Lead Yourself First A Conversation with Kellogg School of Management Professor Michelle Buck

Send us Fan MailYou can feel it everywhere: leaders are expected to move faster, decide with less certainty, and keep teams connected while AI reshapes how work gets done. I sit down with Michelle Buck from the Kellogg School of Management to slow the noise down and get practical about what actually holds up in turbulent times. We start with a leadership idea that sticks in your body, not just your notes: the music ensemble. One shared rhythm, many distinct instruments, and the real work of making space for every voice without losing alignment. From there, we widen the lens to the arts in leadership, including music, dance, and imagery, as tools for communication, resilience, and meaning. Michelle shares why leaders need more than words to create impact, and why joy and self-acceptance are not “soft” extras but real performance multipliers. We also talk about polarization, psychological safety, and the underestimated power of community, especially when people are stressed, overwhelmed, and trying to get by. The conversation turns personal and unforgettable as Michelle shares stories that shaped her understanding of resilience, including a lived lesson in gratitude and the grounding practice of “coming home to ourselves” through values, purpose, and non-negotiables. We close on what leaders should keep front and center right now: asking better questions, helping people feel seen and heard, and building the courage to have the conversations that matter. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who leads people, and leave a review. What question do you need to ask your team this week? Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfectFollow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️Watch and listen on YouTube:  Proven Not Perfect™️Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com. I'd love to hear what you think!