Second Crack — The Leadership Podcast

Gerrit Pelzer, Martin Aldergard
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Leadership Consultant Martin Aldergard and Executive Coach Gerrit Pelzer explore everyday leadership dilemmas and paradoxes. Get ready for thought-provoking questions which invite self-reflection and help you grow as a leader. More info: https://secondcrackleadership.com

  1. From Chemist to Executive Coach: What Leaders Can Learn from a Non-Linear Career

    JAN 26

    From Chemist to Executive Coach: What Leaders Can Learn from a Non-Linear Career

    Many leaders reach a point in their career where something feels slightly "off" — even when, on paper, everything looks successful. In this episode, Gerrit Pelzer shares his personal professional journey: from studying chemistry and earning a PhD, through senior leadership roles in the chemical industry (including several years as an expat in Thailand), to eventually becoming an executive coach. Rather than telling a story for its own sake, this conversation uses Gerrit's journey as a case study for leadership reflection. Together, Martin and Gerrit explore what leaders can learn from moments of dissonance, gradual realization, and the courage to take inventory when a role no longer feels aligned. Key themes explored in this episode include: Why career change is rarely driven by a single "aha moment," but by many small signals that form a bigger picture over timeThe difference between being competent at a job and feeling genuinely fulfilled by itHow comfort, habit, and external success can quietly become a prisonThe importance of listening to recurring patterns: what people come to you for, what you're naturally good at, and where your energy goesWhy reflection — not action — is often what senior leaders need mostThe episode also revisits Daniel H. Pink’s concept of motivation, focusing on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, and how these factors played out very differently in Gerrit's corporate career versus his work as a coach. (For a deeper dive, listen to our earlier episode on motivation at work.) If you sense that something in your professional life may need adjustment — without necessarily knowing what — the episode offers practical reflection questions and structured ways to explore next steps. One of these is the GAPS Grid, a tool frequently used in coaching to examine passion, abilities, and how others perceive your strengths. (We explore the GAPS Grid in detail in a dedicated earlier episode.) This episode is especially relevant for senior leaders who: Feel successful but not fully engagedAre questioning long-held career assumptionsWant to reflect more deeply on alignment, purpose, and directionAre considering change — but are unsure how to come to a clear and well-founded decisionRather than offering quick answers, the conversation invites you to slow down, reflect honestly, and face questions head-on — trusting that clarity often emerges through exploration over time. About Second Crack More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    42 min
  2. The Inner Development Goals: Building Resilient Leadership for a Complex World

    12/26/2025

    The Inner Development Goals: Building Resilient Leadership for a Complex World

    In this episode, we return to the updated Inner Development Goals (IDG), and reflect on what has changed, why it matters and how IDG is now even more relevant for leaders that want to develop resilient leadership. Why IDG matters Today leaders are not primarily challenged by 'technical problems' where clear solutions exist. Instead they face adaptive challenges in an increasingly complex, interconnected, and fast-moving world. IDG answers: What inner capacities do leaders need in order to lead resilient, human-centered organisations in this complex environment? 5 dimensions of IDG BEING – Cultivating Our Inner Life At the core is Being, highlighting that leadership starts with who we are. The revised wording emphasizes development as an ongoing practice. Skills such as inner compass, self-awareness, and presence may sound obvious, but require continuous reflection. Without them, leadership easily stays on the surface. THINKING – Understanding Our Complex World Thinking is no longer framed as cognitive skill alone, but as understanding complexity. The shift towards systems thinking reflects today’s reality: leaders face adaptive challenges. Leadership becomes less about control and more about sense-making and framing the right questions so collective intelligence can emerge. RELATING – Caring for Others and the World This dimension reflects a fundamentally different image of leadership: not dominance or certainty, but care, humanity, and relational maturity. Alongside empathy, humility, and compassion, forgiveness has been added as a key skill. COLLABORATING – Building Trust and Working Together The collaborating dimension has been reframed to place trust at its centre. Trust is no longer treated as a skill in itself, but as an outcome of behaviors such as relationship-building, inclusion, communication, and co-creation. ACTING – Leading and Enabling Change The final dimension focuses on enabling action, not driving it. Skills like courage, hope & optimism, and resilience point to leadership as creating conditions where people can act. A living guide for leaders The IDG is not a finished model, like leadership itself, it continues to evolve. Used as a self-assessment or reflection tool, it helps leaders identify strengths, development areas, and how leadership can be shared across an organization. Working with Second Crack and IDG We increasingly use IDG in our work. Its strength lies in its simplicity, shared language, and ability to quickly open deep, meaningful conversations about leadership behavior and culture. Please get in touch if you want to explore how we and IDG can support your organisation. Previous episodes From 2022, a 6-part in-depth look at IDG. Link to part 1: https://podcast.secondcrackleadership.com/1659493/episodes/10816920Link to episode on Systems Thinking with Dr. Paul Lawrence: https://podcast.secondcrackleadership.com/1659493/episodes/12056252Find more information related to IDG at innerdevelopmentgoals.orgAbout Second Crack More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    34 min
  3. The Inner Development Goals 2.0 - Bringing Forgiveness into Leadership

