Why leaders need to create space for thinking

Why leaders need to create space for thinking

From The Digital Lighthouse by Softwire

April 14, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

Zoe Cunningham speaks with Paul Spiers about how leaders can create the conditions for better thinking and innovation in organizations.

In this episode of The Digital Lighthouse , host Zoe Cunningham speaks with Paul Spiers , founder of The New P&L Institute and host of The New P&L podcast. Zoe and Paul explore how leaders can create the conditions for better thinking, creativity, and innovation in a world shaped by constant change and emerging technologies. While organisations often say they value curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, Paul explains why many fail to create the space needed for those qualities to thrive. Instead, speed and efficiency dominate, limiting long term innovation. Paul shares how leaders can focus on self awareness, purpose, and culture to drive better outcomes. They also discuss why context matters when introducing AI, why leadership behaviour shapes culture, and how small, consistent actions can transform both individuals and organisations. Why organisations struggle to enable creativity and innovation Why self awareness is the foundation of effective leadership Why context shapes how employees respond to AI How leaders can create space for better thinking Why culture, leadership, and technology must be aligned How small, consistent actions drive meaningful change

People in this episode

Host: Zoe Cunningham

Guest: Paul Spiers

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • creativity
  • innovation
  • self-awareness
  • organizational culture
  • AI

Keywords

  • thinking
  • curiosity
  • critical thinking
  • emerging technologies
  • leadership behaviour

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