Creative Leadership: scaling leadership at every level
Are leaders leading? And what makes a good leader? “A leader’s main task is to grow other leaders” says Marcely Thierry, Relevance’s Lead consultant and facilitator in leadership. Leaders are everywhere. Not only at the top of an organization. At Relevance, we believe that leaders are present in every organizational layer and department. Organizations flourish when they scale leadership in every side of the company. Marcel discusses by explaining nurturing creativity and innovation.
In a world of constant change, leadership is more crucial than ever. But what does great leadership look like? In this episode of The Relevance Podcast, Marcel and Koen discuss how organizations can move from reactive to creative leadership — empowering everyone to lead, at every level.
Guests: Koen Birther (host) and Marcel Thierry (lead consultant and facilitator in leadership development)
“Leadership isn’t about your position. It’s about inspiring others to grow and achieve more.” – Marcel Thierry
The big shift: from managing to leading
Marcel explains the difference between management and leadership: “Management is about getting things done. Leadership is about inspiring others to align and achieve more together.”
Too often, leaders operate in reactive mode—responding to external pressures, protecting their position, and limiting team growth. Creative leadership requires the courage to step back, create psychological safety, and let others shine.
What is creative leadership?
Creative leaders balance task orientation and people orientation. They:
- Set clear vision and direction.
- Build high-performing teams through coaching and mentoring.
- Empower employees to take ownership and grow.
It starts with self-awareness. Marcel emphasizes: “Everyone is a leader. Leadership is about leading yourself first, regardless of your role.”
The path from reactive to creative
At Relevance, leadership programs start by assessing the current culture and helping leaders recognize their own tendencies. Using innovative tools like the Reactive-Creative Leadership Framework and even mindfulness practices, teams learn to create space for better decisions and collective intelligence.
As Marcel puts it: “When leaders get out of the way and allow others to progress, real change happens. Progress motivates people more than anything else.”
Marcel’s takeaway
“Leadership is not knowing all the answers. It’s creating the space for others to contribute their best ideas. Progress, even in small steps, is what drives engagement and relevance.”
About The Relevance Podcast
The Relevance Podcast explores what it means for organizations and employees to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. Our diverse speakers share their expertise alongside personal stories and real-world case studies. Their insights offer practical tips for both your work and personal life – now and in the future.
