The #1 Mistake Leaders Make | Aiko Bethea

Why would a CEO’s casual comment send a business scrambling? This week, we’re exploring how power, identity, and accountability shape the way we work and connect with others. Leadership coach and author Aiko Bethea joins us to unpack the gap between impact and intention, create safer workplaces where people can grow and make mistakes, and share practical ways to slow down, examine our values, and listen for connection. Topics [0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Aiko Bethea [10:08] Is accountability the same as punishment? [16:22] Power, identity, and the accountability gap [25:01] How to understand the impact we have on others [32:13] The ham story: Why do we keep doing things this way? [37:53] Why pumping the brakes takes more energy [43:08] Critical curiosity as a form of accountability [50:07] Kintsugi: Repairing relationships with gold [55:52] Desert island picks [59:14] Grooving session: What we learned about power ©2026 Behavioral Grooves Links About Aiko Anchored, Aligned, Accountable by Aiko Bethea Join us on Substack! Join the Behavioral Grooves community Subscribe to Behavioral Grooves on YouTube Support Behavioral Grooves Music Links Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 Prince - Fury