Episode 308: The Leadership Blindspot Holding You Back, and Why You Can’t See It.
Mon Feb 02 2026
In this enlightening episode of the Developing the Leader Within Podcast, we sit down with Sheila R. Carmichael, a neuroscience-based leadership development coach and author of "Presence." Sheila shares her extensive experience working with directors and VPs, revealing the leadership blind spots that often hold them back from reaching their full potential. She emphasizes that these blind spots are not deficits to fix, but rather untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.
Sheila identifies three common blind spots: an over-reliance on technical expertise, underestimating the impact of their presence, and confusing being liked with being respected. She explains how these blind spots can hinder leaders during critical transitions and why external support is essential for uncovering them. Sheila also discusses the importance of strategic listening and her Echo Listening Intelligence framework, which helps leaders better understand their communication habits and improve their decision-making.
You will learn the following:
1. The most common leadership blind spots for directors and VPs and how to recognize them. 03:41
2. The significance of presence and how it affects team dynamics and perceptions. 10:24
3. How to shift from being a technical expert to a strategic leader. 16:04
4. The role of feedback in uncovering blind spots and enhancing leadership effectiveness. 22:04
5. Strategies for implementing the Echo Listening Intelligence framework in your leadership practice. 28:33
To get in contact with Sheila:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilacarmichael
Website: https://www.sheilacarmichael.com
This episode is sponsored by
Triad Leadership Solutions
Website: https://triadleadershipsolutions.my.canva.site
Our podcast is sponsored by
The Global Trends Magazine
Website: https://www.gc-bl.org/global-trends
The Outlier Project
Website: https://theoutlierproject.co
Ascend Meditations
Website: https://www.ascendmeditations.app
Chop Ai
Website: https://www.chopai.app
Castle and Compass Adventures
Website: https://castle-and-compass-adventures.com
Bonefrog Coffee Company
Website: https://bonefrogcoffee.com
Coupon code: DTLW
Boomcaster
Website: https://www.boomcaster.com/
Make sure to Catch us streaming on Roku and Amazon Fire TV on the Purpose Place Network.
Also catch our Exclusive Members only content “Going Deeper Within” on the Lions Guide Academy.
https://www.lionsguide.com/gdw
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In this enlightening episode of the Developing the Leader Within Podcast, we sit down with Sheila R. Carmichael, a neuroscience-based leadership development coach and author of "Presence." Sheila shares her extensive experience working with directors and VPs, revealing the leadership blind spots that often hold them back from reaching their full potential. She emphasizes that these blind spots are not deficits to fix, but rather untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Sheila identifies three common blind spots: an over-reliance on technical expertise, underestimating the impact of their presence, and confusing being liked with being respected. She explains how these blind spots can hinder leaders during critical transitions and why external support is essential for uncovering them. Sheila also discusses the importance of strategic listening and her Echo Listening Intelligence framework, which helps leaders better understand their communication habits and improve their decision-making. You will learn the following: 1. The most common leadership blind spots for directors and VPs and how to recognize them. 03:41 2. The significance of presence and how it affects team dynamics and perceptions. 10:24 3. How to shift from being a technical expert to a strategic leader. 16:04 4. The role of feedback in uncovering blind spots and enhancing leadership effectiveness. 22:04 5. Strategies for implementing the Echo Listening Intelligence framework in your leadership practice. 28:33 To get in contact with Sheila: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilacarmichael Website: https://www.sheilacarmichael.com This episode is sponsored by Triad Leadership Solutions Website: https://triadleadershipsolutions.my.canva.site Our podcast is sponsored by The Global Trends Magazine Website: https://www.gc-bl.org/global-trends The Outlier Project Website: https://theoutlierproject.co Ascend Meditations Website: https://www.ascendmeditations.app Chop Ai Website: https://www.chopai.app Castle and Compass Adventures Website: https://castle-and-compass-adventures.com Bonefrog Coffee Company Website: https://bonefrogcoffee.com Coupon code: DTLW Boomcaster Website: https://www.boomcaster.com/ Make sure to Catch us streaming on Roku and Amazon Fire TV on the Purpose Place Network. Also catch our Exclusive Members only content “Going Deeper Within” on the Lions Guide Academy. https://www.lionsguide.com/gdw