A special episode on the H3 Leadership Podcast Episode 319 featuring the Top Leadership Trends for 2026 and a leadership lesson unpacking the 10 people you need in your leadership circle. Listen in to the convo through Apple Podcasts or Spotify or on the Website. This is an episode to share and discuss with your team, co-workers and boards. Make sure to access the Show Notes at the H3 Leadership website.
Special thanks to REGENT BANK and SUBSPLASH for their partnership on this episode.
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Top Leadership Trends for 2026
Continued Move Towards Curation – more about conversation and connection vs content.
The Power of Connection – as AI grows, Social and Relational intelligence will be even more needed.
A Commitment to different Core Values for Gen Z – purpose, collaboration, authenticity and flexibility are key values today.
Faith in the Common Square is more normal. “Faith Driven” and “Faith Centric” are in Vogue – people are interested in things of faith and spiritual life.
Trust in Individuals compared to Institutions – trust the podcaster more than the media company the podcaster is part of.
Most are back in the office, but hybrid still preferred work reality. With more AI agentic help, the skilled worker will require self-leadership and strategic thinking.
More fractional Executive Roles are Happening – Seasoned Older leaders stepping in for fractional discernment and wisdom. Leaders are aging out, but also stepping back in with fractional roles.
Free Agent Economy is still expanding and growing. More project minded compared to career arc minded.
In an Access Economy, everyone expects to be connected to whoever is in charge.
Talent development is complicated. Pipeline development is crucial, job hugging and “stayers” are creating barriers, entry level roles are shrinking because of AI, and 2 year mentoring pathway for new hires in a “residency” model is catching on.
Middle management is decaying - Climbing the ladder is no longer a thing- because orgs are flatter, lateral moves through projects compared to horizontal moves due to hierarchy titles and positions. Authority is less through power of role and more through lateral projects and moves.
10 Kinds of People You Need in Your Leadership Circle
Mentor – levels you up because they’re ahead of you in life, leadership and on the journey.
Coach – holds you accountable and helps build a plan that you are accountable to, regarding life, leadership, fitness, marriage, finance.
Advisor – confidant on the journey with you- asks you really good questions and walks alongside you. Pull the best out of you as a guide on the journey. Provide strategy and discernment.
Consultant – provides a solution to a problem in a given time and then goes away – strong expertise and thought leadership- show up for a project.
Sponsor- helps you rise in an organization, industry or space. Leverage their influence to help you get further faster.
Counselor/therapist- helps you stay holistically healthy – unpack personal challenges.
Board of director – holds oversight and speaks into you as a leader; many times have the ability to hire/fire you depending on structure of your organization.
Pastor – spiritual shepherd in your spiritual life.
Protégé- someone you’re raising up and mentoring and leveling up.
Client/customer – someone who pays you for an expertise or service, or product or resource.
You can also find additional interviews with Patrick Lencioni, Bob Goff, Adam Grant, Charles Duhigg, Andy Stanley, Coach PJ Fleck, Louie Giglio, Christine Caine, Kevin Kelly, NT Wright, Rick Warren, Michael Jr, Jon Gordon, Jessica Jackley, John Mark Comer, Scott Harrison, Chris Tomlin, Lysa Terkeurst, and many more.