In this episode of the WiLD Conversation Podcast Dr. Rob McKenna and Sabeth Kapahu sit down with Adam Tarnow, former CPA, leadership development expert, and author of The Fog of Work: A Simple Approach to Navigating the Complexity of Middle Management , to explore why middle managers play one of the most influential roles in building trust and shaping organizational culture.
Together, they unpack the unique pressures of leading from the middle, where expectations flow down from senior leadership while the daily needs of teams rise from below. Rather than viewing middle management as a frustrating stop on the way to executive leadership, Adam and Rob reveal why this "fog" is actually the proving ground where trust is earned, character is formed, and healthy organizational culture takes root.
Drawing on Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, they challenge leaders to move beyond blame and embrace personal agency. The conversation explores how thriving organizations aren't built on flawless leaders, but on systems of repair—cultures where honest conversations, accountability, and the willingness to learn from mistakes create lasting trust.
Key Leadership Takeaways
Trust Is Built Through Repair, Not Perfection
The healthiest organizations aren't those that avoid conflict, they're the ones that repair it well. Trust grows when leaders embrace honest feedback, acknowledge missteps, and address broken dynamics before they become cultural norms.
Middle Managers Shape Organizational Culture Every Day
The middle isn't just where work gets done. The middle is where culture is lived. Positioned between strategic vision and frontline execution, middle managers have a unique opportunity to translate values into everyday leadership that builds trust across the organization.
Lead Through Pressure with Agency, Not Blame
Pressure can tempt leaders to focus on circumstances they can't control. Lasting leadership begins when we reclaim our agency, respond with intention, and choose courage over complaint, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
Whether you're a middle manager, senior executive, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating workplace complexity, building trust under pressure, and becoming the kind of leader who shapes a healthier organizational culture from wherever you lead.
