Why Does It Feel So Wrong To Be Human At Work?

Ep 09 | Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?

Episode Summary

Leadership sounds aspirational… but the reality can feel isolating, exhausting, and downright confusing. In this episode, we explore what really motivates people to lead, the emotional cost of leadership, and why we often promote the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Join Pinaki and Chris as they unpack perceptions of power, responsibility, and what it takes to lead with humanity in today’s workplace.

Episode Notes

Season 2, Episode 9: Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be a Leader?

Episode Description

We’ve all heard it: “Leadership is lonely.” But is it? And if it is, why do so many people still chase it?

In this episode of Why Does It Feel So Wrong to Be Human at Work?, hosts Pinaki Kathiari and Chris Lee explore the complex question of modern leadership—what motivates people to lead, what makes leadership feel “wrong,” and how our outdated assumptions about leadership may be holding us all back.

From Optimus Prime and parental wisdom to feedback fatigue and executive accountability, this conversation challenges traditional ideas and invites a more human-centered definition of leadership.

Together, they unpack:

Why people pursue leadership (and what they’re not prepared for)
The difference between ambition and accountability
What real influence looks like—and why it often isn’t loud
The cultural myths around “leadership material”
Why empathy and emotional intelligence matter more than titles
How to deal with change fatigue, feedback droughts, and the pressure to be perfect
And what fictional kings, volleyball teams, and business visionaries can teach us about being a better boss

Timestamps

00:00 – Optimus Prime, Transformers, and the quest for good leadership
02:00 – What makes someone “leadership material”? (It’s not what you think)
05:00 – The perks vs. the pressure: Why leadership isn’t for everyone
07:00 – What studies say motivates people to lead
10:00 – Leaders as guardians of people’s lives—not just KPIs
12:00 – The weight of being both inspiring and accountable
14:00 – History of CEO behavior: From stability to crisis mode
17:00 – Trust, ownership, and letting go: What good leaders actually do
20:00 – Building diverse teams that don’t all think like you
23:00 – Redefining real leadership: Humanocracy and beyond
26:00 – Why feedback is vital—and why some leaders hide from it
28:00 – The toll of constant change on organizations and people
30:00 – Leaders, slow your roll: How too much innovation overwhelms teams
32:00 – Wisdom That Feels So Right: Books, tools, and personal stories

Wisdom That Feels So Right

Mic-Drop Moments

“When we win, it’s because of the team. When we lose, it’s on me.”

“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s about knowing when to listen.”

“Awesome resumes don’t make awesome leaders. Human ones do.”

Connect with Us

Pinaki Kathiari – LinkedIn | Local Wisdom

Chris Lee – LinkedIn | Gallagher Communication

Special Thanks

Cheers to Local Wisdom , they are spackle for communication teams. For 25 years they've filled talent and technology gaps for the top brands in the world while leading with heart and showing what leadership can really be. Thank you to our producer Brielle Saracini and our partners at SBX Productions for keeping our sound as sharp as our thinking.

Reflect + Share

What do you wish leaders understood better? What makes a leader worth following in your experience? We want to hear from you. Tag us, review the show, or send us your “WTF leadership” moments—and don’t forget to visit whydoesitfeelsowrong.com to bring these convos into your company.