In Episode 002 of the The Leadership Contrarian, Michael Redman, CEO of Half a Bubble Out (HaBO), explores why leadership feels harder right now—and why that's not your imagination.

We're living in a VUCA world:
Volatility. Uncertainty. Complexity. Ambiguity.

Drawing from a formative experience in 1980 and more than 20 years of working with leaders, Michael unpacks:

• What VUCA really means (and why it's personal)

• Why yesterday's leadership tools no longer work

• How resilient leaders stay grounded when everything feels unstable

• Why internal capacity—not external control—is the key to leading well in chaos

This episode isn't about reacting faster or doing more.
It's about becoming a steadier, more human, and more effective leader—without adding more to your plate.

If you're navigating constant change, pressure, and uncertainty, this message will meet you right where you are.

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—
Michael Redman | The Leadership Contrarian
CEO of Half a Bubble Out
Business & Leadership Development

Welcome to Episode #001 of The Leadership Contrarian — a new weekly series from Michael Redman, CEO of Half a Bubble Out.

In this first episode, Michael shares why this message feels overdue—and why leaders were never meant to live or lead divided lives.

After more than 20 years working with business owners and leadership teams, one truth has become clear:
A healthy business starts with a holistic life.

This episode explores:

- Why leadership can't be siloed from life, faith, or family

- The cost of a divided life

- What it means to lead with integration, resilience, and purpose

- What you can expect from The Leadership Contrarian moving forward

If you're a leader craving more alignment, capacity, and sustainability—this series is for you.

Subscribe to the newsletter: https://info.halfabubbleout.com/leadership-contrarian-newsletter

Michael and Kathryn define the term holistic in a business context and share examples of how holistic thinking can improve your company's growth. If you often find yourself working 'in the weeds' of your business, and want a new perspective, then this episode is for you!

Michael and Kathryn discuss the tactical things you need to consider if you're starting a new initiative in your company. Find out what questions you should be asking yourself and how to set and work toward your short and long term goals. If you've got a new initiative on the horizon, be sure to give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn outline proven ways you can invest in your team so ultimately, they become more productive. Discover how to strategically leverage the power of courses, trainings, book clubs and even personal development coaches. A great listen for all business owners, leaders and managers, looking for fresh employee development ideas with long term impact.

Michael and Kathryn discuss how to motivate your team the right way. Spoiler alert! You won't need to anger them or become a taskmaster to do it. If you've struggled to increase employee productivity while maintaining a healthy company culture, then give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn outline the 7 levels of business growth so you can take your company from its early beginnings all the way to the point where you can sell it. If you feel stuck in the direction or growth of your business, give this episode a listen.

Michael and Kathryn discuss the story behind writing their bestselling book, Fulfilled: The Passion & Provision Strategy for Building a Business with Profit, Purpose & Legacy and their current goal of getting over 100 reviews on Amazon. Curious about the true meaning of Passion and Provision and what they have to do with Amazon reviews? Then give this episode a listen.