✈️ Leading Change at 35,000 Feet: Why Traditionally Radical Resonates

On a recent long-haul flight, I picked up Ian Foster’s new book Leading Under Pressure.  It’s part leadership memoir, part insight into high-performance culture and it came highly recommended.

Among the many reflections and insights that resonated with me, one phrase jumped off the page - Traditionally Radical. It’s a concept that stuck with me, not just because of its contradiction, but because of how accurately it describes the kind of leadership I believe is needed in times of change.

🔁Being traditionally radical means knowing what to hold onto and what to change

It’s not about constant reinvention or throwing the baby out with the bath water to make something new. It’s about being deeply grounded in your values, your people and your purpose while still having the courage to challenge norms, evolve your approach and lead transformation that matters.

In my work with leaders driving cultural and organisational change, this balance is crucial:

👉 Leaders who can anchor teams in identity, shared values and legacy, while also creating space for fresh thinking, experimentation and stretch without losing trust or clarity, are the ones people want to follow.

True change leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest voice in the room or chasing the latest trend. Often, it means returning to the fundamentals of trust, consistency and clarity and applying them in bold, relevant ways.

So I’m curious…

What does traditionally radical look like in your context?
How are you holding steady and leading forward?

I’d love to hear what’s working, what you’ve tried and where the edge is for you and your team right now.

#ChangeLeadership #OrganisationalChange #CultureChange #ThoughtLeadership #StrategicThinking #TraditionallyRadical #PeopleFirst #LearningTogether