Why do most leaders get it wrong — even with experience, titles, and success?
Dave Chauhan breaks down what real leadership actually looks like in today’s world.
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👇 Watch till the end — this one hits deep
Episode Summary
In this episode of The Grit Diaries, we sit down with Dave Chauhan — author, leadership consultant, and former corporate executive — to unpack what leadership really means.
After nearly two decades climbing the corporate ladder, Dave realised that success without purpose wasn’t enough. Shaped by a childhood between two very different value systems, he began questioning everything he thought he knew about leadership.
This conversation challenges outdated leadership models and explores what it takes to lead with purpose, empathy, and responsibility in today’s fast-changing world.
Episode Pillars
● Two Worlds, One Identity
Growing up between two sets of parents and conflicting values — and how this shaped Dave’s leadership philosophy
● Success vs Purpose
The moment Dave realised corporate success wasn’t enough — and chose a different path
● Why Leadership Is Broken
How outdated, KPI-driven leadership models are failing people and organisations
● The Captain Set Sail Framework
Beacon (purpose), Wayfinder (adaptability), and Seafarer (courage) — a new way to lead
● The Hidden Weight of Leadership
Decision fatigue, emotional pressure, and the responsibility leaders carry every day
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:12 Meet Dave Chauhan
04:18 Childhood, identity & values
06:39 Corporate success vs purpose
11:19 What leadership really is
15:37 The turning point
22:18 Captain Set Sail framework
26:51 Decision fatigue
31:15 The shift in leadership
40:28 Leading through change
42:43 Final reflections
The Kintsugi Connection
Dave’s journey reflects the essence of Kintsugi — where life’s fractures become the foundation for growth and purpose.
Rather than being defined by pressure or misalignment, Dave used those experiences to rebuild a new understanding of leadership grounded in values and humanity.
Explore more stories:
https://www.youtube.com/@kintsugiheroes/videos
Support Resources
If this episode brought something up for you, you’re not alone:
Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
Headspace — https://www.headspace.org.au
Connect With Kintsugi Heroes
Website: https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-heroes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintsugi.heroes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kintsugi-Heroes-100084850387170/
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