2234 - Mastering Leadership by Balancing Flexibility with Core Values in Uncertain Times with Kevin Eikenberry
Leading with Flexibility in Uncertain Times with Kevin Eikenberry
In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and author of Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. Kevin shares timely insights on how today’s leaders can thrive amid volatility by staying grounded in their values while adapting their strategies. From navigating change to investing in leadership development, this episode offers a practical roadmap for leaders who want to lead with confidence and clarity—even when the future is unclear.
How to Lead with Confidence in a Volatile World
Kevin emphasizes that modern leadership isn’t about always having the answers—it’s about being agile, values-driven, and committed to continuous learning. Drawing on decades of coaching leaders, he shares how embracing flexibility doesn’t mean abandoning structure. Instead, it means having deep roots (your values) and being able to bend (your strategy) when the winds of change blow. Leaders must separate their identity from their roles and build adaptive thinking into their teams. He also introduces the metaphor of a tree: stable at the roots, flexible in the branches—a model that resilient leaders should follow.
Through candid conversation, Kevin and Josh explore how uncertainty can actually be a catalyst for growth. Leaders who acknowledge unpredictability, model transparency, and focus on what they can control are more likely to build trust and drive results. Kevin also warns against falling into the “leadership trap”—confusing your job title with your personal identity. Real leadership, he explains, comes from consistent values-based action, not positional authority.
Finally, Kevin shares actionable strategies for building leadership capacity. He encourages leaders to invest in training, conduct value clarification exercises, and remain open to feedback. With tools like his free masterclass and The Remarkable Leadership Podcast, Kevin equips leaders to become more effective in both mindset and behavior. His ultimate message: Great leadership is less about control and more about creating clarity and consistency in how you show up for your team—even when everything around you is changing.
About Kevin Eikenberry
Kevin Eikenberry is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and a globally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author. His work focuses on developing remarkable leaders and equipping them to navigate change, uncertainty, and growth with confidence.
About The Kevin Eikenberry Group
The Kevin Eikenberry Group is a leadership and learning consulting company helping individuals and organizations unleash their potential. Through workshops, coaching, books, and digital resources, the firm provides tools that help leaders build influence, flexibility, and success.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence (Book)
Episode Highlights
Why flexible leadership is essential in today’s uncertain business climate
How to lead with strong values while remaining adaptable
Kevin’s “tree metaphor” for resilient, values-rooted leadership
Avoiding the leadership trap of tying your identity to your title
Actionable strategies for growing leadership skills in any organization
Conclusion
Kevin Eikenberry’s conversation with Josh Elledge shines a light on what it really takes to lead effectively in turbulent times. By anchoring in values and remaining open to change, leaders can inspire trust, build resilience, and drive meaningful results. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading an entire organization, Kevin’s insights offer a clear path toward becoming a more thoughtful, flexible, and effective leader.
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