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The Non-Obvious Show · Episode 83

How To Be A Better Boss

with Sabina Nawaz

Episode 83 · June 23, 2026 · 34 min

In This Episode

In this episode, Sabina Nawaz shares insights from her extensive leadership experience, focusing on how pressure, power, and self-awareness influence effective management. Discover practical microhabits and strategies to become a better boss and navigate the loneliness at the top.

Key Takeaways

  • Power does not corrupt; pressure does.
  • Ask specific, third-person questions for better feedback.
  • Use microhabits to build lasting leadership skills.
  • Create 'blank space' to gain perspective under pressure.
  • Honesty and vulnerability foster trust and growth.

What We Cover

  • 00:00The Impact of Pressure and Power on Leadership
  • 03:25The Importance of Facial Expressions and Starting Strong
  • 06:16Common Blind Spots in Leaders
  • 06:25Pressure, Power, and Their Effects on Behavior
  • 11:08The Concept of Blank Space and Reflection
  • 12:57Navigating Loneliness at the Top
  • 14:01Getting Honest Feedback from Your Team
  • 15:34Sabina's Experience as a Boss from Hell
  • 17:56The Power of Action and Reflection
  • 19:35Helping Leaders See Their Blind Spots
  • 21:50Practicing Feedback with Empathy
  • 24:03Microhabits for Effective Leadership
  • 28:20The Value of Sabbaticals and Self-Reflection
  • 30:02Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset and Prioritizing Well-being
  • 32:30Qualities of Great Leaders: Honesty and Vulnerability

About The Guest

Sabina Nawaz Executive coach; author of You're the Boss

Sabina Nawaz is a CEO coach, keynote speaker and author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need). A former Microsoft manager who ran management development programs there, she has coached more than 600 executives on how pressure distorts leadership.

sabinanawaz.com ↗

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