How often have we been told that success, especially in leadership, starts with “just being yourself”? In his latest book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), renowned psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic challenges this deeply rooted belief. Drawing on decades of research, he argues that our cultural obsession with authenticity is often misguided and can actually limit individual and organizational effectiveness. The science, he suggests, points to a more nuanced truth: progress comes from adaptability, self-awareness, and attention to how others experience us.

In this edition of Disrupt Your Career Author Chat, we speak with Tomas about his book, exploring why authenticity is misunderstood, how leaders really develop, and what it takes to evolve beyond our current selves in today’s complex workplaces.

Order Tomas‘book Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead)

Tomas' personal website

Tomas’ LinkedIn profile

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In this episode, we speak with Michael Stanford about his journey from business schools to global leadership consulting, reflecting on the pivotal transitions that shaped his professional identity. Drawing on his doctoral research and his book Leadership Transition: How Leaders Turn Chaos into Growth, he explains why leadership transitions often feel like a “torture of the soul” and why tactical checklists fall short. Michael introduces a compass-based framework grounded in post-traumatic growth, helping leaders navigate chaos, reframe assumptions, and create conditions for sustainable leadership and personal growth.

Michael Stanford is a facilitator, researcher, author, and leadership coach specializing in leadership transitions. He has over thirty years of experience in leadership development, including nearly two decades at IMD and five years at Korn Ferry. He works with leaders, teams, and organizations to help them navigate the personal and professional challenges of transition. His work draws on doctoral research into post-traumatic growth and narrative psychology, supporting leaders in turning periods of disruption into meaningful development and sustainable growth.

Links from the episode:

Michael’s book ‘Leadership Transition: How leaders turn chaos into growth’

Michael’s LinkedIn profile

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Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com
If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and draw insights from some of the most inspiring conversations we’ve had this year on the Disrupt Your Career podcast.

Throughout the year, we had the privilege of speaking with executives, thought leaders, authors, and coaches who generously shared their experiences of experimentation, resilience, reinvention, and purpose driven career choices: Celeste Warren, Stéphanie Daudier, Navid Nazemian, Bridget Farrands & Ian Hardie, Naeema Pasha, Elizabeth Lotardo, Julia Milner, Neil Courtis, Irina Cozma, Peter Attfield, Sheila Buswell, and Michelle Prince.

In this special “Best Of” year end episode, we revisit a powerful quote from each guest, highlighting their most insightful ideas on building careers that are not only successful but also sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with one’s values. These curated moments offer key takeaways and practical advice to help you reflect on your own career journey and consider your next steps with greater clarity.

Tune in to hear expert wisdom and discover fresh inspiration to design the career you truly want in 2026 and beyond.

Thanks for listening!
Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com
If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast