The Unfiltered Leader Blog

Insights on Leadership, Communication, and Team Performance

Practical leadership, minus the noise.

Each post gives clear steps to improve execution, communication, and team performance.

New issues every Tuesday.

Talent That Transforms and Doesn't Break

Talent That Transforms and Doesn't Break

Talent That Transforms and Doesn't BreakSkye van Heyzen
Published on: 02/12/2025

Most teams cope; few get stronger under pressure. Build benches, protect a 10-15% slack margin, and move skills to live work. Create great succession, improve communication, and gain mobility that actually holds.

LeadershipProductivitystrategyOperationsExecutive Development
From Bottleneck to Green Light: Make Fewer, Better Calls

From Bottleneck to Green Light: Make Fewer, Better Calls

From Bottleneck to Green Light: Make Fewer, Better CallsSkye van Heyzen
Published on: 25/11/2025

Decision load is stealing attention. Use a one-page authority matrix, batch high-stakes reviews, and clear "decision-debt" monthly to raise speed, cut rework, and protect capacity.

LeadershipBurnoutProductivitystrategyOperationsDecision Making
Energy Over Time: Managing Capacity Like Capital

Energy Over Time: Managing Capacity Like Capital

Energy Over Time: Managing Capacity Like CapitalSkye van Heyzen
Published on: 11/11/2025

Most leaders manage time, not energy. This article shows how to treat energy like capital with weekly energy accounting, task matching, and team energy mapping to protect capacity.

LeadershipProductivityOperationsExecutive Development
Design for Stress: Operational Rules That Improve with Pressure

Design for Stress: Operational Rules That Improve with Pressure

Design for Stress: Operational Rules That Improve with PressureSkye van Heyzen
Published on: 28/10/2025

Volatility is a feature, not a flaw. This playbook shows how to design antifragile operations: small bets with kill/double rules, clear decision rights and a 10–15% capacity buffer.

LeadershipWorkplace CultureTeam DynamicsstrategyOperations