EP209 - The Future of Leadership Is Human – Former Accenture Partner Brad Englert Explains Why
In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with former Accenture Partner, CIO, and author of Spheres of Influence, Brad Englert, for an eye-opening conversation on trust, leadership, and building relationships that actually last.
Across his 22-year career at Accenture and through his time leading massive transformations in higher education, Brad saw one truth repeat itself: relationships aren’t soft skills—they’re strategy. In a world obsessed with speed, hustle, and hierarchy, Brad makes a compelling case for slowing down, connecting deeply, and leading with intention.
He shares how learning to say “whoa” instead of “yes” saved his marriage, preserved his energy, and ultimately made him a more respected leader. From bomb threats to burnout, vendor funerals to Winnebago leadership tours, Brad unpacks the principles that helped him create trust-rich environments in companies with over 70,000 people.
Together, they explore why most leadership training skips the stuff that matters most, how fire-drill cultures kill innovation, and what it really takes to empower people to lead themselves. If you’ve ever felt overworked, undervalued, or unsure how to scale your impact without sacrificing your values—this episode is your blueprint.
Meet Brad Englert
Brad Englert is the founder of Brad Englert Advisory and an author, advisor, and technologist. Brad worked for Accenture for 22 years, including 10 years as a partner. He then served The University of Texas at Austin for eight years, including seven years as the chief information officer.
Prior to Accenture, Brad held managerial positions in payroll/human resources and labor relations at the Internal Revenue Service, and was a high school teacher in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Brad earned a masters of public affairs degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor of arts degree in social sciences with honors and distinction from Shimer College, which is now the Shimer Great Books School at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Why relationships are the real key to success
04:15 “Don’t say no—say whoa”
08:17 How to be a better boss (and human)
09:58 Trust is built in the small moments, not just in crises
14:20 Are You Willing to Get in the Foxhole With Your Team?
16:18 How COVID reinforced the power of real relationships
19:23 Good work doesn’t require an office
24:39 How to build trust that lasts decades
28:14 Saying yes to everything is a leadership mistake
30:04 Hero culture is not a sustainable work culture
34:40 Why slowing down is the smartest leadership move
40:26 Why Gen Z doesn’t trust leadership
42:35 The funeral of a vendor who didn’t listen
44:48 The best leaders make themselves replaceable
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
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https://instagram.com/bradenglertauthor
https://www.facebook.com/BradEnglertAdvisory/
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About the Tyler Dickerhoof Show Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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