A healthy company and a healthy human body are both dependent on a variety of factors. For bodies to perform at their peak they need careful management, discipline, focus, support and advice from experts in nutrition and exercise. For businesses, a disciplined approach to leadership is essential, as is a focus on management – and often the advice of experts is the difference between success and failure.
One man at the coalface of health is Sydney-based Sergio Zambrano, CEO of Changing Habits, a pioneering and impactful whole food company based in Australia. However, Sergio is not only focused on helping Australians lead healthier lives, he is also focused on improving the health and prospects of medium and large enterprises, and startups.
Sergio Zambrano is a versatile leader with extensive expertise spanning finance, technology, investment, and health and wellness. His broad skill set and proven success (leading 20+ projects worth over $100M) make him an invaluable asset for businesses and individuals striving to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Zambrano has been recognized as a thought leader in strategies for capital raising and innovation. During his career, he has provided some of Australia’s leading companies with in-depth guidance on business investment and consultation, innovative solutions for partnership proposals and collaboration opportunities.
For Zambrano, the issue of leadership is one that he is especially passionate about, and he has some sound advice for leaders who want to take their organizations to the next level.
The Three Rings Framework
For Sergio Zambrano, leadership can present a variety of challenges, especially in an increasingly complex business environment. To optimize leadership performance Zambrano has developed the ‘Three Rings’ framework.
Sergio Zambrano’s concept of the “three rings” of leadership revolves around three interconnected levels of leadership that directly impact organizational performance.
The first ring is self-leadership, which emphasizes the importance of being a good leader of oneself. This involves making tough decisions and asking difficult, introspective questions to assess personal growth and performance. Self-leadership forms the foundation for all other leadership behaviors, ensuring leaders can navigate discomfort and hesitation when needed.
The second and third rings expand leadership beyond the individual. The second ring focuses on leadership within a business, highlighting the responsibility of building a strong, cohesive team and fostering a positive culture to support both the team and customers. The third ring involves leading across multiple businesses, where leaders must manage competing priorities and diverse teams.
These rings collectively form Zambrano’s leadership philosophy, demonstrating that self-awareness, team building, and multi-business management are critical for driving overall organizational success.
Zambrano on Leading Teams
Sergio Zambrano emphasizes that while some people may possess natural leadership traits, such as risk-taking or extroversion, effective leadership requires continuous refinement. Leadership isn’t just about authority or position; it involves developing skills to adapt to evolving personalities, cultures, and technologies. In the past, leaders could rely on command-and-control approaches, but this method is no longer effective for inspiring high-performing teams.
True leadership, according to Zambrano, comes from refining one’s ability to motivate, inspire, and provide clear direction. A good leader must cultivate a purposeful vision for the team and create a culture that fosters motivation and collaboration.
“Leadership is effectively demonstrated through action, often by doing the right thing without knowing the outcome, and that takes courage and self-belief.” Courage, according to Zambrano, is a muscle that grows with practice.
Leaders must be willing to make tough decisions and have difficult conversations, even in uncertain situations. As a leader develops these abilities, they become a source of inspiration for the team, driving performance and fostering resilience.
Zambrano is quick to point out that while individuals may have the innate traits that predispose them to be leadership material, if you don’t refine your understanding of what constitutes effective leadership and the culture you can create, you won’t truly excel in that role.”
“Leaders need to grow and evolve, without a commitment to continued evolution they’re always going to struggle to provide the inspiration and direction that many teams so desperately need.”
Sergio Zambrano emphasizes that effective leaders act as a “North Star” for their teams. Their primary focus is on supporting their team by asking, “What can I do for you?” and understanding the environment and resources needed for team members to excel in their roles.
By providing clear, purposeful direction that inspires alignment with the corporate strategy, leaders create a shared vision that guides everyone toward common goals. This role requires leaders to nurture their own traits and skills over time, learning from mistakes along the way. Ultimately, effective leaders not only talk the talk but also demonstrate their commitment through action, accountability, and a willingness to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth.
Fight or Flight?
Sergio Zambrano emphasizes the crucial role of preparation and discipline in setting oneself up for success each day. By cultivating good habits such as nourishing the body, staying hydrated, exercising, and practicing meditation—individuals can align their mind, body, and spirit. This daily discipline enables them to “win the day” even before it begins. By starting with intentional routines, they create a foundation for focus and productivity, avoiding the pitfalls of distractions that often derail morning motivation.
Says Zambrano, “One of the things I’ve learned through experience is that discipline and routine are important. Leaders need to have a healthy body and mind if they are going to perform at their best.”
Zambrano also highlights the importance of maintaining a calm and restorative state rather than succumbing to the fight-or-flight response, which can dominate daily interactions and decision-making. When individuals wake up feeling rushed or stressed, they are more likely to react instinctively, leading to a chaotic day. Instead, by prioritizing preparation and discipline, they can cultivate a mindset that allows for thoughtful responses, ultimately fostering resilience and clarity in facing challenges.
Find out more about Sergio Zambrano’s proven approach to optimizing organizational leadership at his LinkedIn page, or visit his webpage for more information on his unique, tailored advisory services.