96: The Hidden Cost of Fear: Building a Culture That Engages | Tom Willis
Tom Willis, leadership consultant and co-author of The Great Engagement, dives into the cultural crisis of modern workplaces. In this energizing episode, host Damon Lembi and Willis unpack why traditional engagement efforts fail—and what leaders can do instead. Drawing on his experience as a former CEO and school superintendent, Tom shares how to move from fear-based leadership to purpose-driven cultures that actually work.
Read the full breakdown of Tom Willis’s episode on Learnit.
Key Leadership Lessons from Tom Willis’s Journey:
Culture First, Strategy Second
According to Tom, “culture eats everything.” Engagement starts with leaders shifting from unconscious fear to conscious purpose.Rethink Feedback and Perfectionism
Asking “Are you open to feedback?” can actually trigger fear. Tom breaks down how to create safety and shift from perfectionism to growth.Listen the Greatness Out of People
True coaching isn’t about telling—it’s about listening deeply and leading with agape love to unlock others’ potential.
Connect with Tom Willis:
Book: The Great Engagement
Website: Phoenix Performance Partners
Assessment: The Elevate System
LinkedIn: Tom Willis
Group: The Interchange CEO Group
Tom’s work helps leaders at every level create cultures where people are empowered, engaged, and aligned around purpose.
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