    11/27/2025

    The Inner Development Goals 2.0 - Bringing Forgiveness into Leadership

    In this episode, we explore forgiveness as an essential yet often overlooked capacity in leadership. Inspired by the updated Inner Development Goals 2.0, which now include forgiveness, we ask what it really means to forgive in a corporate context — and why it might be one of the strongest acts a leader can take. We look at how resentment and hurts drain energy, how unresolved conflicts hold teams back, and how forgiveness can help rebuild trust and release energy for growth and collaboration. And we challenge the idea that forgiveness is a sign of weakness — and rather requires strength, self-awareness, and courage. Key insights Forgiveness is not weakness. It takes strength and courage to face what happened, to let go of anger, and to move forward.Forgiveness and accountability can coexist. You can forgive someone and still hold them accountable — forgiveness doesn’t mean there are no consequences.Healing relationships frees up energy. Letting go of grudges restores focus and vitality — for individuals, teams, and the whole organization.Forgiveness can help make change successful. Acknowledging past disappointments, frustrations and hurts is essential before a team can truly move forward.Reflection questions What makes you feel hurt, what makes you angry, and what creates negative feelings?If you are in the process of forgiving, reflect on what might this be teaching you? And even if you are still feeling hurt, how might you use this pain as a positive force for growth? Where might you still be holding a grudge — maybe over many years — and is it time to forgive? And who do you need to forgive?Is there anybody who you might have hurt? And isn't it time to actively approach that person and reach out?As a leader, how can you be more observant of your team’s emotions and the impact of your own behavior?How can forgiveness become a force for learning and growth in your team?Introduction to The Inner Development Goals (IDG) Our episode introducing the IDG: https://podcast.secondcrackleadership.com/1659493/episodes/10816920 More information related to the IDG at innerdevelopmentgoals.org About Second Crack More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    31 min
  4. Good Leaders in Turbulent Times − with Martin Farrell

    10/24/2025

    Good Leaders in Turbulent Times − with Martin Farrell

    In this episode we explore what it means to lead with authenticity, courage, compassion and wisdom when the pressure is on. Our guest, Martin Farrell, author of Good Leaders in Turbulent Times, shares insights from six decades working for and with civil society organizations including the Red Cross and Save the Children. Through the metaphor of coffee roasting—the “second crack” that releases a bean’s full flavor—Martin reminds us that it’s often the heat of turbulence that helps leaders grow, if they have the courage to face it. Highlights The heat transforms: Growth happens in challenge, not comfort. Leaders evolve by facing turbulence, not avoiding it.Authenticity matters: Good leadership begins with self-awareness and alignment between inner and outer worlds.Avoidance fuels crisis: Many problems stem from ignoring early signals. Awareness and reflection are the antidotes.Listen to learn: Deep listening and “thinking partners” help leaders see what they can’t see alone.From ego to eco: Real wisdom comes from seeing oneself as part of a larger whole—organization, community, planet.Three enduring qualities: Compassion, courage, and wisdom form the foundation for leading well in uncertain times.Reflection questions When I’m going through turbulent times as a leader, what are the signals I might be missing — or perhaps don’t want to see? How can I stay more open to them?So even if there is a crisis, how can I create space for reflection and ask myself, “What’s really going on here?”And whatever the outcome, success or failure, ask: what can I learn from it, and how can that learning become part of who I am as a leader?How can I turn discomfort or pain from crisis, into fuel for growth, rather than something to resist or suppress?About Martin Farrell He is an author and long-time international facilitator with over 60 years’ experience in civil society organizations. His book ‘Good Leaders in Turbulent Times’ is available through major booksellers. Learn more at martinfarrell.org Martin has also published leadership articles on his Substack About Second Crack More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    38 min
  5. Stop Telling, Start Learning: Five Steps to People-Powered Change

