5 Emerging Leadership Trends in 2026 (That No One's Talking About) | Episode 359

About this episode

This episode discusses five emerging leadership trends for 2026 that leaders must understand to thrive in a changing landscape.

In an era of constant change, adaptability is more crucial than ever for leaders determined to thrive. The leadership landscape of 2026 is shifting in ways that extend far beyond AI and machine learning. This episode uncovers five key leadership trends that are quietly reshaping how teams operate, grow, and endure. From micro movements that accelerate culture change to boundary leadership replacing burnout, today’s most successful leaders will need to master new skills and mindsets. Understanding these trends isn’t optional—the future of leadership will be determined by those who are willing to bold adapt and lead intentionally in the face of emerging challenges. Timestamped Overview [00:01:05] Upcoming Book Announcement: "You don't know shit about leadership and neither do I" – scheduled for release February 2026. [00:02:06] Five Emerging Leadership Trends of 2026: Why leaders must look beyond AI and focus on real issues. [00:02:32] Micro Movements Over Grand Strategies: The importance of visible, weekly wins and short-term momentum to accelerate culture change. [00:04:04] Breaking Down Big Goals: How leaders can keep teams engaged with small, continuous victories. [00:04:25]…

People in this episode

Host: Scott McCarthy

Topics covered

• leadership trends
• adaptability
• culture change
• conflict resolution
• team engagement

Keywords

• leadership
• trends
• adaptability
• culture change
• conflict fluency
• team dynamics
• emotional intelligence

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: You don't know shit about leadership and neither do I

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