Leadership Ethos Blog
Fresh Insights for Leadership Journey
Here you’ll find a collection of my latest articles, originally published on the “Leadership Ethos” Substack. These posts are packed with actionable strategies for newly promoted tech managers, team leads, development managers and ambitious tech professionals looking to accelerate their careers.
While you can browse them here, for the full experience – including:
- Instant delivery of new posts straight to your inbox
- Access to the complete archive
- The ability to join the conversation with comments and community features
…I invite you to visit my Substack.
- Managers Ask, Will AI Take our Jobs?
by Damien Mulligan on April 10, 2026 at 10:22 amDiscover why AI replaces "information routers" but empowers true leaders. Master the human-centric skills AI can't replicate to future-proof your career.
- What is my best advice for women in interviews?
by Damien Mulligan on March 28, 2026 at 11:03 amWhy diversity is a MUST for success. Damien Mulligan shares personal stories on hiring and the Johnson & Scholes Cultural Web.
- Management is about the What. Leadership is about the Why.
by Damien Mulligan on March 12, 2026 at 9:02 amWhat’s the difference between management and leadership?
- Shedding Some Light on the "Command & Control" Trap
by Damien Mulligan on February 19, 2026 at 9:55 amWhy technical excellence can lead to a "single point of failure" leadership style—and the invisible cost of a team that can’t move without you.
- The Mechanics of Team Stagnation
by Damien Mulligan on February 4, 2026 at 10:14 amHigh technical competence in a leader often leads to team underperformance. We explore the hidden mechanics that cause teams to stagnate.
- The Silent Cost of Staying in Control
by Damien Mulligan on January 29, 2026 at 9:30 amThe “Command & Control” Paradox
- 5 Leadership Domains
by Damien Mulligan on January 13, 2026 at 10:15 amHow do you want to feel and what will help you get there?
- Mastering Success: How to Implement Effective OKRs for Your Team
by Damien Mulligan on November 27, 2025 at 9:55 amStop tracking tasks and start measuring impact. A step-by-step guide to setting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that actually motivate your team.
- Let's Be Blunt: That's Not Leadership, That's Just Control
by Damien Mulligan on November 11, 2025 at 4:04 pmManagement Tactics versus Effective Leadership. Some leadership advice is just control. Blunt advice for new leaders on why authentic leadership, empathy, and psychological safety beat tactics.
- Why Traditional Incentives Fail and What Truly Drives Performance
by Damien Mulligan on October 15, 2025 at 8:55 amThe Motivation Code: Discover the psychological science of motivation, including Self-Determination Theory, and learn how to foster genuine engagement.
- Leading the Shift:
by Damien Mulligan on October 1, 2025 at 8:57 amDitch the dread of annual reviews. Learn how to shift from transactional appraisals to a transformational performance management cycle that truly develops your team.
- The Leader’s Dilemma
by Damien Mulligan on September 4, 2025 at 8:55 amStruggling with time management as a new leader? Discover how strategic delegation can help you stop managing time and start multiplying it for greater impact.
