TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations

TRAITS podcast: Building Higher Performing Organizations


Episode 21: T-Shaped Leadership – Unlocking Growth & Resilience with Carmine Militano

April 23, 2025
How T-Shaped Leadership Builds Resilient Organizations

In this episode of the TRAITS Podcast, Carmine Militano unpacks what it means to be a T-shaped leader and how this leadership model can transform a company’s ability to grow through uncertainty. He shares personal insights from leading in family-owned businesses, facilitating culture shifts, and navigating the complexities of scaling a team.

You’ll hear how to identify and develop leaders with both depth and breadth, why soft skills are as critical as technical ones, and how to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re facing growing pains or want to future-proof your team, this episode is packed with practical lessons.

Show Notes:

2:05 – Carmine Militano’s journey in leadership

5:00 – What is a T shaped leader?

9:35 – How does experience help become resilient

11:35 – How do we identify T-shaped leaders?

14:10 – How do we develop T-shaped leaders?

15:05 – Coming into a family company

20:30 – Hurdles for growth

22:35 – Relearning muscle memory 

26:55 – The importance of soft skills

29:00 – How to facilitate ‘robust discussions’

30:25 – Simplicity is HARD!

32:05 – AI and the importance of competitive advantage

39:55 – Some personal questions… and some thoughts on becoming a lightning rod

46:05 – Fostering a meritocracy

47:55 – Some other lessons learned in Carmine’s journey 50:55 – What is proactive sales?

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