Your People Aren’t Resources - They’re Your Greatest Return

In this episode of the Better Understanding Podcast, Susan MacKenty Brady sits down with leadership strategist and author Andrés Tapia to challenge leaders to rethink how they lead in a rapidly changing world. His core idea: inclusive leadership drives performance. When people feel seen, valued, and challenged, they contribute more and unlock discretionary effort that fuels stronger individual, team, and organizational results. Andrés encourages leaders to treat talent as a generative asset, not a fixed resource, and to focus less on control and more on creating environments where people can thrive—especially during times of disruption. He also introduces his “Character GPS,” a framework of seven traits—authenticity, purpose, courage, resilience, kindness, humility, and gratitude—that help leaders stay grounded, navigate uncertainty, and lead with humanity.