Episode description

Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau is the Chief Simplicity Officer at ADAPTAA, a boutique leadership development company focused on improving emotional intelligence and driving high performance in the modern workplace. At ADAPTAA, she leads the groundbreaking leadership program Artemis and serves as an executive coach and facilitator for executives and teams.

Over the last 25-plus years, Sylvia has amassed experience as a leadership development expert and senior professional coach in international and financial institutions, backed by a PhD in international and global studies. She is the former Managerial Advisor of Leadership Development and Coaching at the European Investment Bank, where she advanced leaders for almost 18 years. In addition to authoring her upcoming book, Who’s in Charge?, she is self-employed as an Executive and Team Coach and helps people and organizations emerge and excel as impactful leaders. 

Understanding power dynamics is crucial in navigating complex social and business landscapes and ensuring equitable relationships. Moreover, embracing co-creation fosters collaboration and innovation by leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise. How might integrating these principles enhance decision-making and problem-solving in your personal and professional endeavors?

Author and executive coach Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau discusses the concept of power and its implications for effective leadership, particularly in the context of her book Energy, Power and Legacy. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional notions of power as hierarchical and instead advocates for shared power and co-creation. Sylvia’s "Smart Power" model delineates five levels of power: intentional, personal, relational, co-creative, and generative. To effectively navigate challenges and catalyze positive transformation, leaders must prioritize cultivating self-awareness, nurturing genuine connections, and embracing collaborative endeavors.

In this episode of the Next Wave Leadership podcast, host Dov Pollack sits down with Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, the Chief Simplicity Officer at ADAPTAA, to discuss her new book, Energy, Power and Legacy. Sylvia talks about defining power, the value of co-creation, and understanding and leveraging executive presence.