#96: Personality, leadership, and remote teams: what the research actually shows

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Henry Mullins, senior operations and strategy leader, and PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, to dig into what personality traits actually drive leadership performance in virtual and remote settings. Henry shares findings from his research on remote leadership, including where the existing literature falls short, the key theories connecting personality to leadership, and practical strategies you can apply to lead more effectively in a virtual environment. Our Guest: Dr. Henry Mullins Dr. Henry C. Mullins is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel whose career spanned more than thirty years across both enlisted and officer ranks. Beginning his service in 1992, he advanced through a wide range of leadership positions including platoon leader, company commander, battalion staff officer, brigade operations officer, and  brigade deputy commanding officer. His career included deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and reflects a rare blend of tactical, operational, and executive‑level experience.After retiring from the military, Dr. Mullins transitioned into senior leadership roles in the private sector, focusing on technical delivery, organizational effectiveness, and people‑centered leadership. His work draws on both real‑world command experience and the science of human behavior and performance, giving him a distinctive perspective on how leaders and teams operate under pressure, adapt to change, and build sustainable cultures.Dr. Mullins holds a BA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Ancient & Classical History, and a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, where his research examined virtual leadership, personality, and performance. Today, he continues to support leaders, teams, and organizations seeking clarity, alignment, and measurable improvement—bringing a practitioner‑scholar approach to modern leadership challenges. Outside of his professional work, he stays active through martial arts, mountain biking, skiing, and public service. He lives in Georgia with his wife Buffy and their youngest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, and is the proud father of Courtney and Madison—herself a U.S. Army veteran.References:Dr Henry Mullins LinkedIn profile Listen to the next Episode All Podcast Episodes