Is everything we know about leadership… wrong?In this eye-opening episode, Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and bestselling author of Team Intelligence, joins Oliver to challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about what makes a great leader – and what truly drives high-performing teams.Forget charisma and vision. According to Jon, the real reason we follow someone isn’t their MBA or their skills checklist – it's the feeling that they offer a better future. But that’s just the beginning.In this conversation, you’ll learn:
Why the MBA was designed for a world that no longer exists – and what it missed entirely.
How Harvard’s early leadership research was based on fake credentials.
Why “super skills” (not soft skills) are the secret to influence.
What makes some teams 1.6x more productive – and why “glue players” are the hidden MVPs.
The science of bursty communication and why it beats Slack pings and endless meetings.
How too much talent can tank a team—and why team intelligence > individual genius.
Why diversity, emotional intelligence, and alignment are non-negotiable for team success.
How to spot (and survive) dark personalities in your workplace.
The one mindset shift every leader needs to unlock true collective genius.
Jon’s insights are grounded in cutting-edge research but delivered with refreshing clarity, wit, and real-world practicality.
Bonus takeaway: Learn why your best team member might not be the loudest star—but the quiet connector who helps everyone else shine.
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Timestamps
0:00 - Intro & is leadership all wrong?
1:19 - Why the MBA is outdated
3:09 - Harvard’s fake credentials
6:08 - Super skills vs. soft skills
13:22 - Too much talent problem
16:10 - Diversity & emotional intelligence
17:45 - Glue players boost teams
18:32 - Bursty communication
32:30 - Dark personalities at work
39:55 - Unlocking collective genius
