Kevin Eikenberry

Everyone talks about emotional intelligence.

But how do you actually use it when leading change or having difficult conversations?

In this week’s episode of the Remarkable Leadership Podcast, I talk with emotional intelligence expert Amy Jacobson about practical ways leaders can apply EQ every day.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9ois...

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Kevin Eikenberry

My daughter Kelsey starts a new job today. This isn’t just a new employer, but will provide her with a new set of experiences, including:



➡️ Working in the office four days a week
➡️ Commuting!
➡️ Being a new leader


Her first job out of college was during COVID, so she started remotely, and her now previous employer allowed for nearly complete remote work ever since.


I’m proud of and excited for her. We had a recent conversation about the importance of getting in-office work experience. She’s excited and not-surprisingly a bit apprehensive too.


I’m not writing this as a proud Dad. I’m writing it to remind us of an imperative and a principle.


If you are over thirty, you need to remember that you may have peers or lead team members who have a very different work background and experiences than you. If your experience is “in-office then remote”, and their experience is either “all remote” or “remote then office,” both parties have a perspective gap due to your differences in experiences.


It is our job as a leader to recognize this perspective gap and close it through conversation and listening. If this is your situation, make sure you make time for intentional conversations about how people are experiencing work and clarifying expectations (that might seem obvious to you based on your experience) to help them succeed.


In general, we must remember that assuming serves no one. The problems we’ve all experienced with assumptions are rooted in a perspective gap. We believe other people have the same experience we have, and therefore, the same perspective.


Look to share and understand the perspective of others. When you close the perspective gap you will make better decisions and have better relationships too.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Kevin Eikenberry

Xylem is a type of tissue in plants that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the stems and leaves.

We are transporters of all sorts of things in our environments.

We transport thoughts, mindsets, and attitude, as well as ideas, strategies, and beliefs.

The xylem is a transport system and will deliver whatever it has access to. Clean water and the right nutrients leads to a healthy plant. If toxic elements or imbalanced water are what’s available, that is what is delivered.

We are like the xylem – we are transporters, and what we transport matters to the health of the plant system or cultural system. But importantly, we have choices about what we transport.

Choose to transport things that will help, not hinder, promote growth, not division, and provide insight not folly.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

Are you thinking enough?

Busyness is rewarded.
But leadership requires reflection.

I just released a new episode on why thinking may be your greatest strategic advantage — and how to protect time for it.

Watch it here 👇
https://youtu.be/LTT1TfahL-Q

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

New Podcast Episode 🎙️

What if most transformation efforts fail because we’re solving the wrong problem?

In this episode of the Remarkable Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Phil Le-Brun to explore the idea of the “Octopus Organization” — a model built for continuous learning and adaptation.

We discuss:
• Why big transformation programs often backfire
• The difference between complicated and complex
• The three essentials: clarity, ownership, curiosity
• How to identify anti-patterns in your organization

If you're serious about building a more adaptable organization, this conversation is worth your time.

https://youtu.be/q6yA31AfJxo

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

Leadership can feel lonely.

But there is no such thing as a self-made leader.

Real growth happens with:
• Support
• Feedback
• Process
• Community

Who is helping you grow as a leader right now?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0nE1...

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

Are meetings helping your culture… or hurting it?

Productivity drops after just 2 hours of meetings a day.

In our newest episode, Jennifer Moss and I talk about “meeting burnout” — and one action you can take in 20 minutes or less to fix it.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR_mK...

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

New Episode 🎙️

Are projects just something your organization does…

Or are they how your organization works?

In this week’s conversation with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, we explore:

• The rise of the project economy
• Why leaders must spend more time in transformation
• How governance can accelerate (or kill) projects
• The difference between project management and project leadership

One provocative idea:

If a project doesn’t have an active sponsor — stop it.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9eW8...

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

The move from peer to leader is one of the most challenging transitions in a career.

One day you’re part of the team.
The next day you’re responsible for it.

Suddenly you’re navigating former peers, new expectations, and conversations you’ve never had to lead before.

Most new leaders aren’t underprepared because they lack talent.
They’re underprepared because no one taught them how to lead.

That’s why we created Bud to Boss Virtual — a live, interactive experience designed specifically for new leaders. Practical. Real-world. Immediately useful.

The next session begins March 2.

If you (or someone on your team) is stepping into leadership, now is the time.

Learn more and register: kevineikenberry.com/bud-to-boss/bud-to-boss-virtua…

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

Kevin Eikenberry

Is “surrender” the missing leadership skill?

In my latest Remarkable Leadership Podcast episode, I talk with Jessica Kriegel, author of Surrender to Lead, about why letting go of control can actually lead to better results, stronger accountability, and less stress for leaders.

If control has started to feel exhausting, this episode may shift your perspective.

🎧 New episode out now: https://youtu.be/xTUq7WysYgo

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 1