focus on what you need to learn. Ask questions, celebrate small wins, and remember everyone starts as a beginner.
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Hidden Tasks of Product Management

Sarah's Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Product managers should oversee their company’s offering like any manager oversees people.
  2. Being data-driven is crucial for product managers. They need to question data, consider various types of data, and course correct based on data-driven decisions.
  3. Product managers play a critical role in owning quality assurance and getting stakeholder buy-in for successful product launches.

The Man Behind the NFL’s Media Empire Is Now Running the PGA Tour

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Leadership
  1. Brian Rolapp, known for his work with the NFL, is now the CEO of the PGA Tour. He's expected to improve the tour's media strategy and resolve conflicts.
  2. Rolapp has a strong background in sports media, creating major deals for the NFL that greatly increased its revenue.
  3. He will be the final decision-maker for the PGA Tour, working to strengthen partnerships and navigate relationships with LIV Golf.

The Great Horseshoe Crab Massacre

Ladyparts • 199 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Mass shootings and societal injustices expose the influence of money on life and death decisions.
  2. The complexity of addressing societal issues can feel overwhelming, especially for marginalized groups.
  3. Finding small acts of resistance and unity, like the Great Horseshoe Crab Massacre, can offer hope and a path forward.

The "Macros" for healthy engineering teams - part 1: Carbs

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Just like our bodies need carbs for energy, engineering teams need motivation to stay productive and innovative. Motivation drives teamwork and helps in overcoming challenges.
  2. Understanding and recognizing the importance of tasks keeps team members engaged, similar to how complex carbs provide lasting energy. When people see their work as meaningful, they stay motivated longer.
  3. Effective coordination within a team acts like fiber in our diet, helping everything run smoothly. Good teamwork and communication lead to better performance, especially in remote settings.

The Ultimate Airman

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Robin Olds is considered one of the most iconic figures in American combat aviation, embodying the spirit of airpower.
  2. Olds' insightful letter to Major Schwalier highlights systemic issues within the Air Force, like loss of authority and leadership diluted by bureaucracy.
  3. Olds' legacy reminds us that a combination of intellectual reflection and warrior spirit is essential in military leadership, and many of the Air Force's issues have persisted over time.

Lessons For Startup Founders From A TPM

Building Rome(s) • 5 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Keep clarity even when the future is uncertain: set a simple vision, tactical goals, timeframes, and clear owners so the team can scale without heavyweight process.
  2. Prioritize ruthlessly and learn to say no; using a “no log” helps the team see what you intentionally set aside and keeps focus on what matters.
  3. Build minimal, evolving systems that prevent chaos and surface hidden work—use a single roadmap, release-based planning, regular demos, decision logs, and launch checklists to make dependencies and debt visible.

Thomas Cochrane

How the Hell • 220 HN points • 01 Jan 24
💾 History Leadership
  1. Thomas Cochrane was a rogue and performer who applied explosives wisely to solve problems
  2. He executed brilliant plans that others thought too dumb to attempt, leading to unexpected success
  3. Cochrane was a man of uncompromising principles and leadership, showing the power of perseverance and creativity

My Path to CTO, Part I

The Engineering Manager • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. It's important to explore your interests and be open to new opportunities, even if they seem random. This can guide your career path unexpectedly.
  2. Different experiences and passions can help you stand out in your field. Being unique can lead to new chances and growth.
  3. Listening to your gut and knowing what you want from work is crucial. Sometimes, experiences show you what you want to avoid in your career.

We Should Be in the French Moment

Phillips’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. France has a historical vision for strong leadership in Europe, which includes being independent from other powers like the USA.
  2. In the past, French leaders wanted to build the country's economic and military strength, especially its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Currently, there seems to be a hesitation in France to fully step into the role of leadership, even in a moment that could be significant for the country.

Pros and Cons of a C-level Job in 2024+

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. C-level executive roles offer significant impact on company trajectory and industries, allowing for big bets and tangible results in a shorter timescale.
  2. Executives have more control over their schedule, better anticipation of risks, and the ability to create work for others at well-run companies.
  3. The executive role comes with overflowing stress from high-level accountability, feelings of loneliness at the top, and a distance from day-to-day operations.

