The Accountability Ladder, Learning to Lead by Leading Yourself, and Why Wisdom Matters More Than Intelligence, with Steve "Buzz" Pearce (ex-Skype, Microsoft, SkyScanner, TravelPerk, Monday.com)

Steve "Buzz" Pearce is a design leader with 25 years of experience spanning companies like Skype, Microsoft, SkyScanner, TravelPerk, and Monday.com. Since his early days, Steve has chosen to focus on doing great work, learning from amazing people, and being challenged, rather than always seeking promotions. On the last episode of this season we chat about the progression from tools to craft to invention, the accountability ladder framework that changed how he leads, why you need to play the victim less and take ownership more, and his leadership style of leading like a shepherd—guiding people to greener pastures whilst protecting and nurturing the team.Timestamps:02:16 – Steve's career arc07:08 – Proving competence before getting promoted11:16 – The framework: tools, craft, invention, and influence20:44 – Balancing micromanagement with giving space32:16 – Building people up, not crushing them34:50 – Giving permission to be honest and role modelling feedback39:50 – The mental flip: business, team, then yourself40:26 – What to let go of when moving into leadership54:44 – The accountability ladder59:06 – Leading like a shepherd01:00:32 – End of show questionsConnect with SteveLinkedInSelected links from the episodeLeading with Questions, by Michael MarquardtThe Accountability LadderHatch Conference Lisbon 2026