Why do leaders who tirelessly champion innovation and transformation often find themselves trapped in an 'echo chamber', advocating for change while subtly resisting its personal embodiment?

This talk uncovers the profound, invisible force at the heart of this paradox: the deeply ingrained human need for autonomy. Through the poignant personal narrative of my father — a decision-maker who only quit smoking when he chose to. I remember the day, at 62 years old, when he declared: 'From today, I will not smoke anymore.' And he never did. For years, I carried this question: What changed? What invisible force finally tipped the scales for a man who seemed to defy all logic?" — I will demonstrate how the perceived loss of control can silently undermine even the most well-intentioned leadership initiatives.

This discussion challenges conventional thinking on leadership resistance, providing actionable insights into how leaders can redefine their relationship with autonomy and become genuine role models for the future.

This is not just a talk by a 'speaker'; it's a narrative forged from two decades of working directly with and observing leadership dynamics in the trenches of organisational change.

My aim is not to shock, but to explore honestly, thoughtfully and boldly the truths that our organisational society has been avoiding about who truly drives – or subtly halts – progress at the top.