Episode 270: Leadership Has Changed, and We Need to Change with It: An Interview with Daniel Pennington

Lessons in Leadership

As leaders, we’ve all been there, thrust into a position of responsibility with little to no training yet expected to lead teams, solve problems, and deliver results. In my recent conversation with Daniel Pennington, an international keynote speaker, speaking coach, and master storyteller, we explored the ever-changing landscape of leadership and why adapting to it is no longer optional.

What stood out to me most was Daniel’s point about how the leadership of our parents’ or grandparents’ era doesn’t translate to today’s workforce. Back then, leadership was about survival—shared goals and the common good. Fast-forward and positional power became the dominant tool in leadership, often leaving teams disengaged and unmotivated.

Let’s take a closer look at some actionable steps we can all take to lead with intention and purpose.

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https://www.billstorm.com/

About Daniel Pennington

For decades, leaders have leaned on Positional Power—the “Do it because I said so” approach—to drive results. But today’s dynamic work environment, especially post-COVID, has dramatically shifted the rules. This old model no longer resonates or motivates as it once did. To truly inspire and engage teams, leaders must embrace the tools of influence and persuasion.

The facts tell the story: with U.S. unemployment at just 4.1%, nearly everyone who wants a job already has one. Unlike in times past when replacing a challenging employee was easy, today, every team member is valuable. Effective leadership has become more complex and demands fresh skills—empathy, adaptability, insight, and, most importantly, influence.

Daniel’s powerful keynote, “What Got Us Here Isn’t Going to Get Us There,” draws on compelling research from Gallup and Harvard, showing that an influence-based approach isn’t just a “nice to have” but a critical shift for sustainable success. His framework equips leaders to move from command-based authority to influence-driven leadership, fostering intrinsic motivation that drives long-lasting results. Embracing this model is more than an adaptation; it’s a transformation that empowers teams and builds a foundation for enduring success.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielspennington/

Bill Storm is a seasoned advisor and consultant renowned for his expertise in driving peak performance and fostering effective leadership within Fortune 500 companies. With a multifaceted skill set spanning organizational systems, the psychology of achievement, team building, and sales, Bill serves as a trusted resource for executives, managers, and team leaders seeking to maximize their potential.

Bill's career trajectory is marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in team dynamics. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Peak Performance Strategist with the Tony Robbins organization and as a Team Building Specialist with the John Maxwell Leadership Team, he has developed a unique set of frameworks tailored to the needs of industry leaders. These frameworks provide a foundation for building winning teams and achieving sustainable success in today's competitive landscape.

https://www.billstorm.com/