The Art of Presence in a Reactive World with Anders Indset

The Leadership Habit

In the latest episode of The Leadership Habit podcast, host Jenn DeWall talks with Anders Indset, a renowned philosopher, author, and deep tech investor, to explore the art of presence in a reactive world. Hailed as one of the top thinkers in technology and leadership, Anders shares his profound insights on staying grounded, fostering self-awareness, and navigating the challenges of modern leadership.

With a career spanning two decades, Anders has worked with multinational companies and guided international CEOs, making him a trusted voice on the intersection of humanity, technology, and leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand how to shift from being a reactive leader to a reflective leader.

Meet Anders Indset, Philosopher, Author and Deep Tech Investor

Anders Indset is the author of multiple international bestsellers, including Wild Knowledge, Quantum Economy – Saving The Mensch with Humane Capitalism, Philosophy@Work, and The Infected Mind. He has just released his newest book, The Viking Code, and his next, The Singularity Paradox: Bridging the Gap Between Humanity and AI, will be available in March 2025.

Recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the most influential thinkers in technology and leadership for the coming years, he serves as a trusted sparring partner and advisor to global leaders and top executives. With his deep understanding of the implications of exponential technologies, Anders demonstrates how and why leadership and its relation to philosophy are becoming more relevant than ever. He strongly believes that in a world where everyone has almost infinite access to knowledge, deeper understanding and the ability to anticipate future scenarios become the most needed skills for executives, alongside developing interpersonal skills.

In addition to a multitude of lectures and publications, Anders considers philosophy as a ‘thinking practice’ and implements his ideas in concrete projects. He sits on the board of this initiative. He is also a co-owner and initiator of the Global Blockchain Initiative, founder and owner of the Norway-based Njordis Group, and leads The Quantum Economy Institute (TQEI), founded in 2023.

Redefining Success: Progress Over Perfection

In a world obsessed with achievements and accolades, Anders Indset redefines success as “experiencing progress.” He urges leaders to focus on micro-ambitions—small, meaningful improvements that create lasting impact. “Most of us won’t win Olympic gold or Nobel Prizes, but we can be micro-ambitious every day,” Anders explains.

This perspective encourages leaders to celebrate daily progress instead of chasing unattainable perfection. By emphasizing the journey rather than the destination, Anders shows how the art of being present can transform both personal and professional growth.

The Shift from Reactive Leader to Reflective Leader

One of the central themes in Anders’ discussion is the transition from being a reactive leader to a reflective leader. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment, many leaders are caught in a cycle of reaction, responding to constant demands without deeper thought. Anders describes this as the “thumbs-up, thumbs-down society,” where instant validation often overshadows meaningful reflection.

To break free from this cycle, Anders advocates for cultivating self-trust and embracing vulnerability. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of trust, creation, and innovation,” he says, highlighting how acknowledging one’s limitations can lead to stronger connections and better decision-making. Reflective leaders take the time to anticipate future scenarios, empowering their teams to innovate and grow.

The Power of Collectivism: “I Am Because You Are”

Drawing from his Norwegian roots, Anders Indset emphasizes the importance of collectivism in leadership. He describes a unique synergy between individual ambition and community uplift, encapsulated in the phrase, “I am because you are.”

Leaders who invest in their teams create environments where collaboration drives success. Anders shares how this ethos has helped Norway produce world-class athletes across individual sports like golf and tennis. By uplifting those around them, leaders not only enhance their teams’ performance but also set the stage for collective growth and innovation.

Practical Steps for Embracing the Art of Presence

Throughout the episode, Anders offers actionable strategies to cultivate the art of leadership presence in a reactive world:

1. Eliminate Energy Drains: Identify and remove activities that sap your energy. Focus on what truly matters.
2. Learn How to Think: Move beyond surface-level reactions and develop the cognitive skills to analyze and adapt.
3. Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge your limitations and commit to continuous learning and self-improvement.
4. Encourage Trust and Friction: Build an environment where trust and constructive conflict lead to creativity and innovation.

By adopting these practices, leaders can move away from reactive habits and become reflective leaders who inspire progress and growth.

Where to Learn More from Anders Indset

For those inspired by Anders Indset’s philosophy, there are several ways to dive deeper into his work:

• Explore Anders’ insights and resources at AndersIndset.com.
• Check out The Viking Code for lessons on building high-performance cultures. Stay tuned for The Singularity Paradox, releasing in March 2025.
• Connect with Anders on LinkedIn to stay updated on his latest projects and ideas.

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