EP209 - The Future of Leadership Is Human – Former Accenture Partner Brad Englert Explains Why

In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with former Accenture Partner, CIO, and author of Spheres of Influence, Brad Englert, for an eye-opening conversation on trust, leadership, and building relationships that actually last. Across his 22-year career at Accenture and through his time leading massive transformations in higher education, Brad saw one truth repeat itself: relationships aren’t soft skills—they’re strategy. In a world obsessed with speed, hustle, and hierarchy, Brad makes a compelling case for slowing down, connecting deeply, and leading with intention. He shares how learning to say “whoa” instead of “yes” saved his marriage, preserved his energy, and ultimately made him a more respected leader. From bomb threats to burnout, vendor funerals to Winnebago leadership tours, Brad unpacks the principles that helped him create trust-rich environments in companies with over 70,000 people. Together, they explore why most leadership training skips the stuff that matters most, how fire-drill cultures kill innovation, and what it really takes to empower people to lead themselves. If you’ve ever felt overworked, undervalued, or unsure how to scale your impact without sacrificing your values—this episode is your blueprint. Follow Brad:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradenglert https://bradenglert.com/ https://instagram.com/bradenglertauthor https://www.facebook.com/BradEnglertAdvisory/ https://x.com/EnglertBrad The Tyler Dickerhoof Show https://www.youtube.com/@impactdrivenleader https://www.instagram.com/thetylerdickerhoofshow/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://impactdrivenleader.beehiiv.com/ Tyler is on: https://www.tylerdickerhoof.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyler.dickerhoof.3 https://www.instagram.com/tyler_dickerhoof/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dickerhoof-1960351b What We Discussed: 00:00 Introduction  01:25 Why relationships are the real key to success 04:15 “Don’t say no—say whoa” 08:17 How to be a better boss (and human) 09:58 Trust is built in the small moments, not just in crises 14:20 Are You Willing to Get in the Foxhole With Your Team? 16:18 How COVID reinforced the power of real relationships 19:23 Good work doesn’t require an office 24:39 How to build trust that lasts decades 28:14 Saying yes to everything is a leadership mistake 30:04 Hero culture is not a sustainable work culture 34:40 Why slowing down is the smartest leadership move 40:26 Why Gen Z doesn’t trust leadership 42:35 The funeral of a vendor who didn’t listen 44:48 The best leaders make themselves replaceable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices