The debut episode of ‘People and Purpose: Insights Beyond Borders’ set the tone for the series to come: outspoken, cross-cultural, and committed to redefining what good leadership looks like today. During our premiere episode of ‘People and Purpose’ podcast, hosted by Tarja Takko and featuring guest Reianna Vercoe from Australia, the conversation unfolded what leadership looks like in a world shaped by complexity, multiculturalism, and a deeper awareness of wellbeing and equity.
“Leadership has evolved to a discipline with a lot of different parts to it,” Tarja reflected during the episode. “It is always good to reflect on the core skills of a leader and what people expect from you in a leadership role, whether at work or in society.”
Indeed, today’s leaders are tasked not only with driving business results, but with creating environments that are resilient, inclusive, and purpose-aligned. This shift requires introspection and continuous learning, especially when navigating global or cross-cultural teams.
The power of adaptability
Adaptability has long been viewed as a nice-to-have trait. Now, it’s a must. The modern workplace, influenced by rapid technological change and shifting societal values, calls for a more agile kind of leadership: one that fosters learning, not just compliance.
Adaptability, of course, starts from the top. Leaders set the tone for how organisations respond to change. By modelling flexibility and supporting teams through uncertain moments, they build cultures that are both more humane and more competitive.
And this mindset extends to how we define productivity, especially in hybrid and remote work settings. “Remote work is often considered less productive, but this is based on a false measurement of productivity. As a leader, you have to put more energy into being intentional when you work remotely,” Reianna makes a point that challenges a common misconception.
Intentional leadership is about showing up with clarity, structure, and care, whether you are in the same room or several time zones apart.
Leading with purpose
For Reianna, leadership isn’t just about managing tasks, it’s about helping people connect with something meaningful. “Purpose is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about helping people understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and to feel inspired and connected to that as well.”
This emotional connection is what separates merely good leaders from great ones. Purpose acts like a compass, helping leaders and their teams navigate challenges without losing sight of why they started in the first place.
And when individuals feel aligned with a shared purpose, their engagement, creativity, and loyalty tend to increase.
Diversity as a leadership superpower
Australia, Reianna’s home base, is a striking example of how diversity shapes the workplace. As Tarja noted, “Australia is home to people from over 200 countries with nearly 30% of the population born overseas, making it one of the most multicultural nations globally. This diversity shapes leadership styles and approaches to work.”
In such environments, inclusive leadership isn’t a buzzword, it’s a requirement. Leaders must be culturally agile and deeply curious about different perspectives. The result? Teams that are more innovative, empathetic, and collaborative.
Mental wellbeing: A shared responsibility
A major part of the episode was the role of leaders in supporting mental health. Forward-thinking organisations are moving from reactive to proactive approaches, recognising that wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.
Reianna and Tarja both emphasised that it’s not only about offering tools or days off; it’s about building psychological safety, where people feel heard and valued.
And while organisational structures matter, so does individual responsibility. Leaders can lead the way by normalising open conversations and checking in with intention not just on deadlines, but on people.
Rethinking leadership for the future
Leadership today demands emotional intelligence, humility, and an ever-curious mind. During the episode, Reianna shared how she came across the phrase ‘crisis of leadership’: “The phrase ‘crisis of leadership’ intrigued me, leading me to discover its origin in a 1978 book by James McGregor Burns. Surprisingly, many of its learnings remain applicable today.”
Even as the world changes, some truths about leadership such as the importance of trust, purpose, and human connection are timeless. Whether you’re leading a team in-person, remotely, or across borders, the key lies in intentionality. Leaders who blend adaptability with purpose, who embrace diversity, and who care deeply about wellbeing are not only more effective, they are also more successful.
Watch the full episode below:
