the word is leadership

Hosted by Emmanuel Gobillot

Business Management

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Episodes

101

Latest episode

Dec 2025

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About the show

Delve into the heart of leadership with "The Word is Leadership" podcast! Join us on an exciting journey as global speaker and best-selling author, Emmanuel Gobillot, looks at the world of leadership through a unique lens. Each week, he embarks on a thought-provoking exploration, commencing with a random word. Armed only with a dictionary, a compelling narrative, and a dose of humour, Emmanuel draws upon more than two decades of expertise to reveal leadership insights through real-life stories. Are you ready to lead better? Join us, subscribe now, and embark on a transformative journey, turning ordinary words into extraordinary leadership insights. For more information and to connect with Emmanuel visit thewordisleadership.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

December 14, 2025Episode 10022 min

episode 100 - the word is disperse

The Future of Leadership Is Shared As we close Season 2 of The Word is Leadership, this 100th episode explores a concept that may just define the next era of work: dispersed leadership. From the definition of the word “disperse” to the deeper implications for how we build agile, resilient, and empowered organisations, this final chapter is both personal and practical. Learn: • Why shifting from a control mindset to one of empowerment is essential. • How capability-building builds the trust needed for distributed leadership. • What systems and boundaries you need to avoid chaos and foster ownership. 🎁 Don’t forget: Season 2's complete eBook is available on Amazon XXXXXXXXX (free for a limited time. Paperback also available XXXXXXXXXX. Tune in and disperse widely and wisely. Thank you for being part of this journey through the leadership dictionary.

December 7, 2025Episode 9919 min

episode 99 - the word is chipper

Can something as simple as being chipper be a superpower for leaders? In this penultimate episode of the season, I discuss the contagious power of mood. Being chipper, in the grounded, optimistic sense, isn’t just about cheerfulness; it’s about setting the tone, creating psychological safety, and unlocking creativity in teams during complex times. You’ll find out why upbeat leaders inspire real hope (not false positivity), learn how to avoid toxic cheerfulness and stay authentic and take away two practical ways to regulate your own mood and lead with energy. This is not about denial of reality; it’s about choosing how to show up. Tune in and ask yourself: What have you got to be chipper about?

November 30, 2025Episode 9819 min

episode 98- the word is predecessor

Most leaders don’t walk into a blank slate, they inherit a legacy. In this episode, I unpack what it really means to step into a leadership role once someone else has left it. Whether your predecessor was loved, loathed, or simply long gone, their shadow shapes the expectations around you. Explore how to acknowledge what came before, define your leadership stance, reshape the transition narrative, and leave your own mark through something as simple (and powerful) as a signature move.

November 23, 2025Episode 9717 min

episode 97 - the word is panther

This week, our random word is panther which leads me to a new leadership insight: mastery often lies in purposeful invisibility. In this episode, we explore how great leaders create trust, growth, and innovation by knowing when to step back rather than dominating the. From conducting a "visibility audit" to practicing "silent leadership," I offer practical tips for using both presence and absence with real intent. We do well to remember that sometimes, the strongest leadership move is simply to disappear at the right moment.

November 16, 2025Episode 9617 min

episode 96 - the word is nim

At first glance, nim (a simple game of removing matchsticks) may not seem like a deep leadership metaphor. But look closer, and it reveals powerful truths. In this episode, I explore how leaders can use games not just for relaxation, but for self-regulation. We also uncover the broad range of social strategies (from cooperation to competition) and how mastering the full spectrum enables faster, more effective leadership. Because leadership, like any game, isn’t about always winning. It’s about knowing how and when to play.

November 9, 2025Episode 95

episode 95 - the word is parent

In this 95th episode, I confront the deeply ingrained image of leaders as parents. While well-intentioned, this perspective can inadvertently position team members as dependent children, stifling creativity and fostering a culture of compliance rather than innovation. I unpack why the "parental" leadership style may lead to burnout for leaders and disengagement for teams. But what's the alternative? Discover powerful metaphors that redefine leadership roles: the leader as a collaborative guide, a visionary architect, or an empowering orchestra conductor. These images embrace trust, autonomy, and co-creation, offering a refreshing approach to leadership that truly harnesses the potential of capable adults. Tune in and escape the "parent trap," leading your team into a future of mutual respect and shared success.

November 2, 2025Episode 4421 min

episode 94 - the word is hanami

This week, we travel to Japan through the lens of language. Hanami is the tradition of viewing cherry blossoms each spring. It’s not just a picnic. It’s a ritual of awe and renewal. In this episode, I explore how this concept applies to leadership. What if you could view your budgeting cycle, your performance reviews, or even your team rituals with the same sense of intentional presence and quiet joy? You’ll hear five fresh ways to reframe leadership routines turning repetition into growth, and duty into art. Because true leadership isn’t about what’s next… it’s about how we show up for what’s here.

October 26, 2025Episode 9318 min

episode 93 - the word is clothes

This week’s random word - clothes- invites a fresh look at how leaders present themselves, and more importantly, how they shape their leadership identity. Inspired by the classic sayings “the clothes maketh the person” and “the emperor’s new clothes,” this episode explores the visible and invisible layers of leadership. From Savile Row insights to the difference between off-the-peg, tailored, and bespoke suits, we uncover a metaphor for how leaders grow: from imitating others to customising their style, to ultimately creating leadership that fits them and inspires others. True leadership isn’t about the uniform. It’s about what’s been made for you, and by you. What kind of leader are you?

October 19, 2025Episode 9218 min

episode 92 - the word is listless

What if "listless" isn’t laziness, but leadership? In this reflective episode, I explore the surprising upside of being listless (a state often dismissed as disengagement or lack of energy). Instead, I ask myself, and you, could stepping back, slowing down, and letting go of the constant doing actually lead to deeper insight, presence, and innovation? From challenging productivity culture to rediscovering the space where creativity lives, this episode invites you to embrace moments of intentional stillness. Learn how releasing the grip of the to-do list might unlock a new kind of leadership rooted in awareness, presence, and possibility. It’s not about doing less. It’s about being more.

October 12, 2025Episode 9120 min

episode 91 - the word is aloha

Step into episode 91 of "The Word is Leadership," where I explore the deeper meaning behind the Hawaiian word “aloha.” More than just a greeting for hello or goodbye, aloha embodies a way of being rooted in genuine presence, grace, and the powerful act of truly seeing others. I draw parallels between Hawaiian and Indian welcoming rituals, highlighting how authentic acknowledgment transcends cultures and creates lasting impact. Discover why leadership isn’t about posturing or performance alone, but about showing up emotionally, mentally, and energetically, for those you lead. Learn how “aloha leadership” transforms workplaces: it’s about listening deeply, being intentional, and making others feel valued and seen. T Sharing personal stories and reflections, from childhood movies to business frustrations, I show you how presence builds trust, engagement, and real results. Whether you’re a leader or aspire to be one, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to lead. Can you bring aloha into your daily interactions? Tune in and ask yourself: when you enter a room, are you really there? Don’t miss this thoughtful journey into the heart of leadership.