Leading today is like managing Russian nesting dolls—layer upon layer of complexity, from geopolitical shifts to workplace expectations. Mel Steinbach, Chief Business Officer and Chief People Officer at MasterClass, joins Let’s Talk, People to unpack how leaders can navigate the paradoxes of modern leadership.

In this engaging and refreshing episode, Mel and Emily candidly explore how leaders can redefine power, set clear expectations, and build a culture where both performance and wellbeing thrive. 

If you’ve ever felt caught between supporting employee growth and managing burnout, this conversation will challenge you to rethink our current approaches and equip you with insights to lead with curiosity and clarity amidst these challenges.

Timestamps:

• [00:07:04 ] – Leadership as Russian Nesting Dolls: Mel introduces the layers of change leaders must navigate, from macro-level disruptions to team and individual challenges.
• [00:16:14 ] – The Social Media Effect on Career Growth: How social recognition is fueling the promotion obsession, and why leaders must set realistic expectations for career progression.
• [00:24:00 ] – The Power of Curiosity in Leadership: Mel and Emily discuss why curiosity is the most critical leadership skill—not just for strategy, but for unlocking team performance and engagement.
• [00:33:48 ] – Making AI Your Intern, Not Your Replacement: Mel shares how leaders can shift mindsets around AI, treating it as a tool for removing tedious tasks rather than a threat to jobs.

Access the episode transcript.

Join the Conversation: This year we’re taking audience questions! Send in your toughest people management and leadership challenges, and we’ll anonymize them and tackle them in an upcoming episode. Email Abigail on our Let’s Talk, People team with your situation as a written note or voice memo to abigail@arosegroup.com.

Connect with Emily Frieze-Kemeny on LinkedIn and Instagram or explore her work through AROSE Group’s website.

If you'd like to receive new episodes as they're published, please subscribe to Let’s Talk, People in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts. It helps others discover the show.

Thanks for listening to Let’s Talk, People!