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What Great Leaders Actually Do
Episode 15th February 2026 • Engineering Better Conversations • Nancy Michieli
00:00:00 00:47:46

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This episode is a wake-up call for leaders who think clarity is optional. After decades working with organizations, project teams, and leadership groups, Carla Lewis shares one hard truth: communication is always the problem — and always the fix.

From stalled projects to resistance during change, this conversation explores why momentum slows, why teams push back, and why “just do it” leadership creates confusion instead of results.

Carla Lewis is a leadership and organizational change expert who works with organizations to improve clarity, alignment, and readiness for change—especially in complex, high-stakes environments where decisions matter.

In this conversation, we discuss:

  1. Why communication breakdowns derail even strong teams
  2. Why clarity is the engine behind momentum
  3. The hidden cost of “just do it” leadership
  4. Why titles don’t earn respect — communication does
  5. How clarity doesn’t eliminate complexity, it organizes it
  6. What Apollo 13 teaches leaders about alignment and buy-in
  7. Why resistance isn’t resistance — it’s a request
  8. How the grapevine fills the silence when leaders don’t communicate
  9. Why saying it once is never enough
  10. What it really takes to get people to say yes to change


About the Guest Carla Lewis is a leadership and organizational change expert who helps organizations improve clarity, alignment, and readiness for change. 🔗

Connect with Carla:

  1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlajlewis/
  2. Website: https://carlajlewis.com/

About the Show Engineering Better Conversations is where technical and project leaders learn to speak so people listen.

Hosted by Nancy Michieli, engineer turned executive communication coach, the show explores how clarity, influence, and human communication drive real leadership results—in projects, teams, and careers.

Connect with Nancy:

  1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymichieli/
  2. Website: https://www.nancymichielicoaching.com/
  3. Newsletter: https://www.engineeringbetterconversations.com/

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