40: How Self-Aware Leaders Build High-Performing Teams
Mon Feb 02 2026
Send us a message :)
What if leadership isn’t about working harder but becoming more self-aware? 🤔
In this powerful episode of the Fearless Possibilities Podcast, Sha Nacino sits down with Dennis Akkerman, global leadership expert and author of Naked Leadership, to talk about self-leadership, emotional intelligence, stress, burnout, workplace culture, and building high-performing teams across 25 countries.
We unpack the hidden pressures leaders face, why many experience unhealthy stress without realizing it, and the mindset shifts needed to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
✨ If you’re a leader, manager, entrepreneur, HR professional, executive, or high-achiever, this episode is packed with insights, reflections, and practical tools you won’t want to miss.
⏱️ Chapters (Timestamps)
00:00 – Introduction & why this leadership conversation matters
02:12 – The #1 challenge leaders face worldwide: pressure & uncertainty
03:52 – Signs you’re experiencing unhealthy stress (even if you feel “fine”)
05:30 – Workplace culture: healthy vs toxic environments
09:18 – What is Naked Leadership? Understanding self-awareness & blind spots
12:14 – Why leaders struggle to find time for self-leadership
14:52 – Rest, productivity & the guilt of slowing down
17:11 – Fear, pressure & the real reason leaders overwork
18:07 – Dennis’ daily routine for clarity, energy & performance
20:58 – Powerful self-awareness questions every leader should ask
25:20 – Emotional triggers, healing & leadership growth
29:01 – Leading across 25 countries: cultural & generational differences
31:20 – Situational leadership & adapting to your team
37:45 – Psychological safety, vulnerability & authentic leadership
39:59 – One powerful leadership action you can apply today
👇 If this episode resonated…
✅ Subscribe for weekly leadership conversations that help you build cultures where people feel safe, seen, and appreciated.
💬 Comment: What’s one line that hit you the most?
📩 Want to bring Sha to your organization (keynote / leadership training)? Message Sha on LinkedIn.
Connect with Dennis Akkerman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akkermandennis/
Connect with Sha Nacino:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/
https://www.instagram.com/sha_nacino
Interested to guest on the podcast or sponsor it? Visit shanacino.com/podcast
Support the show
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Send us a message :) What if leadership isn’t about working harder but becoming more self-aware? 🤔 In this powerful episode of the Fearless Possibilities Podcast, Sha Nacino sits down with Dennis Akkerman, global leadership expert and author of Naked Leadership, to talk about self-leadership, emotional intelligence, stress, burnout, workplace culture, and building high-performing teams across 25 countries. We unpack the hidden pressures leaders face, why many experience unhealthy stress without realizing it, and the mindset shifts needed to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact. ✨ If you’re a leader, manager, entrepreneur, HR professional, executive, or high-achiever, this episode is packed with insights, reflections, and practical tools you won’t want to miss. ⏱️ Chapters (Timestamps) 00:00 – Introduction & why this leadership conversation matters 02:12 – The #1 challenge leaders face worldwide: pressure & uncertainty 03:52 – Signs you’re experiencing unhealthy stress (even if you feel “fine”) 05:30 – Workplace culture: healthy vs toxic environments 09:18 – What is Naked Leadership? Understanding self-awareness & blind spots 12:14 – Why leaders struggle to find time for self-leadership 14:52 – Rest, productivity & the guilt of slowing down 17:11 – Fear, pressure & the real reason leaders overwork 18:07 – Dennis’ daily routine for clarity, energy & performance 20:58 – Powerful self-awareness questions every leader should ask 25:20 – Emotional triggers, healing & leadership growth 29:01 – Leading across 25 countries: cultural & generational differences 31:20 – Situational leadership & adapting to your team 37:45 – Psychological safety, vulnerability & authentic leadership 39:59 – One powerful leadership action you can apply today 👇 If this episode resonated… ✅ Subscribe for weekly leadership conversations that help you build cultures where people feel safe, seen, and appreciated. 💬 Comment: What’s one line that hit you the most? 📩 Want to bring Sha to your organization (keynote / leadership training)? Message Sha on LinkedIn. Connect with Dennis Akkerman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akkermandennis/ Connect with Sha Nacino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sha-nacino/ https://www.instagram.com/sha_nacino Interested to guest on the podcast or sponsor it? Visit shanacino.com/podcast Support the show