Leadership is not something people are born with; it’s a skill that can be cultivated and mastered over time. Effective leadership is demonstrated through specific behaviors. But what is that common trait?
“The most successful leaders are incredibly eager to improve, develop, and grow,” shared Adam Mendler in a talk with The Recursive during this year’s Future Forum by Webit in Sofia.
“These leaders are curious, humble, and self-aware. They’re genuinely interested in other people, not just in being interesting themselves. That curiosity and openness to learning are key to their success,” he added.
Adam is the host and creator of the business podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he interviews leaders in their own field, including Apollo Co-Founder Art Bilger, NBA legend Rick Barry, Mailchimp CEO Rania Succar, actor and entrepreneur Scott Patterson, Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Murphy, and others.
“Leadership today is about understanding the modern workforce and what drives people. It’s critical to recognize that not everyone is motivated by the same things. While you might notice trends, every individual is different,” explained Adam.
The evolving nature of leadership
In the past, leadership was called “management,” with an emphasis on providing technical expertise and direction. In traditional command-and-control organizations of the industrial economy, leaders prioritized shareholder value, beyond everything else, using three roles: planners (who develop strategy, then translate that strategy into concrete steps), directors (who assign responsibilities), or controllers (who ensure people do what they’ve been assigned and plans are adhered to).
Adam emphasized how today’s world has shifted: “Gone are the days of yelling and commanding. Leadership today is about inspiring, mentoring, and showing up in a way that motivates others to bring their best selves to work. Great leaders take the time to build relationships and understand what makes each team member tick. Leaders are mentors, and mentoring requires connection, empathy, and genuine interest in others.”
In our conversation Mendler touched on the importance of mentorship in leadership. But how do you approach the mentor or role model you admire? “Ask for a quick coffee meeting or a short Zoom call. If there’s potential, the relationship will grow naturally,” he added.
Embracing authenticity
When asked if there was a piece of advice or insight from his interviews that had particularly resonated with him, Adam shared: “Every interview gives me at least one ‘aha’ moment, a nugget of wisdom that shifts my perspective. One that stands out is from an early episode with Victor Rojas, a baseball broadcaster. He said something profound about authenticity in broadcasting.”
In essence, to truly succeed, you must embrace your unique voice. “That insight applies far beyond broadcasting; it’s a lesson about understanding who you are, leaning into it, and unlocking your full potential,” Adam concluded.