    09/26/2025

    Stop Telling, Start Learning: Five Steps to People-Powered Change

    So often leaders tell people what to do, expecting change to follow. But real, lasting change happens when people understand, process, and make sense of change for themselves. In this episode, we dive into the "Power of learning” as a key to leading change and transformation.  We share a practical, five-step approach that every leader can use to involve people, spark motivation, and create ownership of change. It’s about moving from telling to engaging, from compliance to commitment — and putting people at the center of transformation. Highlights Why traditional “telling” approaches fail to create lasting changeThe tension between speed and engagement — and how to handle itCompliance vs. commitment: the difference between “I do this because I have to” and “I want to”The five steps* leaders can use to enable learning and change:Spark curiosityProvide information and contextCreate opportunities to processEnable “aha” momentsSupport actionHow learning journeys turn communication plans into true change processesWhy shared insights matter more than individual understanding* These steps are what Klas Mellander refers to as "The Power of Learning" and you can read more about them in his book with the same name. Reflection questions As always, we wrap up the conversation with a couple of self-reflection prompts: How do you balance the need for speed with the importance of engaging people in a change process?As a leader, where do you get support for your own learning during change?Are you truly interested in what your people have to say — and open to letting their perspectives shape the outcome?What would make the change you are currently leading truly meaningful and relevant for the people you need to get on board?About Second Crack – The Leadership Podcast Learn more about the podcast and our work at secondcrackleadership.com. To explore how we can support leadership development in your organization—whether through company-wide initiatives or individual executive coaching—email: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    36 min
  6. Executive Coaching Lessons from 15 Years: Who You Are Is How You Lead

    08/29/2025

    Executive Coaching Lessons from 15 Years: Who You Are Is How You Lead

    As a senior leader, you've achieved significant success. But how do you keep evolving into the best leader you can be—and is executive coaching the right lever? In this special 49th episode of Second Crack, co-hosts Gerrit Pelzer and Martin Aldergård take a candid look at the purpose and value of executive coaching. Marking his 15th anniversary in the field, Gerrit shares his core philosophy: coaching is about helping leaders create the conditions in which people—including the leaders themselves—can be their best, not just do their best. This crucial shift from doing to being  is what unlocks authentic, effective leadership. Gerrit and Martin explore: Common Myths vs. Reality: Coaching isn't a "fix" for underperformers. Like top athletes—and leaders such as Eric Schmidt—high performers rely on coaches to keep their edge.The Value Beyond ROI: The most significant benefits of coaching are often intangible. For senior leaders, a confidential space to think is rare—but vital to gain clarity, reflect without pressure, and navigate the reality that "it can be quite lonely at the top".The Power of Candid Feedback: A coach can be the one person who provides the direct feedback that others may be unwilling to share, breaking through blind spots and making further personal growth possible.Goals and Emergence: Is coaching always about setting SMART goals? Or does the real magic happen when we trust the process and allow new insights to surface? Ultimately, it's about finding the intricate balance between allowing for emergence and delivering tangible results.Reflection Questions for Leaders: What have I invested in my personal development over the past months—and is it enough for the scope I hold?What belief or assumption might be holding me back from working with an executive coach?What might I be failing to see about myself, and what would happen if I continued in the same way for the next few years?Curious whether executive coaching is right for you? Gerrit offers complimentary and obligation-free exploratory conversations to look at your context—and will happily suggest alternatives if coaching isn’t the best path. About Second Crack – The Leadership Podcast: Learn more at secondcrackleadership.com. For leadership development in your organization—or to enquire about executive coaching with Gerrit—email hello@secondcrackleadership.com  Connect on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård • Gerrit Pelzer

