“Change demands energy. And leaders must go first”

Why is energy a leader’s secret superpower? Leadership coach and author Richard Maddocks believes that in times of rapid change, leaders who actively manage and model personal energy can spark real transformation.

In this sharp Q&A at the HR Summit of Fortino Capital, Maddocks shares how energy can drive performance, culture, and connection.

Why do you focus so much on energy in your work with leaders and teams?

How would you explain the concept of personal energy at work?

Richard Maddocks: "I work with four types of personal energy: physical, emotional, mental, and purpose energy. They’re all interconnected. If just one is low, it affects the others. Most people underestimate how much emotional or purpose energy can lift, or drain, their day. Once you understand how to manage them, everything shifts."

How can leaders energise their people?

Richard Maddocks: "You can't delegate energy. You have to embody it. You can’t expect people to be energised if you don’t show up with energy yourself. That means taking care of your own energy, and talking about it openly. Be an energy leader. Use energy check-ins in your one-on-ones. Ask people how they feel mentally, emotionally, physically. Bring energy into team meetings, into town halls. If you make it part of everyday leadership, it becomes part of the culture."

What’s the most valuable advice you would give to HR professionals?

Richard Maddocks: "Focus people on their strengths. I always say: one lifetime is too short to turn every weakness into a strength. Of course, we work around our limitations, but real growth happens when people use what they’re naturally good at and love doing."

“Be an energy leader. Use energy check-ins in your one-on-ones. Ask people how they feel mentally, emotionally, physically. Bring energy into team meetings, into town halls."
Richard Maddocks