The Soundtrack of Leadership in 2025: Songs That Fuel Culture & Performance

Great leadership isn’t just about managing. It’s about transforming differences into strengths, adapting to challenges, and inspiring others, even in difficult situations. With remote teams growing globally, we sat down with Dr. Naomi Olson, a leading expert in cross-cultural team dynamics and global business culture, to uncover the must-have qualities for leading remote teams in 2025.

Since music has proven effective in boosting memory and shifting mindsets, we’ve handpicked inspiring and relatable songs that make it easier to learn and adopt essential leadership traits (even ones you may find challenging).

So, press play, crank up the volume, and get ready to lead like never before!

Be Adaptable and Shake it Off!

Adaptability is going to be a survival skill in 2025. Since change is inevitable, whether in workforce dynamics or evolving technological integrations like AI, Dr. Naomi highlights that the most effective leaders don’t resist change, but instead, dance with it – like Taylor Swfit’s, Shake It Off

This pop anthem is all about taking hits, letting go of what doesn't serve you, and moving forward with resilience. Taylor sings about ignoring criticism and finding joy despite chaos. Similarly, adaptable leaders don't dwell on the negatives and instead focus on the needs of their team, which allows them to better navigate when things don’t go as planned.

Practice Humility to Inspire Team Collaboration

Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror, reminds us to look inward whenever we lead. Through recognizing our own blind spots and seeking to understand differing opinions, we get to discover the strengths of every team member, allow each contribution to be acknowledged, and become prepared to adjust when certain processes aren’t working for everyone.

Humility also creates stronger connections. When you, as a leader, show authenticity and vulnerability, your team feels more connected to you and is willing to follow your vision.

Lead with Psychological Safety

A workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and understood – that’s psychological safety. In our second episode from the Berlitz Language and Culture Podcast, Dr. Naomi explains that this is essential for high-performing teams. Leaders should understand that team members work best when they feel trusted and supported.

Instead of micromanaging or silencing differing perspectives, inspire a collaborative culture where feedback is welcomed and failures are seen as opportunities to learn. As Sara Bareilles sings, “Honestly, I wanna see you be brave” – this safe environment starts with leaders, as they’re in the position to set the tone by showing teammates that it’s okay to voice out their opinions or updates, whether good or bad.

Share Hope to Strengthen the Team

Dr. Naomi shared Gallup’s findings wherein the top leadership quality that employees desire the most is hope.

Hope isn’t blind optimism or forced positivity. It’s the ability to inspire others to learn how to sit with the discomfort of negative outcomes, but focus on the benefits and gains even during difficult situations. Hopeful leaders are able to build confidence in their teams so that challenges can be overcome and big goals can be achieved together.

"Firework" by Katy Perry is the perfect song to jam to when we need to inspire hope. It tells us that no matter how difficult the path may be, we can still keep moving forward to find an even better destination. Similar to how leaders can help encourage teams when stressful or unexpected situations arise.

Leading with hope helps is about providing clear direction and motivating others to see their role as part of a bigger mission. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s about progress.

Why Experts Recommend Honing These 4 Essential Leadership Qualities

Adaptability, Humility, Psychological Safety, and Hope aren’t just “nice to have” – they are crucial this 2025 for retaining top talent and building high-performing teams.

Did you know that 1 in 2 employees globally are seeking new jobs due to a lack of connection and fulfillment in their current roles? Leaders in 2025 must prepare for this challenge by developing skills that inspire trust and collaboration.

By integrating small yet powerful tools like music into your routine, you can connect with your essential qualities for a great leader and inspire your team to be future-ready!

Leadership is not just a position. It’s a mindset. Learn more about effective leadership for global teams through our latest podcast episode with Dr. Naomi Olson, as she discusses what it takes to lead in constantly evolving workplaces.

Listen to the whole Episode 2 here.