Jacinda Ardern’s Resignation is Not a Victory for the Right

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. Jacinda Ardern's resignation is not a victory for the right, as it was likely part of her plan from the start to move on to global positions.
  2. Despite Ardern leaving, the overall political agenda in New Zealand is not expected to change significantly, with the same globalist policies likely to continue.
  3. The resignation of politicians like Ardern may not always lead to victories for opposing viewpoints; it can actually represent successes in achieving long-term goals for certain groups.

Who Can Best Destroy America?

Fake Noûs • 312 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Trump's appeal includes insults and disrespect for social norms.
  2. America's success is due to well-designed institutions, constitutional rights, and liberal democratic norms.
  3. Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results threatened the orderly transfer of power in the U.S.

How the leaders of the Great German Farmers' Protest are committed to neutralising their own movement, and what the farmers must now do if they want anything to change

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 207 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. Leaders of the German Farmers' Protest are working against their own movement by focusing on narrow issues like diesel taxes
  2. Farmers need to broaden their focus and aim for wider political change to succeed
  3. The current leadership of the farmers' movement is compromised and farmers may need to work independently for real change

Preventive decisions are underrated

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 39 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Preventive decisions are often overlooked but can save a lot of trouble later. It's better to act early to avoid bigger problems in the future.
  2. Building and maintaining strong relationships with your team or board is essential for effective leadership. Good communication can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
  3. Learning from the experiences of companies like OpenAI can provide valuable insights into making better strategic decisions. Watching their ups and downs can teach important lessons for everyone in business.

Don't Plan For the Worst

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Planning for the worst may not be the best strategy for intelligently allocating resources.
  2. Organizations often over-invest resources in low-percentage operational scenarios, leading to unnecessary pressure.
  3. Quantify the costs and payoffs of different scenarios to ensure that resources are mapped to value and not solely based on worst-case fears.

6 Keys to Career Success.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Stay in tune with new trends and ideas so you can grow over time. It's important to see where things are heading and adjust your path accordingly.
  2. The people you work with matter a lot. Finding great mentors and leaders can help you learn and succeed more than just your job title.
  3. Keep learning and adapting. The job world changes fast, so staying curious and open to new experiences will keep you relevant.

How do you go so fast?

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. In bigger companies, things can slow down because there are many people involved and a lot of requirements. It's easy to get used to this slow pace, but it's important to push for speed when working on new projects.
  2. People often mistake being busy with actually making progress. Sitting in meetings and creating documents doesn’t always mean you are building something valuable for users.
  3. Moving quickly can be challenging because you have to adapt and learn while you go. It requires a different mindset and the willingness to take risks while focusing on what matters most.

GRANTED: The case for closing open offices and opening our minds

Granted • 99 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. It's important to balance caring about others' opinions and being true to your values, without conforming.
  2. Open offices have negative impacts like increased sick days and lower cognitive performance; access to private spaces is crucial for health and productivity.
  3. Consider the future of intelligence and survival; exploring deep-held beliefs and opening minds can lead to growth and progress.

The Hagakure #86: One Job

The Hagakure • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Giving control to your team is important, but first, you need to make sure they understand their tasks clearly. This way, people can make better decisions without relying on just one person.
  2. To help your team succeed, they need competence in their roles. This includes being good at problem-solving, communication, and understanding processes.
  3. As a leader, your job is to create a clear vision and help develop your team's skills. This allows everyone to work better together and feel more empowered.

How Implicit Biases Compound for Aspiring Executives

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Affinity bias, confirmation bias, and negativity bias combined create a self-fulfilling loop that can hinder career progression for minorities.
  2. Implicit biases often show up in actions not taken or opportunities not given, making them challenging to identify and address.
  3. Small biases, left unchecked, can compound over time and lead to lack of diversity at the executive level, making it crucial for both current and aspiring leaders to actively combat biases.

Imposter Syndrome

Fish Food for Thought • 21 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Imposter syndrome is when people doubt their success and feel like they don't deserve it. This feeling can happen to anyone, regardless of their achievements.
  2. Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome because there's no one right way to lead. Every leadership style works differently, and it's easy to doubt yourself by comparing to others.
  3. To overcome imposter syndrome, it's important to focus on your strengths and how your unique leadership style helps your team succeed, instead of trying to copy someone else's approach.

How empty spaces in your calendar lead to better decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 39 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Building emotional competence helps leaders make better decisions. It's important for leaders to understand their emotions and those of others.
  2. Having empty spaces in your schedule allows for better brainstorming and connecting ideas. It gives your brain time to think and create.
  3. The idea of 'blocks of time' can limit decision-making in companies. Companies should be more flexible instead of strictly scheduling everything.

