Episode 52: How Values-Based Leadership Builds Emotional Armor

Let's Think About It Podcast

Summary

What if leadership wasn't about having all the answers—but asking better questions? In this compelling conversation, Coach Mo sits down with executive coach Ted Whetstone to unpack how leaders can evolve from command-and-control to curiosity-driven influence. Drawing from decades in consulting and coaching, Ted shares how confronting personal and organizational fear is the key to unlocking transformation. The episode explores the power of courageous conversations, the trap of over-reliance on logic, and why reconnecting to core values is essential armor in times of chaos. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode offers a fresh take on leadership development, executive coaching, and the mindset shifts that make high-performing teams possible.

Key Takeaways

• Curiosity Over Control: Shifting from having the answers to asking the right questions is what drives modern leadership.
• Put On Your Armor: Knowing your core values acts as emotional armor when burnout, fear, or doubt hits.
• From Consulting to Coaching: Ted explains the shift from problem-solving for others to helping clients access their own wisdom.
• Courageous Conversations Create Breakthroughs: The smallest acts of vulnerability can repair years of relational tension in leadership.
• Interrupt the Inner Critic: Curiosity is an antidote to fear—and a powerful tool to silence self-doubt.

Chapters

1. Welcome to Let's Think About It (00:00:00)

2. Meet Ted Whetstone (00:10:12)

3. From Consulting to Coaching (00:16:26)

4. The Power of Values as Armor (00:26:30)

5. Self-Leadership and Leading Others (00:31:57)