302: The Behavioral Scientist: Is Everything You Know About Leadership Wrong? Jon Levy episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 23, 2025 · 43 MIN

302: The Behavioral Scientist: Is Everything You Know About Leadership Wrong? Jon Levy

from SPEAK LIKE A CEO

Is everything we know about leadership… wrong?In this eye-opening episode, Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and bestselling author of Team Intelligence, joins Oliver to challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about what makes a great leader – and what truly drives high-performing teams.Forget charisma and vision. According to Jon, the real reason we follow someone isn’t their MBA or their skills checklist – it's the feeling that they offer a better future. But that’s just the beginning.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why the MBA was designed for a world that no longer exists – and what it missed entirely.How Harvard’s early leadership research was based on fake credentials.Why “super skills” (not soft skills) are the secret to influence.What makes some teams 1.6x more productive – and why “glue players” are the hidden MVPs.The science of bursty communication and why it beats Slack pings and endless meetings.How too much talent can tank a team—and why team intelligence > individual genius.Why diversity, emotional intelligence, and alignment are non-negotiable for team success.How to spot (and survive) dark personalities in your workplace.The one mindset shift every leader needs to unlock true collective genius. Jon’s insights are grounded in cutting-edge research but delivered with refreshing clarity, wit, and real-world practicality. Bonus takeaway: Learn why your best team member might not be the loudest star—but the quiet connector who helps everyone else shine.Get the “50 Presentation Hacks” Guide https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/ Timestamps0:00 - Intro & is leadership all wrong?1:19 - Why the MBA is outdated3:09 - Harvard’s fake credentials6:08 - Super skills vs. soft skills13:22 - Too much talent problem16:10 - Diversity & emotional intelligence17:45 - Glue players boost teams18:32 - Bursty communication32:30 - Dark personalities at work39:55 - Unlocking collective genius

Is everything we know about leadership… wrong?In this eye-opening episode, Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and bestselling author of Team Intelligence, joins Oliver to challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about what makes a great leader – and what truly drives high-performing teams.Forget charisma and vision. According to Jon, the real reason we follow someone isn’t their MBA or their skills checklist – it's the feeling that they offer a better future. But that’s just the beginning.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why the MBA was designed for a world that no longer exists – and what it missed entirely.How Harvard’s early leadership research was based on fake credentials.Why “super skills” (not soft skills) are the secret to influence.What makes some teams 1.6x more productive – and why “glue players” are the hidden MVPs.The science of bursty communication and why it beats Slack pings and endless meetings.How too much talent can tank a team—and why team intelligence > individual genius.Why diversity, emotional intelligence, and alignment are non-negotiable for team success.How to spot (and survive) dark personalities in your workplace.The one mindset shift every leader needs to unlock true collective genius. Jon’s insights are grounded in cutting-edge research but delivered with refreshing clarity, wit, and real-world practicality. Bonus takeaway: Learn why your best team member might not be the loudest star—but the quiet connector who helps everyone else shine.Get the “50 Presentation Hacks” Guide https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/ Timestamps0:00 - Intro & is leadership all wrong?1:19 - Why the MBA is outdated3:09 - Harvard’s fake credentials6:08 - Super skills vs. soft skills13:22 - Too much talent problem16:10 - Diversity & emotional intelligence17:45 - Glue players boost teams18:32 - Bursty communication32:30 - Dark personalities at work39:55 - Unlocking collective genius

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302: The Behavioral Scientist: Is Everything You Know About Leadership Wrong? Jon Levy

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This episode was published on October 23, 2025.

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Is everything we know about leadership… wrong?In this eye-opening episode, Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and bestselling author of Team Intelligence, joins Oliver to challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about what makes a great leader...

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