In this episode of The Playbook, presented by The Leaders Lab, Ken Eslick and co-host Onika Kwatsha go deep into the question every great leader must ask: Who am I, and why do I lead?

They break down how your inner drivers define your company’s culture, growth, and eventual legacy — and why leadership isn’t about control or charisma, but contribution, clarity, and connection.

Topics covered:

• Leadership as a mirror: what your team sees in you reflects what’s inside you.

• Management vs. leadership: the hidden cost of leaning too far into admin.

• Burning your calendar: when structure stops serving you, start over.

• The six human needs framework (certainty, variety, significance, love/connection, growth, contribution).

• Blind spots, DISC, and radical self-awareness.

• Hiring for difference, not comfort — why “cloning yourself” kills innovation.

• Ken’s 3-step leadership lens (inspired by Tony Robbins)

Timestamps

• 00:02 – Why leadership starts with you

• 02:04 – The six human needs explained

• 07:29 – Manager vs. leader

• 13:35 – Time-blocking and burning your calendar

• 26:29 – Turnover, ownership, and tough calls

• 31:04 – Blind spots and self-awareness

• 36:34 – Hiring beyond your mirror

• 43:42 – Vision, why, and cultural ripple effects

• 45:30 – Ken’s leadership philosophy in three lines

“Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a mirror.”

“If you don’t plan your week, your week will plan you.”

“Great leaders see things as they are—then better than they are—and ultimately guide people to the better.” If you are looking for your next great hire or want to connect with us, we would love to hear from you. Please go to the leaderslab.co or email: ken@theleaderslab.co