THE NON-OBVIOUS SHOW · EPISODE 83

How To Be A Better Boss

with Sabina Nawaz

Episode 83 · June 23, 2026 · 34 min

In this episode, Sabina Nawaz shares insights from her extensive leadership experience, focusing on how pressure, power, and self-awareness influence effective management. Discover practical microhabits and strategies to become a better boss and navigate the loneliness at the top.

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Episode Summary

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Key Takeaways

01Power does not corrupt; pressure does.
02Ask specific, third-person questions for better feedback.
03Use microhabits to build lasting leadership skills.
04Create 'blank space' to gain perspective under pressure.
05Honesty and vulnerability foster trust and growth.

What We Cover

00:00The Impact of Pressure and Power on Leadership
03:25The Importance of Facial Expressions and Starting Strong
06:16Common Blind Spots in Leaders
06:25Pressure, Power, and Their Effects on Behavior
11:08The Concept of Blank Space and Reflection
12:57Navigating Loneliness at the Top
14:01Getting Honest Feedback from Your Team
15:34Sabina's Experience as a Boss from Hell
17:56The Power of Action and Reflection
19:35Helping Leaders See Their Blind Spots
21:50Practicing Feedback with Empathy
24:03Microhabits for Effective Leadership
28:20The Value of Sabbaticals and Self-Reflection
30:02Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset and Prioritizing Well-being
32:30Qualities of Great Leaders: Honesty and Vulnerability

About The Guest

Sabina Nawaz

Executive coach; author of You're the Boss

Sabina Nawaz is a CEO coach, keynote speaker and author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need). A former Microsoft manager who ran management development programs there, she has coached more than 600 executives on how pressure distorts leadership.

sabinanawaz.com ↗