731: How do I stay relevant and grow as a leader in a fast-changing world? - Ask Denis

Leadership Is Changing

What if staying relevant as a leader isn’t about having the answers, but asking the right questions? In a world where change is constant and disruption is the new normal, how do you grow without losing your grounding? Denis Gianoutsos shares five powerful strategies to help leaders stay sharp, self-aware, and connected to what matters most. From cultivating curiosity and walking the front lines to surrounding yourself with people who stretch your thinking, this episode is a roadmap to leadership that evolves with the times.

Expect real talk, not buzzwords. Expect perspective shifts, not prescriptions. And expect to be challenged to rethink how you're showing up for your team, your mission, and yourself.

Honoring Leadership Through Service

• Denis opens by recognizing ANZAC Day, emphasizing the legacy of courage and leadership in service
• Leadership starts with values like duty, sacrifice, and resilience

#1: Embrace Lifelong Learning

• The best leaders are constant learners—reading, listening, asking questions
• Ask yourself: “What am I learning this month that will help me lead better next month?”
• Relevance starts with curiosity, not comfort

#2: Stay Close to the Front Line

• Get out of your office and connect with your team, customers, and industry
• Walk the floors—listen, observe, and ask: “What are you hearing, seeing, and noticing?”
• Relevance is directly tied to awareness

#3: Build Adaptability into Your DNA

• You’re not expected to have all the answers, but you must be flexible
• Leaders need to let go of certainty and embrace innovation
• Stretching beyond comfort zones leads to growth

#4: Lead with Authenticity and Purpose

• Authenticity stands out—know and lead from your values
• Stop trying to be someone you're not
• In change, people want honesty more than perfection

#5: Build a High-Quality Network

• You become like those you surround yourself with
• Surround yourself with thinkers, challengers, and growth-minded peers
• Put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person

Key Quotes:

If you're not growing, you're really falling behind. The world won’t wait for you to catch up.” - Denis Gianoutsos

“Relevance is tied to your awareness. The more aware you are, the more relevant you can be.” - Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos