Most teams are busy solving urgent problems, but true high-performance leadership protects long-term priorities like strategy, learning, and growth. Without it, performance quietly erodes. The real question isn’t, “Are we too busy?” - it’s, “What will it cost us if we don’t make time?”

“It’s crucial that we succeed in securing a competitive return for our owners and meet the expectations of consumers and society. But the foundation for all of this is creating a workplace and a culture that attracts the best talent.”

– Niels Duedahl, CEO at Danish Crown

Teams want to collaborate and not just within their own team, but across functions and silos, and even with partners or external experts.

The problem is that most organizations aren’t set up for this.

So, collaboration itself isn’t broken - the system around it is.

It’s everywhere in strategy decks and leadership keynotes. But in practice? Most organizations make it unnecessarily hard for teams to actually work together.

In this post, I share my ranked list of 10 key reasons why collaboration breaks down even when the intent is there.

Over the past few decades working with corporate innovation, I’ve noticed recurring patterns especially when it comes to executive leadership.

True, we shouldn’t put leaders in boxes. But we also can’t afford to ignore the signs. That’s why I created this visual: an overview of 8 types of executives for innovation.

It’s a simple “tool” to help you recognize behaviors, traits, and (in)actions that influence your organization’s innovation capabilities. Do you see them in your organization?

What if your leadership team could write a book that clarifies how you lead, why it works, and how it creates impact?

My new program helps you do exactly that.

Through structured sessions, reflection, and co-writing, I guide your team to create a 40–60 page e-book that captures your identity, sharpens your message, and supports your strategy.

Choose between a 1-day team workshop or a full 6–8 week journey. Read more and get in touch if you are curious! Thanks, Stefan

Why aren’t you as happy as you could be at work?

And more importantly - what can you do about it?

Let’s explore why so many people spend years in jobs that feel fine. Not great, not terrible - just fine. But fine isn’t the goal. You deserve work that energizes you, challenges you, and gives you a real sense of purpose. Here are three reasons why you’re not happy at work:

1. You’ve Let Work Happen to You

2. You’ve Traded Growth for Comfort

3. You’re Waiting for the ‘Perfect’ Job

Happiness at work isn’t luck. It’s a choice. Are you leading your career or just letting it happen?