Episode Notes
For decades, organizations have been built around the idea of the heroic CEO—the singular visionary, chief decision-maker, and ultimate problem solver. But in 2026, that model is breaking down.
In today’s environment of complexity, speed, AI acceleration, and constant disruption, leadership can no longer sit at the top of a single individual. The hero CEO doesn’t scale. It concentrates risk, slows decision-making, and quietly undermines trust and accountability across the organization.
If you’re a senior leader, board member, or executive coach navigating the realities of leadership in 2026, this conversation challenges some of the most deeply held assumptions about power, control, and what it truly means to lead.
Join Rich and Maikel on this episode of Mainline Executive Coaching ACT as we explore why the era of the hero CEO is ending—and why collective leadership is emerging as the only sustainable model for high-performing organizations. We unpack what collective leadership really means (and what it doesn’t), the hidden costs of over-centralized leadership, and the inner shifts CEOs must make to move from being “the answer” to becoming the architect of leadership systems.
Leaders, Lead Well!
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