The Experimental Leader
Share
A collection of learning ideas, methods and perspectives.
Authored by Melanie Parish, The Experimental Leader program is a collection of learning ideas, methods and perspectives developed through over 6000 hours of leader conversations. This program has emerged through trial and error and is used to help high performers create a crucial paradigm shift in their leadership.
This is the professional recording from the day. I wrote a song and performed it with Steve Poltz. ***rpotluck ***r
Mel is talking about Q***r leadership, superpowers, from his book and another book by Bree Fram & Liz Cavelero. Follow us for more updates and talking about Q***r leadership. ***rsofinstagram ***r
POV: your leader announces a survey, three roundtables, and a final report and everyone in the room already knows what the report is going to say. š
We've all sat through it. The trap isn't that the leader made a decision. The trap is dressing a decision up as a conversation.
Here's the thing: sometimes you genuinely don't need input. A seasoned leader can say "this is what we're doing" and move the team forward. The damage happens when you ask people to take a risk, share a real opinion, invest actual effort and then proceed exactly as planned anyway.
So before you send that survey, run the experiment in your head first: what would you actually do if your team disagreed with you?
If the answer is "go ahead anyway," don't ask. Just decide, and tell them why.
Full episode - Traps and Tricks: When to Ask, When to Decide ā out now. š§
Go experiment.
09/23/2026
Weāre taking a moment to say THANK YOU.
More than 116,000 people have listened to The Experimental Leader Podcast, and we couldnāt be more grateful.
Every listen, share, conversation, and āahaā moment has helped make this podcast what it is. Thank you for joining us as we explore leadership, challenge assumptions, and keep experimenting.
116,000 listeners and counting.
Hereās to the next conversation.
š§ Find us wherever you listen to podcasts.
We just finished our first Leadership Essentials Retreat in Dundas at the Twisted Magnolia, a former bed-and-breakfast. It was a great day. Hereās our recap
09/15/2026
Posting this for those seeking an ICF Credential (and so I can find it later!)
The ICF PCC and MCC Credentialing Exam Is Changing in 2026: What Coaches Need to Know | Coaching Insights | GoMasterCoach The ICF PCC-MCC Exam is changing on November 10, 2026. Learn whatās changing, whatās staying the same, and how to prepare for the new exam with confidence.
Dr. Mel Rutherford is reading from his book The Glass Cliff: One Transmanās Leadership Odyssey.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Contact the business
Address
London, ON
N6H 2C3
Alerts
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Experimental Leader posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.