Why do some leaders rise above the daily grind, steering their teams to impressive heights, while others get stuck in the quicksand of routine? The answer often lies less in textbook theories and more in the real-world stories they live every day. Here’s a look at five trending interviews with leaders who are making a genuine mark—think of it as your backstage pass to what makes modern leadership tick.
Protais Muhirwa: Building a Vision, Brick by Brick Protais Muhirwa, Founder and Director of ARMIA House, sees leadership as a ladder of opportunities—every rung crafted by vision, empathy, and dogged persistence. In his interview, he describes his journey as one of turning adversity into strength. When he noticed gaps in community resources, he didn’t just lament; he built an organization that empowers people and changes lives. His story is a lesson in how leaders can plant seeds of hope in the most unlikely soil, and then water those seeds with relentless dedication. “Vision is knowing where you want to go,” Muhirwa says, “but leadership is convincing others to walk that path with you.”
Hanan Ibrahim: The Art of Listening and Talent Growth Hanan Ibrahim, highlighted as a thought leader in the Middle East’s business scene, opens up about the soft skills that often get sidelined. For Ibrahim, leadership isn’t about micromanaging every task—it’s about genuinely listening to employees, identifying strengths, and trusting your team to shine. “You have to be clear with your expectations, but also give people room to grow,” she explains. Her approach to benefits and talent retention is simple: see people as individuals, not just as cogs in a wheel. By putting effort into understanding what motivates each team member, she creates well-identified rewards that fuel loyalty and performance, proving that sometimes the best results come from simply paying attention.
Jamie Dimon vs. Tech Temptation: The Battle for Productivity Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, is famous for his no-nonsense attitude and straight talk. In a recent interview, he didn’t mince words about the impact of digital distractions on team productivity, especially in meetings. “Cell phones have ruined meetings,” he remarked, sparking a broader conversation about modern leadership’s challenge to keep teams focused. His tough-love advice? Encourage presence, set boundaries, and lead by example. For Dimon, reclaiming time and attention is not just about productivity—it’s about showing respect for your colleagues’ time and contributions.
Walmart’s Doug McMillon: Calm at the Center of the Storm Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, is a master at staying calm under pressure. During recent international tariff crises, many retailers panicked—but McMillon saw an opportunity to strengthen Walmart’s position in a turbulent market. His leadership style is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful thing a leader can do is keep their cool. Instead of reacting to the chaos, McMillon steered his company toward innovation and flexibility, securing new market share and reinforcing confidence among employees. Leading in uncertain times, he says, means focusing on the things you can control and adapting quickly.
Greenhouse CEO: Navigating the AI Arms Race The CEO of recruiting platform Greenhouse shares a perspective many of us can relate to: how artificial intelligence is changing the game—for better and for worse. With AI tools flooding the job market, both recruiters and job seekers are feeling a sense of overload. “It’s a mad arms race,” the CEO notes, but instead of hiding from technology, Greenhouse is embracing it—helping recruiters and candidates navigate the chaos with training, transparency, and strong support systems. For their team, leadership is about reducing overwhelm and showing people the way forward, not just throwing them into the deep end.
Key Takeaways for Everyday Leadership
- Listen First: Great leaders, like Hanan Ibrahim, know that listening is the foundation of trust and motivation.
- Adapt or Get Left Behind: Whether it’s market shifts or new tech, leaders like Doug McMillon and the Greenhouse CEO prove that flexibility and openness are your best assets.
- Lead by Example: Jamie Dimon’s stand against digital distractions shows that what you tolerate, you normalize. Set the standard you want to see.
- Build Bridges, Not Silos: Protais Muhirwa reminds us that leaders are at their best when they connect people to a shared vision and purpose.
- Stay Grounded: No matter the challenge, keeping your cool and focusing on what you can control will always pay dividends.
These interviews and stories offer more than just inspiration—they map out practical routes for anyone looking to sharpen their leadership edge. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting out, there’s always room to grow, adapt, and lead from the heart.
References:
- https://magnateview.com/the-5-most-impactful-leaders-to-watch-in-2025-jun25/
- https://www.simplilearn.com/leadership-interview-questions-answers-article
- https://www.bizpreneurme.com/thought-leader-interview-hanan-ibrahim/
- https://fortune.com/section/leadership/
- https://www.workitdaily.com/answer-behavioral-interview-questions
- https://www.visma.com/resources/content/ai-for-leaders-a-practical-guide
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/storytelling-interview-questions
- https://upcea.edu/resources/
