We don't have a leadership problem.
I think we have a promotion problem.
Somewhere along the way, we started believing that the longest-serving employee, the highest performer, or the loudest voice in the room would naturally become the best leader.
Then we act surprised when teams disengage.
When trust disappears.
When people do what's required...but nothing more.
The more conversations I have on this podcast, the more convinced I become that leadership has very little to do with a title—and almost everything to do with the experience people have when they're around you.
That's why I wanted to sit down with leadership & business coach Erin Treacy.
Together, we unpack :
→ Why leadership isn't something a company hands you
→ Why organizations often reward the wrong behaviors
→ Why influence begins long before a promotion ever does
→ And what it actually takes to build a culture where people choose to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to.
If you lead a team, aspire to lead one, or simply want to understand why some people inspire trust while others only command compliance, I think this conversation will challenge a few assumptions you didn't even realize you were carrying.
Because becoming someone's boss is easy.
Becoming someone they're willing to follow...
is something else entirely.
Key Moments in This Episode:
00:00 — Podcast Intro
01:33 — Meet Leadership Coach Erin Treacy
02:50 — The Leadership Lesson Erin Learned as a Child
05:05 — Why Most Companies Get Leadership Wrong
09:55 — Leadership As a Practice
16:08 — Leadership Isn't a Title. It's How You Show Up.
17:03 — The Hidden Work Every Great Leader Does
20:07 — The 2-Hour Habit That Can Save You 10 Hours Every Week
26:43 — Why Dashboards Don't Tell the Whole Story
32:03 — Having the Water Cooler Chat
34:32 — Can You Lead Without Authority?
39:35 — Managers vs. Operators: The Mindset Shift
43:43 — Want Genuine Connections? Stay Curious.
47:59 — Why People Choose to Follow Some Leaders
49: 27 — Best Way To Connect With Erin Treacy
50:35 — The 2-Minute Challenge Every Leader Should Try
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🎙️ About Uncommon Leadership:
I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams.
On the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with founders, executives, researchers, and leadership thinkers to explore what it really means to lead in today's world.
Together, we unpack the intersection of leadership, psychology, resilience, and culture—because I believe the best leaders don't just build successful businesses. They build environments where people can do their best work and become their best selves.
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Speakers in this episode of Uncommon Leadership Podcast:
Erin Treacy | Guest
Erin Treacy is a leadership and business coach who helps professionals and teams navigate pressure, improve communication, and build stronger, more sustainable ways of working. With experience across broadcast news, small business ownership, and multiple industries, she brings a practical, people-first approach to leadership.
Erin focuses on helping high performers move from over-responsibility and burnout into clarity, confidence, and more effective leadership.
Connect with Erin Treacy:
Michael Hunter | Host
Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success.
Work with Michael Hunter:
🎵 Music Credits:
Title: Dreaming Ballad
Author: EpicMann
Source: Envato
License Code: 4BMRCYN782
