Navigating Paradox in Leadership with Lynette Winter (Part 1)

In this conversation with Lynette Winter, we explore how leaders show up in moments that matter.Lynette shares her perspective on reducing unnecessary suffering in teams by creating environments where people can both perform and feel a sense of belonging. We dive into how leadership starts within, and how a leader’s ability to regulate themselves directly impacts the team around them.We also explore how to navigate disruption and uncertainty, not by controlling outcomes, but by asking better questions and staying open to what is emerging.This episode introduces foundational tools from the Intel Leadership Fitness Program, including Listen, Reflect, Ask (LRA), and practices for engaging in difficult conversations and gaining perspective.If you’re navigating tension, uncertainty, or change, this episode offers practical ways to stay grounded and lead effectively.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Lynette’s focus on reducing suffering in organizations01:30 – What matters: performance, belonging, and meaningful work05:45 – Leadership starts within: self-awareness and regulation09:00 – Leading through uncertainty and disruption10:00 – “Things fall apart and come back together” mindset14:00 – Innovation through disruption (COVID example)18:00 – The role of community and support in uncertainty20:00 – Navigating paradox and finding a third path24:30 – From “right answer” to experimentation and learning28:00 – Asking better questions: “What needs to be true?”30:00 – Getting out of the room: talk to real people, not assumptions33:00 – Curiosity question: “How might I be wrong?”37:30 – Introduction to LRA: Listen, Reflect, Ask42:00 – Listening beyond words: values, emotion, and intent48:30 – Difficult conversations and regulating in the moment55:00 – Perspective shift with 3-2-158:30 – Reflection: dysregulation and curiosity in leadership