This week we talk about the “flawed mentor” — that Gandalf/Dumbledore/Merlin figure who guides us… until the moment their limitations show us it’s time to grow up and step out on our own. Then we flip that archetype onto real-world management.

Why do the models that help new managers eventually hold experienced ones back? And how has the well-meaning push toward nurturing, supporting, and “cheerleading” accidentally discouraged everyday correction, early feedback, and the small course-adjustments that prevent big problems later? If you’ve ever felt the tension between being supportive and holding people to account, this episode shows you where that comes from — and what to do about it.