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You Didn’t Start the Fire, But You Still Smell Like Smoke
In this episode Jon explores a challenge many ReLeaders face but don’t always understand at first: stepping into leadership after someone who left damage behind. The fire may be out, but the smoke is still in the air.
Using the analogy of campfire smoke, Jon explains why teams often continue reacting long after unhealthy leadership is gone. Just like smoke clings to your clothes long after you leave the fire, the residue of past leadership settles into habits, reactions, and expectations inside an organization.
Jon shares how to recognize when what looks like resistance is actually recovery, how to tell the difference between reflexes and toxicity, and why consistent leadership is the key to rebuilding trust. He also unpacks how healthy leaders “burn cleaner” by creating clarity, communication, and steady leadership that slowly changes the air in the room.