    36 min
  7. Expat Leadership: The Untold Truths Behind the Adventure

    07/25/2025

    Expat Leadership: The Untold Truths Behind the Adventure

    An international assignment often promises adventure and accelerated career growth. And while an expatriate experience can be life-enriching and fulfilling, it also comes with challenges and unexpected surprises few people talk about. In this episode of Second Crack – The Leadership Podcast, hosts Gerrit Pelzer and Martin Aldergård draw on their decades of experience leading, coaching, and consulting abroad. Each having lived and worked in Asia for over 20 years, they offer candid insights into the unique rewards and hidden challenges of taking on international assignments. Moving beyond surface-level excitement, they explore critical leadership dilemmas that can make or break an overseas posting. From managing misaligned expectations between headquarters and local stakeholders to the danger of being “parachuted in”, Gerrit and Martin share personal and hard-earned lessons on the importance of cultural intelligence, communication, and proactively managing networks and perceptions back home to avoid the "out of sight, out of mind" trap that can derail future career prospects. The conversation also delves into the deep personal consequences of a life lived abroad. From navigating the impact on partners and children to caring for aging parents from afar and adjusting to the bittersweet reality of no longer having a single "home," they reflect on how an initial two-year contract can unexpectedly turn into a life-altering, two-decade journey. If you’re preparing for your first expat role, already on assignment, or considering returning home after years abroad, this episode will give you the questions, perspectives, and tools to navigate the journey with greater awareness and intentionality. About Second Crack – The Leadership Podcast Learn more about the podcast and the hosts’ work at secondcrackleadership.com. To explore how they can support leadership development in your organization—whether through company-wide initiatives or individual executive coaching—email: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    37 min
  8. Leadership Under Pressure with Michael Andrei – Former Professional Volleyball Team Captain

    06/27/2025

    Leadership Under Pressure with Michael Andrei – Former Professional Volleyball Team Captain

    What can the high-stakes world of professional sports teach us about leadership in the corporate world? In this episode, we are joined by Michael Andrei, former German National Volleyball Player and Team Captain of the SWD Powervolleys Düren. Michael now serves as the team's Athletic Coach and works with individuals and organizations as a Personal Trainer and Motivational Coach. Together, we explore the striking parallels between leading on the court and leading in the boardroom. Drawing from his career in top-tier volleyball—including competing in front of 13,000 fans at the European Championships—Michael shares practical insights on pressure, presence, and performance. Key themes in this conversation include: Leading under pressure: What corporate leaders can learn from staying focused in high-stress, high-visibility environments.The importance of body language and emotional control—and how captains and executives alike set the emotional tone for their teams.Why "not taking yourself too seriously" can actually be a sign of strength.Building high-performance cultures: lessons from recruiting and retaining the right team players.How feedback, even when direct and uncomfortable, builds trust and improves performance—if delivered in the right way.Mistake management: distinguishing between "acceptable" and "unacceptable”"errors to enable smart risk-taking.Rethinking success: Why winning isn't everything, and how true leadership shows up not just in victory—but in how we respond to setbacks.Michael also shares strategies and tools from professional sports that are relevant in the corporate context: managing your energy, maintaining emotional composure, and developing resilience through rituals like breathing techniques and staying focused on what truly matters. Whether you're a CEO, senior leader, or team manager, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical strategies for leading with clarity, composure, and heart. Reflection Questions for Leaders: What does "winning" mean to you?Are you projecting the energy you want others to experience?And are there moments where you could take yourself just a little less seriously?To find out more about Michael Andrei and to connect with him, go to his LinkedIn-Profile. About Second Crack More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.   Connect with us on LinkedIn: Martin Aldergård Gerrit Pelzer

    45 min
See All (54)

About

Leadership Consultant Martin Aldergard and Executive Coach Gerrit Pelzer explore everyday leadership dilemmas and paradoxes. Get ready for thought-provoking questions which invite self-reflection and help you grow as a leader. More info: https://secondcrackleadership.com

Information