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“Unicorns aren’t born — they’re built, through habits that compound over time into something remarkable.”
In this episode of The Business Book Club, we explore Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen — a fascinating, research-based look at the 12 habits that make top performers stand out from the crowd. Drawing on data gathered from thousands of interviews with high-achieving leaders and professionals, Vanderbloemen reveals the behavioural traits that consistently lead to exceptional impact and long-term success.
The book breaks down what makes “unicorn” leaders so effective — from self-awareness and adaptability to gratitude, curiosity, and consistency. We discuss how these rare qualities can be cultivated intentionally, helping individuals not just succeed in their roles but elevate those around them. Vanderbloemen’s insights combine the analytical rigour of data with the empathy of real human stories, offering a practical guide for becoming extraordinary in any field.
In this episode, we examine how Be the Unicorn applies to leadership, hiring, and culture-building. Whether you’re an aspiring manager, entrepreneur, or executive, this episode helps you understand what the best do differently — and how you can develop the same habits to thrive personally and professionally.
Episode 63 - Be The Unicorn
By William Vanderbloeman
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About the Author
William Vanderbloemen is an entrepreneur, author, and CEO of The Vanderbloemen Search Group, a leading executive search firm that helps organisations build world-class leadership teams. With a background as both a senior pastor and a business leader, Vanderbloemen blends faith, strategy, and human insight in his work on leadership and organisational culture.
He is also the author of Next: Pastoral Succession That Works and Culture Wins: The Roadmap to an Irresistible Workplace, and is a sought-after speaker on leadership, talent, and performance. Through his consulting and research, Vanderbloemen has worked with hundreds of global leaders, identifying the shared traits that separate the truly exceptional from the merely competent. His mission is to help individuals and teams unlock their “unicorn potential” — the habits and mindset that drive sustained excellence.
Image: AI Generated for editorial purposes only.
“A rare blend of data, storytelling, and wisdom — Be the Unicorn shows exactly how top performers think, act, and lead.”
— Forbes
