7 - Forget Theory—Leadership Must Be Felt, Not Just Learned With Eddy Smits

Season 1, Episode 7 // Leadership Culture With Chris Behnke

Leadership is often overcomplicated with theories, books, and training programs that fail to produce real-world impact. In this episode, Chris Behnke sits down with leadership expert Eddy Smits to discuss why traditional leadership training falls short—and how a completely different approach can change everything.

Eddy shares how his background as a professional clown working in hospitals led him to uncover the deeper layers of leadership. Instead of just reading about leadership, he helps people experience it through physical exercises that connect leadership principles to the body.

We discuss why leadership is not natural, but learned, why most people fail because they lack guidance after training, and how to build a strong leadership foundation through real-world experience.

If you’ve ever felt like leadership training is missing something—this episode is for you.

Leadership is not natural. It must be learned through real experiences rather than just theories and books.

Most leadership training fails because it stops after a seminar or workshop—without ongoing guidance.

Physical exercises help people feel leadership. The body plays a key role in understanding leadership beyond just the mind.

Too many choices create confusion. In leadership (and life), sometimes going back to basics is the answer.

Digital leadership is not enough. Face-to-face interaction, real conversations, and human connection are essential.

"Leadership isn’t something you just learn—it’s something you must feel." — Eddy Smits

Other Resources:

🔗 Visit Eddy's Website

📖 Eddy's Book (Currently available in Dutch – English version coming soon!)