By Steven D’Souza – award-winning educator, speaker, executive coach and best-selling author.
How do brilliant leaders at the peak of their success suddenly derail so catastrophically? This was what the business world asked itself when confronted with the spectacular collapse of Elizabeth Holmes’s Theranos empire. And again, when Travis Kalanick was forced out as Uber’s CEO.
The answer lies not in conscious failings, but in what psychologist Carl Jung termed the Shadow, those unconscious aspects of ourselves we’ve pushed aside, ignored or simply never acknowledged. For leaders, understanding and integrating these hidden dimensions is more than beneficial; it’s a superpower – this is what I examine in my new book Shadows At Work: Harness Your Dark Side and Unlock Your Full Potential.
Lurking in the Shadows
Your Shadows contain everything you’ve learned not to be. Perhaps you’ve suppressed impatience because it seems unprofessional or hidden creative impulses because they don’t fit your analytical role. These rejected aspects don’t disappear but operate from the unconscious, influencing decisions and relationships in ways we rarely recognise.
Consider superhero origin stories. Spider-Man’s responsibility emerges from guilt over his uncle’s death, while Batman’s quest for justice stems from childhood trauma. Their greatest wounds become their superpowers.
Similarly, leaders who consciously engage with the fears, insecurities and disowned qualities buried in their Shadows transform these potential liabilities into strengths. Oprah Winfrey’s profound empathy and gift for connection emerged from her own childhood trauma and struggles with vulnerability. What could have remained painful wounds became the foundation of her extraordinary ability to help others heal and grow.
A Superpower in Action
Leaders who master Shadow integration demonstrate several distinct advantages.
Addressing the Real: When unconscious of our Shadows, we project our disowned qualities on to others. The micromanaging boss who complains about others’ control issues or the perfectionist leader who criticises team members for being too detailed are classic examples. Shadow-aware leaders recognise these projections, addressing real issues rather than fighting imaginary enemies.
Defensive Curiosity: Our Shadows create defensive reactions. When triggered, we spend enormous energy protecting our ego rather than learning. Leaders who understand their Shadow patterns can shift from ’How dare they question me?’ to ’What might I be missing here?’ This curiosity creates psychological safety, enabling teams to contribute more freely and innovate boldly.
Avoiding Derailers: Power, money, sex, even talent itself can all become derailers when we lack Shadow awareness. The leader who hasn’t examined their relationship with power may abuse it; the talented employee who hasn’t integrated their insecurities may sabotage their own success. Shadow awareness provides early warning systems for these career-limiting pitfalls.
Embodied Presence: Our bodies communicate Shadow emotions, from shoulder tension during conflict to a racing heart before difficult conversations. Leaders who develop embodied awareness can read these signals, staying present and connected rather than reactive and distant.
Living the Shadow Life
Perhaps most powerfully, Shadow integration connects us to our unlived lives, to the paths not taken and to previously unexpressed talents. A bureaucrat might discover their suppressed artistry; a relationship-focused manager might reclaim their strategic thinking capabilities.
This isn’t about becoming someone different but becoming more fully yourself. It’s about leading from wholeness rather than a carefully curated persona.
About the expert
Steven D’Souza is an award-winning educator, speaker, executive coach and best-selling author. He is a Senior Partner at Korn Ferry, one of the world’s top Executive Search and Organisational Consulting firms. Steven has a multifaceted life story, from training as a priest to building a portfolio career working in a start-up, an SME, an NGO, and a top-tier banking and consulting firm. Steven is the author of five books, including Made in Britain, which was personally presented to HRH King Charles. Steven’s sixth book, Shadows At Work: Harness Your Dark Side and Unlock Your Full Potential is out from LID Publishing on 18th September 2025. For more information on his work please visit www.stevendsouza.com.
