Jan 16, 2026
Matt Poepsel, PhD is author of "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work", VP of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index, and part-time faculty at Boston College. Matt discusses how leaders must prioritise human systems to adapt their approaches amid ongoing turbulence and disruption. Drawing from his military background and psychology expertise, Matt breaks down how to shift from control to connection, fostering hope, mutual trust and commitment. He offers clear guidance on managing through volatility, aligning teams in hybrid settings, exploring how to sustain motivation, rethink productivity, and embrace the opportunities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CHAPTER 1: Psychology, Empathy,
and the Foundation of Leadership
[01:19] During
a Marine deployment, Matt is drawn to human behaviour and
psychology.
[02:49] For
high performance and intense situations, military entities have
psychology wired in.
[03:37]
Empathy and cohesion are underappreciated drivers of military
agility and effectiveness.
[05:15] High stakes work recognise ‘softer’ factors. Employers often miss the essential social glue.
CHAPTER 2: Transitioning to
Human-Centred Tech-based Coaching
[06:21] Matt
leaves the military focused on product but is drawn to team
leadership dynamics.
[07:27] After
a PhD on technology-assisted coaching, Matt starts a company to
scale the concept.
[08:05] Early
coaching efforts centred on behaviour change, connection building
and achievement orientation.
[08:40]
Millennials’, and later Gen Zers, arrival highlighted need for new
leadership approaches.
[09:12] Even early technologies held innovation possibilities to improve human connection.
CHAPTER 3: Technology
Acceleration and the Human Impact
[10:45] Today’s technology has increased convenience and productivity as well as disassociation.
[13:10]
Mandated and mismanaged tech rollouts generate fear and resistance
in employees.
[13:55]
Leaders can push productivity too fast, miss reactions showing
people aren’t yet on board.
[15:37] First Principles are vital to understand actionable and effective priorities.
[16:10] Leaders need to counter employees withdrawing and reverting to self-interest.
CHAPTER 4: Core Leadership Strategies for Unstable Times
[17:05] Hope
acts as social gravity for leaders to bring teams back
together.
[18:58] Mutual
understanding and trust between employers and employees needs
cultivating.
[20:35]
Empathising with others reduces people the misjudgement of motives
that increase fear.
[22:40]
Hierarchical org structure and career progression are outdated and
block upward mobility.
[24:00]
Organisations need to be creative, evolve structures and upskill
workers for adaptability.
[25:03]
Commitment to shared goals builds cohesion and counters
fragmentation
[28:45]
Leadership training must emphasize empathy and collaboration
skills
[30:47] Leaders who aren't supported must proactively learn and adapt.
CHAPTER 5: Building Cohesive Teams in a Fragmented World
[31:50]
Synchrony—aligned workflows—strengthens team connection and
performance
[32:52] Poor
communication and decisions often isolate rather than
unify
[34:54]
Redesigning how work gets done can restore belonging and
efficiency
[35:56]
Leaders must assess cohesion and identity to guide 2026
planning
[36:58] Focus
on collective progress as the pace of change increases
[38:00] Strong teams come from intentional connection, not just output
IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: “To manage successfully through 2026, first take stock of your team, You need to know how things are. Then focus on cohesion because the way you’re going to get through it is together.”
RESOURCES
Matt Poepsel on LinkedIn
Matt’s Book “Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work”
QUOTES
“We can’t succumb to the transactionalisation, the reductionism that’s affecting the modern workplace. Because there are real economic consequences in terms of performance, but also human consequences in terms of our lived experience.”
“The only way out is through.”
“We have to take our people with us.”
“I have to be the magnet rod that kind of draws us all back together through the way that I show up, the way that I diagnose problems, the way that I provide my coaching.”
“Our human systems evolution is falling woefully behind our technology evolution.”
“Let’s try to get more creative… Let's emphasize those things that AI can't do and let's help our employees remain competitive and more valuable as a result.”
“We have to check in with our teams and basically do that temperature check.”