What is a Good Life? #133 - Navigating Complexity in Leadership with Dr. Richard Claydon

On the 133rd episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I’m delighted to welcome our guest, Dr. Richard Claydon. Richard is a leadership strategist and creator of the Praxis Q framework, which integrates self-awareness, systemic thinking, and role fluency. Known for his work at the intersection of complexity, culture, and adaptive performance, he helps leaders navigate ambiguity, build resilient systems, and lead with integrity in rapidly changing environments. His work draws from behavioural science, organisational theory, and real-world practice to challenge conventional leadership narratives and build capability for the long game. A former academic with a Ph.D. in Organisational Studies, Richard now partners with executive teams, coaches, and educators to equip leaders for a world on the brink.In this conversation, Richard discusses the complexities of leadership, emphasising the need for a more human, honest, and reflective approach. He explores how traditional leadership models often lead to burnout and disconnection, advocating for a focus on dialogue, trust, and interdependence within systems. Richard also addresses the evolution of trust in modern society, emphasising the need for transparency and adaptability in complex systems. Ultimately, he defines a good life as one where individuals can navigate their systems effectively and make meaningful contributions to their environments.For more of Richard's work, check out the following:EQ Lab Website: https://www.eqlab.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardclaydon/For more from Mark McCartney:Newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/Website: https://www.mmcleadership.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcmccartney00:00 How did leadership end up like this?03:40 The significance of honesty to ourselves06:40 Drifting from ourselves10:30 Leading to burnout14:00 Dialogues to help to navigate complexity18:00 Interwoven learning21:00 Changing how he sees learning27:28 An opportunity to improvise31:00 Reducing ourselves to something fixed36:00 Thoughts on authenticity41:00 The ripple of realising interdependence 51:10 The evolution of trust58:40 What is a good life for Richard?Keywords: Meaning of Life Interviews | meaning of life conversations | exploring life | big life questions | meaning of life discussions | creating a meaningful life​