The Search for Coherence

Voices Episode 99: Leadership’s Fragmentation, Context, and the Search for CoherenceIn episode 99 of the Prometheus Project’s Voices series, Tom Bohinc convenes six experts to assess the project’s five founding claims seven years after its 2019 start, asking how they land in 2026.Antoinette Weibel - St Gallen Business School, Sebastian Reiche - IESE Business School, Joseph Wisne, Founder- Roto Group, Richard Oxland -PhD/MBA, Barbara Kellerman - Havard Kennedy School of Government.Panelists broadly confirm the leadership industry remains fragmented, with silos between traditions (including global leadership), gaps between research and practice, an overreliance on scientific-management approaches, and training that becomes HR “tick-box” work rather than experiential development.The group debates whether coherent language is possible, emphasizing context, code-switching, and the need for shared frameworks while acknowledging leadership’s interdisciplinary complexity.Discussion extends to defining good versus bad leadership, distinguishing influence, authority, and power, and clarifying accountability versus responsibility.They argue leadership development must address both individuals and structures, consider early-life formation, and explore AI’s risks and potential to shift work toward more human, relational activity, highlighting Prometheus’ “Warmer Voices” practice as a low-barrier, humanizing approach.00:00 Voices Podcast E9901:36 The Prometheus Claims09:20 Clear Language15:18 Good Leader25:39 Power, Authority, and Influence30:39 Accountability35:38 People or Structures44:36 Developing Leaders48:53 AI Fault Line55:53 Conclusion