Episode
Ep 39: Leading from Within: Authenticity, Change, and Human-Centered Leadership with Jeff Lindeman
- Published
- Jul 9, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2961
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Summary
Jeff Lindeman, Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40, joins the podcast to unpack the dual challenge every modern leader faces leading themselves and leading through change. Through personal reflection, bold transparency, and a people-first mindset, Jeff reveals how introversion, vulnerability, and authenticity can become surprising superpowers in leadership. In this deep-dive conversation, Jeff and Lee examine how seemingly small moments, like asking for time off or handling disappointment, can become pivotal points of leadership. Jeff walks us through lessons learned from his early career, how he doubled performance by showing respect, and how WD-40 cultivates 94% employee engagement in a world where the average is just 23%. From embracing AI with curiosity instead of fear to fostering trust through shared accountability, Jeff shows us that unleashing leaders isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and showing up with intentional presence. Additional Resources: Jeff is Chief People, Culture & Capability Officer at WD-40: linkedin.com/in/jglindeman Attend Unleashing Leaders University! Sign up for our newsletter! Learn more about Unleashing Leaders Follow Unleashing Leaders on LinkedIn Connect with Lee on LinkedIn Follow Unleashing Leaders on Facebook Follow Unleashing Leaders on Instagram Key Takeaways: Leadership is not about extroversion; it's about trust. Showing up authentically is crucial for effective leadership. Respecting employees leads to better engagement and productivity. Leadership is a team sport, not a solo act. Vulnerability in leadership fosters stronger relationships.