Teamwork doesn’t magically happen just because people share a Zoom link.

In this episode, I talk with Daria Rudnik - Team Architect, Executive Coach, and author of CLICKING: A Team Building Strategy for Overloaded Leaders Who Want Stronger Team Trust, Better Results, and More Time - about why so many teams underperform, especially under pressure… and how to design teams that work.

Because just like people, teams need to play by their own rules - and it’s a leader’s job to help them define what that looks like.

Daria breaks down the 5 essential pillars that make teams click (spoiler: most leaders skip 3 of them), how to balance autonomy and alignment, and how to avoid the biggest trap of servant leadership.

We also dig into AI’s impact on collaboration - and what happens when teams offload too much to tech.

We covered:

• Why teams don’t “just happen” - and need intentional architecture

• The 5 pillars of team design: purpose, connection, integration, decision-making, and knowledge flow

• What to do when you inherit a messy team

• Why clarity is your secret weapon - at all levels

• The hidden risks of servant leadership (and how to empower without isolating)

• How to stay human in the age of AI - and keep your brain on

Practical Takeaways:

• Start with conversation: co-create team norms and decisions together

• Bring clarity to your rules, roles, and routines

• Use AI as a partner - not a crutch. Your brain needs to stay engaged.

This episode is for every leader who wants to build strong, self-led teams — and give them the clarity and confidence to fly.

🔗 Explore more: 📘 Daria’s book CLICKING: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN4S6P37 🌐 dariarudnik.com 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik

Your life. Your rules. For more freedom, flow, and fun.