North Star

Ep45: Why the hardest part of leadership has nothing to do with strategy

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What does good leadership look like when everything’s changing?

In this episode, Olly sits down with strategic leader, Gary Simpson, to talk about what it really takes to lead in a world that doesn’t sit still. They unpack the tension between short-term wins and long-term vision, why clarity beats control, and how the best leaders create space for others to thrive.

From futures thinking to B2G customer insight, Gary shares a fresh take on leadership that’s grounded in values, not vanity—and built for what’s next.

Connect with Gary.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Navigating Change in Leadership

  • 04:52 - The Importance of Adaptability

  • 10:03 - Understanding Customer Needs

  • 15:11 - The Role of Integrity in Leadership

  • 19:55 - Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

  • 25:05 - Embracing a Growth Mindset

  • 29:53 - Learning from Failure

  • 35:10 - Final Thoughts on Leadership
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