What Leaders Get Wrong About Performance And Teamwork, With Jon Levy

In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry speaks with behavioral scientist Jon Levy to explore what actually makes teams effective and why the answer isn’t what most people think.
Drawing on research across psychology, business, and even sports, Jon breaks down the hidden dynamics behind high-performing teams, including the overlooked role of “glue people” – those who quietly elevate everyone around them.
They discuss:
Why emotional intelligence matters more than IQ on teams
The surprising reason too much talent can hurt performance
What “glue players” do differently and how to spot them
How influence really works (and why it’s not about power)
The role of trust, belonging, and feedback in team success
Jon also shares insights from his unconventional work building communities and designing experiences that foster deep human connection.
If you’re leading a team or want to become more effective within one, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance, influence, and success.
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Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jon-levy/.
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