The extra-Ordinary Leader with Dolly Waddell
The extra-Ordinary Leader is a show that takes a collaborative approach to uncover what it means to be a leader in the 21st century.
Through a series of open and honest conversations with a selection of top business leaders and leadership coaches, Dolly Waddell takes us on a journey to unravel the complex world of leadership in the 21st century.
The extra-Ordinary Leader with Dolly Waddell
S4 03: Beyond Ego: Leading with Self-Awareness and Courage with Thor Olafsson
In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I sit down with Thor Olafsson, Founder & CEO of Strategic Leadership Group and author of Beyond Ego. Thor has built and led multiple businesses and now works globally with leaders to integrate strategy and people in a way that creates true, sustainable growth.
We explore the nine ego types that can both empower and undermine leadership, and how self-awareness is the game-changing factor in modern leadership. Thor and I discuss why self-image, defensiveness, and fear-based behaviour so often sabotage leaders—and what it takes to move beyond ego to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
We also unpack why leadership development has become a non-negotiable investment in today’s organisations, and how the war for talent means leaders must change their mindset to ensure they attract, retain, and inspire the very best people.
This conversation is both practical and transformative, and it will make you reflect on your own patterns, your shadow sides, and how you can step into being a less fear-driven, more purpose-led leader.
Inside This Episode:
- Thor’s definition of ego and why it matters in business.
- How to tell if you’re being decisive or simply defensive.
- The nine ego types—how they show up and what their shadow sides cost organisations.
- Why self-awareness is now a critical leadership skill.
- The link between transparency, access to information, and leadership.
- The real cost of not investing in leadership development.
- How to begin walking the path to a more self-aware, purpose-led leadership.
If this episode sparks something in you, reach out at info@dollywaddell.com. I coach executives and teams on these very challenges, helping you uncover your ego triggers, transform your leadership, and create cultures that thrive.
My book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available now: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader
🔗 Find Thor’s book Beyond Ego here: https://beyondego.com/
🔗 Strategic Leadership Group: https://strategicleaders.com/