163: Why Leadership Teams Become Echo Chambers

About this episode

Kul Mahay explores why leadership teams can become echo chambers and the importance of psychological safety.

In this episode, Kul explores why leadership teams can gradually become echo chambers - where ideas are reinforced rather than challenged. He unpacks how success, hierarchy, and the “politeness trap” can suppress dissent and fuel confirmation bias. Drawing on real-world examples like Kodak and Theranos, Kul highlights the risks of unchecked alignment and the importance of psychological safety. 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
• echo chambers
• psychological safety
• confirmation bias
• organizational culture

Keywords

• leadership teams
• echo chambers
• confirmation bias
• psychological safety
• organizational culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kodak, Theranos

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
• 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
• 160: The Leadership Illusion - Why Smart Leaders Still Make Terrible Decisions · March 31, 2026 · 16 min
• 159: How Good Leaders Slowly Compromise Their Values · March 24, 2026 · 16 min