“No one mourns the wicked.”
With the Oscars just around the corner, I have been reflecting on a few things.
Last year, I had the privilege of seeing Wicked in London with my girls (and we absolutely loved it). So I was thrilled when I saw Jeff Goldblum was one of the leading characters in the new movie.
Beyond the stunning music and theatrical brilliance, I find myself thinking about the story’s deeper themes—identity, power, and the often blurry line between good and evil.
Especially in the current era we find ourselves.
In the world of Wicked, assumptions are constantly challenged.
Who decides what’s “wicked” or “good”?
And what happens when the narratives we inherit are broken apart?
It reminded me of the work we do at TIE Leadership and the central ideas in my book, Return on Humanity.
As leaders, we must constantly question the stories we tell ourselves—and the systems we reinforce.
Are they serving us?
Or are they perpetuating silos, exclusion, and the fear of change?
At its core, leadership is about empathy and courage: the empathy to truly understand others’ perspectives and the courage to rewrite our own narratives. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they are critical competencies for navigating this era of political and social division.
As we step into a world where polarization and misinformation challenge us daily, it’s clear that a return on humanity isn’t just desirable—it’s essential.
Businesses have a responsibility—and an opportunity—to lead with purpose, foster collaboration, and spark innovation through connection.
After all, the future doesn’t need more “wickedness” disguised as progress. It needs leaders who dare to be human.
