Hello and welcome back, wonderful listeners! Today, we’re going deep into Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen—yes, the same guy who’s worked in executive search for over 15 years and who teamed up with John C. Maxwell.

Now, this isn’t about mythical creatures—‘unicorns’ here are those rare, exceptional leaders who stand out in any room. Vanderbloemen studied over 30,000 top leaders and identified the 12 data-driven habits they all share that make them truly irreplaceable 

In this episode, you'll hear how those habits turn ordinary into extraordinary—and how you can cultivate them, too.

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So what exactly is a leadership unicorn? Picture someone who lights up a room. Within minutes you know they’re different. That spark—that presence—that’s what we're talking about. 

Vanderbloemen didn’t just rely on gut instinct. He ran 30,000 face-to-face interviews, analysed the data, and actually built a blueprint—12 teachable habits, backed by real evidence.

And here’s the kicker: these aren’t mystical traits. They are all learnable. You can train yourself to be standout. To be a unicorn.

“Now, let’s dive into what Vanderbloemen calls the 12 Teachable Habits of a Unicorn. These aren’t traits you’re either born with or not—these are habits anyone can develop with intention and practice.

1. Overprepare. Unicorn leaders walk into meetings knowing the details, ready with answers before questions even come up. 

2. Follow Through—keeping promises, delivering on commitments, because trust is built in the follow-up, not the kickoff.

3. Show Initiative. Don’t wait for instructions—spot problems and act.

4.Great Attitude—positivity sets the tone for everything else.

5. Be Coachable. Unicorns are hungry to learn and humble enough to take feedback. And while we’re on the topic of humility, let’s add 6.Show Gratitude. Recognise others, say thank you, and mean it.

7. Be Consistent. Excellence isn’t about one-off wins; it’s about showing up strong every single day. 

8.Communicate Clearly—emails, meetings, presentations—clarity is a leader’s superpower.

9.Solve Problems, Don’t Create Them. Bring solutions, not drama. 

10.Be Self-Aware—know your strengths, your blind spots, and how you impact the room.

11.Build Others Up. Great leaders don’t climb alone—they pull others up with them. 

12.Keep Learning. Stay curious, stay relevant, because growth is never done.

These 12 habits aren’t revolutionary on their own, but together? They create a leader people want to follow—someone rare, impactful, and unforgettable.

In a world that’s noisy, fast-paced, and increasingly automated, what truly differentiates us? It’s not technical skills—it’s how we connect, how we think, how we adapt, and how we lead with heart.

Vanderbloemen’s research shows soft skills—EQ, agility, authenticity—aren’t soft at all. They’re essential to being unforgettable. Being irreplaceable.

And the best part? These traits don’t depend on your title or role. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or working behind the scenes—these habits elevate everything.

So, what can you do to step into unicorn territory? Three simple steps:

1. Reflect on a few habits
   Pick just two or three of the 12—like responsiveness, curiosity, or authenticity—and observe how often they show up in your day-to-day.
2. Practice with intention
   Set a small daily or weekly goal. For example, respond promptly to emails, ask someone a thoughtful question, or share something about yourself to build authenticity.
3. Use assessments
   Vanderbloemen’s team created the VanderIndex, an online tool that helps you measure where you currently stand on each habit—your strongest and which ones need work.

Start small. Even a little awareness can transform how people experience you

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Here’s the big idea: Every workplace—and every life—could use more unicorns. Leaders who are kind, present, agile, real. And yes, unicorns can be made.

If you want to go further, check out Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen, alongside John C. Maxwell.

Thanks for spending these few minutes with me. If you’re curious about the other habits—or want exercises, anecdotes, or even a companion PDF—just say the word. Until next time, stay rare, stay real, and keep shining.