Isabelle Dumont, CMO at CyberSecurity Canon and former SVP of Cowbell Cyber, joins Claire Hayek to explore how leaders can break free from micromanagement and build trust-fueled teams. The conversation traces Isabelle’s early experience with a controlling boss and the mindset shift that followed. Claire weaves in neuroscience around psychological safety, threat responses, and team dynamics, while Isabelle shares candid stories and her “Trust–Clarity–Let Go” approach. This episode is for any leader ready to evolve their presence under pressure.

Topics Covered:

• Isabelle’s first leadership lesson: what not to replicate
• Letting go of control without losing accountability
• The neuroscience of fear and the prefrontal cortex
• Creating clarity in chaotic environments
• The cost of ambiguity and hidden expectations
• How feedback and self-regulation build trust
• The importance of structure in empowering teams

Timestamps (HH:MM):
00:00 – Cold open: the moment control kills culture
01:45 – Claire’s intro and Isabelle’s background
03:05 – Isabelle’s early leadership mistake
05:30 – “Trust–Clarity–Let Go” explained
09:20 – Claire on threat response and performance shutdown
12:10 – Feedback culture and the trust-performance loop
16:50 – Letting teams define their own measurement
20:00 – Isabelle’s bold truths on leadership myths and micromanagement
24:10 – Claire’s listener challenge and wrap-up

Connect with Claire → All links and resources here | LinkedIn | IG: @claire.hayek
Have a question? info@mspteambuilding.com

The NeuroLeadership Edge Podcast is produced by Claire Hayek. All opinions are those of the host and guests. For more leadership resources, visit www.mspteambuilding.com.