The One Thing Great Leaders Do Before They Grow: They Let Go

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg is joined by Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring to explore a foundational idea for leadership growth: before leaders can grow, they often need to let go of something.The conversation centers on the role of unlearning—the process of releasing habits, patterns, and ways of thinking that once worked but may no longer serve us. Together, they unpack why unlearning is often more difficult than learning, how it impacts individuals and teams, and why creating space is essential for meaningful growth.Through practical examples and leadership insights, this episode highlights the importance of awareness—paying attention to moments of tension or resistance that may signal the need for change. Dr. Linda and Brian also emphasize that letting go isn’t about losing who you are, but about making room for new ways of thinking, leading, and relating.If you’ve ever felt stuck doing what’s always worked—or sensed that your leadership needs to evolve—this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for moving forward.Key Themes Why unlearning is essential for leadership growth  The challenge of breaking established habits  How letting go creates space for new learning  The connection between awareness and change  Learning and unlearning as a natural rhythm Reflection QuestionWhat is something you may need to let go of in order to create space for a new path forward?Listen & SubscribeSubscribe to The Leadership Vision Podcast for more conversations on building positive team culture: 👉 leadershipvisionconsulting.com/subscribeSupport the show-Read the full blog post here!CONTACT USemail: [email protected] FacebookLeadership Vision OnlineABOUTThe Leadership Vision Podcast is a weekly show sharing our expertise in discovering, practicing, and implementing a Strengths-based approach to people, teams, and culture. Contact us to talk to us about helping your team understand the power of Strengths.