The power of yes

Sunday Letters • 179 implied HN points • 07 Aug 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Saying 'yes, and...' helps create better conversations and collaboration. It opens up more possibilities instead of shutting them down.
  2. In negotiations, aiming for a quick agreement might seem good, but exploring deeper can lead to greater benefits for both sides.
  3. A 'yes' mindset encourages listening and empathy, helping everyone involved to find better solutions together.

The Courage to Coach

Notes in the Margins • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Leah Farmer focuses on coaching, which she finds exciting and fulfilling.
  2. Leah specializes in Professional & Executive Coaching, Vision & Strategy Consulting, Life & Change Coaching, and Working Genius Facilitation.
  3. Her coaching philosophy revolves around curiosity, connection, and courage to change.

Advocating for Your Work

The Uncommon Executive • 19 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Advocating for your work is essential for recognition and advancement in your career, especially for women and minorities who may face additional challenges in being acknowledged for their contributions.
  2. Celebrate delivering projects as expected and on time to increase visibility and recognition within the organization, even if you excel at preventing issues before they arise.
  3. Finding different methods to share your achievements like framing them as best practices or thanking collaborators can help in ensuring your wins are seen and appreciated by others.

My Path to CTO, Part II

The Engineering Manager • 6 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Leadership
  1. Understanding how to get hired for CTO roles is important since these positions aren't always advertised. It helps to know the recruitment process.
  2. Choosing a company like Shopify allowed for personal growth and aligned with lifestyle goals. Picking the right job is key to happiness.
  3. Economic changes can shift company culture, and personal milestones like becoming a parent can lead to tough career choices. Connections made in the past can open new doors.

GRANTED: My new podcast

Granted • 99 implied HN points • 14 Sep 22
🎙 Podcasts Leadership
  1. Adam Grant's new podcast "Re:Thinking" features guests discussing new thoughts and ways of thinking.
  2. Upcoming episodes will explore topics like fear, goals, leadership, and reinvention with a diverse range of guests including Mark Cuban, Atul Gawande, and Reese Witherspoon.
  3. Past episodes of the podcast include conversations with thought leaders, creators, and leaders like Brené Brown, Dolly Parton, and Indra Nooyi.

The Future of Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Many companies will hire fewer full-time employees as they turn to AI and flexible job markets. This means more people might work part-time or freelance in the future.
  2. The number of new businesses is on the rise due to technology making it easier to start a company. This year alone, there could be about 6 million new firms in the US.
  3. Where people work is becoming less important than how companies interact with their employees. It's critical to focus on creating personalized work experiences rather than forcing everyone back to traditional office settings.

Lockdowns & Deep Impact

Variations on a Theme • 39 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Establishing traditions that reinforce positive themes, like masculinity, with your children can be significant.
  2. Disaster movies often portray common themes like philosopher-king leadership and lockdowns, reflecting on real-world events and responses.
  3. The concept of a philosopher-king taking decisive actions in times of crisis, as shown in movies and real-life scenarios, can impact our perceptions and reactions to disasters.

Why CEOs are the very last job that AI will replace

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. CEOs are more than just financial managers; they serve as agents of the owners and have a broad range of responsibilities. Their main job is to implement the company's mission and make key value judgments that drive the business's success.
  2. AI may become very smart, but it can't replace the human ability to make complex value judgments. For example, deciding which products align with a company's values requires deep understanding and insight that AI doesn't have.
  3. Maximizing profits is not just about cutting costs; it's about pursuing a clear mission. Just like individuals find success by following their goals, businesses need a strong mission to guide their decisions.

A New Year’s dialogue with... my AI coaching app

Building the Builders • 3 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. A scarcity mindset—seeing time, opportunities, and energy as nonrenewable—undermines creativity, relationships, and risk-taking, while an abundance view treats resources as renewable and compounding and enables bolder moves in work, experiments, and family life.
  2. Slow-feedback projects and subtle social moments need intentionally built feedback loops to sustain momentum and confidence; simple habits like session-level notes, prompts, or visible reminders turn distant progress into immediate, learnable signals.
  3. Deliberate identity work helps you "remember what you know": study persistent builders, free-write without censoring, and act opposite scarcity-driven fears so repeated practice and risk-taking produce the evidence that cements an abundant, builder mindset.