Returning ABP podcast guest Nik Kinley talks with Rob Feltham about his recent and important book – The Power Trap. Nik makes a convincing case that ‘we need to talk more about power’ because it changes people, particularly those in formal leadership roles.  Whilst power enables leaders to ‘get stuff done’, the ‘traps’ associated with power are numerous and pervasive. For example: increased physical and psychological/emotional distance from followers is one of the inevitable consequences of power; power distorts information flows; and power serves to amplify preexisting traits and dispositions of incoming leaders, for better or for worse. Leaders are usually chosen for their capability at a given point of time, but more attention needs to be given to their suitability for leadership.  It’s not all doom and gloom however, there are many things that leaders can do manage the challenges that power presents.  Case studies covered in the discussion include a number of high profile public figures.

Nik Kinley is a psychologist, C-Suite leadership assessor, coach, and consultant. He is the author and co-author of several award-winning books on leadership and is a regular lecturer at some of the world’s most prestigious business schools. You can find out more about Nik here: https://nikkinley.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkinley

Reference: Kinley, N. (2025). The Power Trap: How leadership changes people, and what to do about it. Palgrave Macmillan.

Rob Feltham is Podcast Editor of The ABP.

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