You’re Choosing Drama Without Noticing —Leadership Is a Choice— Charlie Sheppard | Ep 235

In this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Charlie Sheppard, a professor of leadership, organizational consultant, biotech co-founder, and lifelong learner. Charlie shared the mantra that has shaped his work and teaching: “Leadership is a choice.” We dove deeply into his perspective that the true opposite of leadership isn’t management—but drama—that energy-draining cycle we can all fall into. Through personal stories, insights from decades of experience, and thought-provoking distinctions (over 500 of them in his latest book), Charlie reminded us that positive leadership starts with leading ourselves. We spoke about the drama triangle of victim, adversary, and rescuer; how culture is constantly formed by these dynamics; and practical ways leaders can set others up for success. Whether you’re building teams or reflecting on your own sense of agency, Charlie’s wisdom offers a powerful lens for creating more energy, clarity, and growth in every area of life. This is an episode packed with actionable wisdom, real honesty, and inspiration for anyone ready to step up as a leader—by choice, not by accident.Want more? Join the newsletter.Get the best ideas from every episode delivered straight to your inbox — plus exclusive insights, reflections, and tools you won't hear on the show.No fluff. No spam. Just wisdom you can actually use.Sign up free at https://relatablewisdom.com/join/Connect With Charlie SheppardWebsite: https://sheppardpartners.com/Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesheppard/Chapters00:00 Choosing to Go to Work00:20 Introducing Charlie Sheppard00:47 Charlie’s Background and Projects01:20 Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment02:05 Early Data and Impact03:12 Campus Locations and Time Zones03:15 Leadership Is a Choice04:12 Drama Triangle Defined05:17 Adversary, Rescuer, and Victim06:27 Transforming Drama to Leadership07:06 The Power of Distinctions08:22 Creating Vision and Partnering09:44 Coaching, Questions, and Smart AI10:51 Distinctions That Spark Growth11:18 Leaders Setting Others Up for Success12:05 Keys to Effective Communication13:15 Minimal Viable Product Mindset14:18 Structuring Positive Organizational Culture15:00 The Rescuer’s Role in Drama16:30 Breaking Cycles for High Performance17:22 Management Versus Leadership—A Modern View18:14 Self-Diagnosis Using Drama/Leadership18:44 “Have to” vs. “Choose to”—Generating Energy19:37 Defining Culture Through Leadership20:13 Drama Exists Everywhere21:35 Leadership and Personal Vision22:43 Using Superpowers for Impact23:18 Where to Find Charlie’s Work24:02 Daily MBA and Contact Info25:10 Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks