281. Lead from the Essential Self - Dain Dunston

What this episode covers

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dain Dunston, acclaimed author of Being Essential and one of the most respected leadership advisors working today. For more than four decades, Dain has coached Fortune 100 executives, visionary founders, and CEOs on how to lead with presence, clarity, and radical self-awareness.We dive into what it truly means to shift from performing leadership to essential leadership - the kind rooted in connection, authenticity, and deep inner awareness. Dain shares his insights on sensing “what wants to happen,” leading with love instead of control, and finding grace under pressure in the most challenging moments of leadership.In this episode, we discuss:Why so many leaders unknowingly operate from performance instead of presenceHow to sense “what wants to happen” and why it changes decision-makingHow the best leaders stay grounded in moments of crisisTwo simple questions that can transform your leadership instantly🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded conversation about self-awareness, courage, and the kind of leadership the world needs today.You can connect with Dain here: Dain DunstonThank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

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How long is this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS?

This episode is 28 minutes long.

When was this IDEAS+LEADERS episode published?

This episode was published on January 19, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Dain Dunston, acclaimed author of Being Essential and one of the most respected leadership advisors working today. For more than four decades, Dain has coached Fortune 100 executives,...

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