Welcome back to Leadership Explored — the podcast where we unpack what it really means to lead in today’s evolving workplace.
Our newest episode is live:
🎧 Episode 13: “10x – Rethinking Performance, Output & Impact”
🔗 Listen now at leadershipexploredpod.com
📅 Released: September 9, 2025
🚨 Have you ever worked with a “10x” person?
You know the type:
“I’m a 10x developer.”
“We only hire A-players.”
“Someone who delivers 10x more than their peers.”
Sounds impressive on paper. But in practice? Often toxic. Sometimes catastrophic.
In this episode, we unpack the seductive myth of the “10x” contributor—and why chasing it might be doing more harm than good.
💥 Here’s what we get into:
The shaky 1960s research that started it all
Why we confuse volume with value
What leaders miss when they idolize individual brilliance
How to reframe performance using outcomes, not outputs
The difference between doing more and making things better
🎙️ A quote that stuck with us:
“If your whole value is ‘I do 10 times more than everyone else’—but none of it makes the team better—is that really 10x, or just 10x the noise?”
🤔 Who should listen to this episode?
Leaders stuck in hiring cycles chasing “unicorns”
Managers navigating high-output/low-impact performers
ICs who quietly carry teams—but get overlooked
Anyone ready to shift from buzzwords to real value
🧭 A Better Alternative: The 1.1x Mindset
Instead of chasing mythical 10x individuals, we explore a healthier, more scalable approach: consistent, 1.1x improvement across your whole team. It’s less flashy—but it compounds. It builds trust. And it actually works.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 Leadership Explored – Episode 13: “10x”
Also available on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Audible, and Substack.
💬 Let’s Hear From You:
Have you ever worked with a self-described “10x” person?
Did they lift the team—or make everything harder?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com.
We love hearing your stories and ideas—it helps shape future episodes.
Until next time, lead with purpose.
— Ed & Andy