In this special episode of the Leadership Genius Podcast, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Drea Zigarmi—scholar, practitioner, mentor, and friend. Best known as coauthor of the Situational Leadership II® model and Achieve Leadership Genius, Drea shaped modern leadership by blending rigorous behavioral science with practical tools leaders use every day.

We explore his groundbreaking contributions to leadership development, including his research on employee work passion, trust, and engagement, as well as the Five Practices and Five Contexts of Leadership that continue to guide leaders worldwide. Beyond his scholarship, listeners will hear stories that reveal the heart of who Drea was: a mentor who challenged us to apply leadership in the flow of work, a compassionate father and friend who invested in others, and a human being who lived the very principles he taught.

Published on his birthday, August 26, 2025, this episode is both a tribute and a call to action: to continue cultivating the kind of leadership that makes the world a better place.