The Leadership Multiverse
The Leadership Multiverse dives deep into the galaxies of sci-fi, superhero, and fantasy cinema and television to explore what it really means to lead. In each episode, we dissect the decisions, styles, and values of iconic characters like Tony Stark, Princess Leia, Ned Stark, Captain Kirk, and beyond, unpacking their triumphs, tribulations and everything in between. Whether you’re a leadership aficionado, a pop culture junkie, or just wondering if Darth Vader could delegate effectively, this is the podcast where fandom meets the front lines of leadership.
The Leadership Multiverse
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
This week we step onto the bridge of the USS Enterprise to explore the leadership of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. From his formative experiences at Starfleet Academy and early failures in command to his role as moral compass and mentor aboard the Enterprise, we unpack what makes Picard one of the most enduring leaders in science fiction.
We discuss his calmness under pressure, deep ethical grounding, and ability to create psychological safety for his crew (contrasting him with other captains and last week’s focus on Tony Stark). Along the way, we reflect on his flaws, his subtle evolution across decades, and the lessons he offers modern leaders about curiosity, resilience, delegation, and cultural intelligence.
Would Picard make a good boss? How would he fare in other universes like Star Wars or Game of Thrones? And what rating does he earn on our Multiverse Leadership Scale? Join us as we beam into the leadership philosophy of a captain who embodies 21st-century leadership in a 24th-century setting.