How to Stand Out in Today’s Workplace with William Vanderbloemen

In a recent episode of The Leadership Habit Podcast, Jenn DeWall sat down with William Vanderbloemen, founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group and author of the upcoming book Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best from the Rest. They dove into the critical question of how leaders can truly stand out in today’s competitive environment. William shares his experience growing a business during a recession and what he learned about standing out as a leader through intentionality, adaptability, self-awareness and genuine connection.

Meet William Vanderbloemen

William combines over 15 years of ministry experience as a senior pastor with executive search expertise to help churches and faith-based organizations find key leaders, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed and stand out. He is the founder and CEO of the Vanderbloemen Search Group, formed after he trained under an executive search mentor and applied top-tier corporate practices from a Fortune 200 company. Williams’s unique background includes rebuilding a congregation in Alabama and serving as senior pastor of Houston’s first Presbyterian church. He holds degrees from Wake Forest University and Princeton Theological Seminary. 

4 Leadership Skills You Need to Stand Out at Work

1. Be Fast: Speed with Intentionality

The first habit discussed in the episode is the importance of being fast. Vanderbloemen explains that unicorn leaders respond with speed but also with intention. “The unicorns were uncanny in their obsession with getting back to people,” says William. He emphasizes that it’s not just about being quick but also about being thoughtful in your response. According to a study he references, responding to an inquiry within one minute increases your chances of having a successful phone call by 98%.

This habit can be applied in various situations, from job hunting to everyday business interactions. The key to standing out? Don’t just respond fast — respond thoughtfully, showing you care about the other person.

2. Stay Agile: Adaptability in the Face of Change

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, agility is a must-have trait. Vanderbloemen stresses that the ability to try new things, embrace change, and continuously learn is crucial for long-term success. He remarks, “If you don’t actively fight the atrophy, it’s just going to happen.” This habit requires discipline and a willingness to leave your comfort zone.

Leaders who maintain flexibility will thrive as businesses adapt to technological advancements like AI. Vanderbloemen compares this adaptability to physical agility, noting how, like stretching, it requires consistent practice to avoid becoming stagnant.

3. Cultivate Self-Awareness: Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Perhaps the most surprising insight from Vanderbloemen’s research is how self-awareness sets unicorns apart from the crowd. “Self-awareness is so rare,” says Vanderbloemen. While many people rank themselves highly in this area, his research shows that most lack a true understanding of how they are perceived.

He notes that seeking feedback and embracing tools like personality profiles and 360 assessments are keys to becoming more self-aware. Self-awareness enables leaders to recognize their strengths and understand their limitations, creating opportunities for personal growth and team collaboration.

4. Intentionality and Connection: It’s All About People

At the heart of standing out is how you treat others. Vanderbloemen points out that unicorns treat people differently—more intentionally, thoughtfully, and empathetically. These human-to