What makes a leader in 2026?

Modern leadership isn’t shaped by perfect plans, but by pivotal moments, adversity, curiosity, and ultimately by authenticity.

We’re stepping back from the individual stories we’ve explored on Pivot Points so far, to explore these deeper themes that emerged across our conversations with some of the world’s most fascinating leaders.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Leaders adapt when their career path doesn’t go to plan
• Hardship forges resilience, so don’t shy away from adversity
• Spend more time on your people, not on your plan
• Curiosity is the spark that helps you seize opportunities

Christian Mazzi 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mazzi-47870

Steinar Sønsteby 

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

Sarah Walker-Smith 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-smith-4708a5b/

Piers Linney 

https://www.pierslinney.com/

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

Matthew Wenger 

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

James Ainscough

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

Connect with Dave Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveallenbrandpie/
Learn more about Brandpie: https://www.brandpie.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brandpie/