160: The Leadership Illusion - Why Smart Leaders Still Make Terrible Decisions
From Human Centred Leadership Podcast with Kul Mahay by Kul Mahay
March 31, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 160
About this episode
Kul Mahay explores why intelligent leaders can make poor decisions and highlights the importance of cognitive diversity and psychological safety.
In this episode, Kul explores why even highly intelligent leaders can make poor decisions. From overconfidence bias to groupthink, he uncovers how success can blind leaders to risk and silence dissenting voices. Using real-world examples, he highlights the importance of cognitive diversity, psychological safety, and intellectual humility. Kul Mahay has over 3 decades experience in the leadership space. He works with organisations and leaders to develop powerful cultures of high value, and performance which is built all around their people. _____________________________ ABOUT THE PODCAST SERIES During these shows, you‘ll hear Kul chatting with fellow leaders from around the world, who are recognised as being at the top of their game. Together they‘ll explore what emotional intelligence in practice actually looks like, and the benefits it could bring to your teams. It‘s a movement to transform the way we see leadership, and to create powerful cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued and appreciated. Please join the movement and FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE to this Podcast. FOLLOW ► https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulmahay-leadership/
People in this episode
Host: Kul Mahay
Topics covered
- leadership
- decision making
- cognitive diversity
- psychological safety
- intellectual humility
- overconfidence bias
- groupthink
Keywords
- leadership
- decision making
- cognitive diversity
- psychological safety
- intellectual humility
- overconfidence bias
- groupthink
More episodes of Human Centred Leadership Podcast with Kul Mahay
- 165: The Slow Death of Courage in Organisations · May 5, 2026 · 19 min
- 164: The Loneliness of Being the Only Honest Voice in the Room · April 28, 2026 · 21 min
- 163: Why Leadership Teams Become Echo Chambers · April 21, 2026 · 18 min
- 162: When Loyalty Becomes Dangerous in Leadership Teams · April 14, 2026 · 20 min
- 161: How Do You Show Up When The Fear is Real? : Maria James · April 7, 2026 · 31 min
- 159: How Good Leaders Slowly Compromise Their Values · March 24, 2026 · 16 min
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