In this episode of The Powerless Leader Podcast, George Engel unpacks the groundbreaking 1998 Harvard Business Review article by Daniel Goleman that redefined leadership. Discover why emotional intelligence—not IQ—is the true differentiator, especially for leaders without formal authority. George shares practical tools, personal stories, and a free EQ reflection guide to help you lead with influence from the middle.

Visit 23Lead.com/resources to download your free guide and start growing your EQ today.

In this episode of The Powerless Leader Podcast, George Engel dives into the universal experience of fear, particularly for leaders without formal authority. Sharing a personal story of overcoming claustrophobia, George reveals actionable insights to help you name your fears, take steps forward, and build your leadership influence. Download the free Facing Fear Toolkit to start your journey toward courageous leadership today.

In this episode, George Engel explores the subtle yet risky trap of passivity, especially for leaders without titles. You’ll discover the surprising link between “passion” and “passive,” why remaining silent can hinder your influence, and how to lead with passion even when you feel powerless. If you're ready to stop waiting and start leading, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Powerless Leader Podcast, explore the crucial differences between self-consciousness and self-awareness. Discover why anxiety about others' perceptions limits your growth, while genuine self-awareness expands your potential. Filled with practical strategies, insightful research, and relatable stories, this episode will empower you to lead yourself and others more effectively. Ready to shift from anxiety to awareness? Tune in now!

n this episode of The Powerless Leader, we dive deep into the mental battlefield of leadership: the voice in your head. Building on Episode 2’s Law of the Mirror, we explore why it’s so hard to hold onto your value—even when you know it intellectually.

Whether you’re a young professional like Terrance, doubting your seat at the table, or a seasoned leader who still battles self-criticism, this episode will help you silence the inner critic and step into your influence. You’ll learn the 3 R’s—Recognize, Reframe, and Replace—that will shift your self-talk and shape your leadership presence.

Featuring insights from Atomic Habits by James Clear and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, this episode is packed with mindset tools and reflection prompts to help you lead from the inside out.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Where the inner critic comes from—and how to challenge it

• How your mindset shapes your influence

• Practical steps to reframe negative self-talk

• Quotes and tools to rewire your internal narrative

🎧 Subscribe for biweekly episodes that help you lead yourself and others—even without a title.

How you see yourself establishes the ceiling for your leadership. In this episode, George Engel explores John Maxwell’s Law of the Mirror, "You must see value in yourself to add value to yourself." Through storytelling, practical steps, and powerful reminders, this episode encourages you to confront your inner critic, recognize your worth, and take the first step toward leading from the middle.

In the first episode of The Powerless Leader, host George Engel sets the stage for a new kind of leadership conversation that champions influence over position. Drawing from his decades of experience and a pivotal personal story from Moscow, George reveals what it means to lead without formal authority. You will learn why titles do not define your impact, how presence creates influence, and why leadership from the middle matters more than ever today.

This episode invites you to step into your power if you have ever felt unseen, unheard, or undervalued.