Knowing when to pivot || Episode 340 on Leadership Archetypes and Cosplay with Sarah Budd


Dear Reader,

How do you know when it’s time to let go of something that still works?

Closing NeverDoneBefore almost a year ago was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made. Nothing was broken, but I could feel it was time. Letting it go created space for new things to emerge: my business is growing, and I finally have the time and energy to write Unprofessionalism.

And the more time I spend writing, the more I seek conversations that weave into that theme: how to be more human at work? How to understand the masks we wear and leadership cosplay we perform (this week's episode topic, you'll love it!). For the past months, my conversations were (unconsciously) drifting. Less about facilitation in the narrow sense, more about leadership, behaviour, culture.

First, I thought the neat solution was a second podcast. Fresh name, new artwork, tidy boxes. But as a matter of fact, the show is already shifting. Now it's about changing the label to match the content.

Hell, it’s scary!! Why change something that’s working? There’s a voice in my head: what if people don’t like it? what about all I've built?

But facilitation has taught me that if the energy in the room takes us somewhere different, we've got to trust it and let things happen.

So here’s the plan: same feed, same spirit, just a new name and clearer focus. Unprofessionalism will be the frame for the conversations that are already unfolding.

And I’d love your help. I’ve made a super short survey (two minutes max): what should I keep, stop, and start as I rebrand?

[Survey link]

As for timing: it’ll happen either just after episode 350, or in January 2026 — depending on how the guest line-up plays out.

Letting go is never easy. But sometimes it’s the only way to make space for what’s next.

And if you are sitting on an unprofessional story, please share it with me here: https://unprofessionalism.com/

🎙 Meanwhile, on the podcast…

Are we all just cosplaying as leaders? Donning a mask or a costume that helps us better play the role we think we should be playing?

Helping leaders to show up with truth in a world that never stays still, is leadership psychologist and executive coach Sarah Budd. This week, she invites us to reflect upon who we are as leaders, as we examine the tensions between our authentic selves and the façades we use to cloak our wounds, to belong, and to feel safe.

From illusions of control, to leadership imitation, and why Beyoncé is an iconic example of cosplay, this is a fascinating conversation for every leader in search of deeper self-alignment.

Find out about:

  • The cosplaying, archetypal leader vs the new, adaptable leader
  • Why inauthentic leadership can be damaging to both the self and the team
  • How to lead authentically in a world that’s complex and constantly changing
  • The role of AI and professionalism in both facilitation and leadership

🎧 Click here to listen to the interview

📥 Check out my 1-page summary

WW_Episode_340-summary.pdf

👀 Watch the unedited interview on Youtube

video preview

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That’s it from my side! I hope you enjoy the content and find inspiration in the stories and the podcast. I wish you the courage to let go of something that still “works” — to see what might grow in its place.

I’ll see you next week!

Myriam

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How can we facilitate collaboration?

I'm a recovering academic who uses her insights from behavioural economics to develop methods that facilitate collaboration. In my weekly newsletter, I share the summary of my latest interview on the "workshops work" podcast along with an application of facilitation as a life and leadership skill.

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