Power Playbook

The Peak of Mt. Stupid

“The Peak of Mt. Stupid” is an episode of Power Play with Julie Diamond that explores the pitfalls of overconfidence that come with limited knowledge. Diamond reflects on her own early career, when she was promoted to an expert role too soon, recognizing how ignorance often hides behind misplaced certainty. She connects this personal insight to the Dunning-Kruger effect—the psychological pattern where people with little expertise overestimate their competence.

Using the myth of Phaethon, who disastrously tried to drive the chariot of the sun, Diamond illustrates how unchecked confidence without skill can lead to ruin. She then applies this lesson to modern life, where social media and easy access to information have created environments full of self-proclaimed experts in every domain. The episode argues that true power—whether intellectual, professional, or political—requires humility, continual learning, and awareness of one’s limits. Real leadership, Diamond concludes, is grounded not in appearing knowledgeable, but in understanding how much there is still to learn.

Power Playbook - The Power of Timing

When do you push forward—and when do you walk away? Knowing the difference between a tough challenge and a dead end is one of the hardest leadership calls you’ll ever make.

In this episode, Julie Diamond explores the power of timing—why patience, persistence, and knowing when to stay the course are crucial forms of power. Drawing on the story of George Mitchell’s role in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, we see how “700 days of failure and one day of success” can be the exact formula for lasting change.

Some problems take years to ripen toward resolution. The key lies in creating conditions for progress: listening deeply, building small bridges, and showing up—even when it feels like nothing is happening.

👉 Tune in to The Power of Timing and discover how to see the difference between a dip you need to endure and a dead end you need to leave behind.

Power Playbook - No Joking Matter

Comedy isn’t just entertainment—it’s conscience. From jesters in royal courts to stand-up comedians today, humor has always been a way to challenge authority, expose hypocrisy, and reveal the truths power would rather conceal.

In this episode, Julie Diamond explores what laughter has to do with leadership. Drawing on Charlie Chaplin’s daring 1940 satire The Great Dictator, we’ll see how comedy can be both a shield and a sword: piercing through fear, mocking tyranny, and inspiring courage.

For leaders, humor isn’t optional—it’s a sign of self-awareness, openness, and strength. A leader who can laugh at themselves builds trust, connection, and resilience. A leader who can’t—that’s when we should worry.

👉 Tune in to No Joking Matter for a timely reminder: laughter is powerful, and using it wisely is no laughing matter.

Power Playbook - Bringing Things to Light

This episode examines the power of information as both a tool for truth and a weapon for manipulation. Host Julie Diamond shares personal and historical insights—like the Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigation—highlighting how careful, ethical handling of information can have a profound impact. She urges listeners to pause, verify, and act responsibly, reminding us that real power lies in using information with care.

Power Playbook - Flying Your Freak Flag

We all crave belonging. Being liked. Being accepted. But when fitting in comes at the expense of our values or voice, the cost is too high.

In this episode, Julie Diamond explores what it means to stay true to yourself—through the fearless example of Prince. Refusing to be boxed in by genre, gender norms, or the music industry itself, Prince risked his fame and fortune to protect his authenticity. He didn’t follow the industry. The industry followed him.

“Flying your freak flag” isn’t about rebellion for rebellion’s sake—it’s about aligning with your own compass, even when it risks rejection. Because real power lies in authenticity, not approval.

👉 Tune in to discover how to recognize when you’re bending too far to fit in—and how to hold on to yourself while still building connection and community.

Power Playbook - No Title Required

Do you need a title to lead? Frances Hesselbein didn’t think so.

She began as a volunteer Girl Scout troop leader at 51—and a decade later, she was CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Her rise wasn’t about waiting for permission or chasing a role. It was about trusting her ideas enough to share them, and having the courage to use her voice before it was “her turn.”

In this episode, Julie Diamond explores what Hesselbein’s story teaches us about power: it’s not just at the top of the ladder—it’s found in how we see ourselves, how we show up, and whether we believe our voice matters.

👉 Tune in to No Title Required and discover why true leadership isn’t defined by position, but by the courage to speak, contribute, and collaborate with those in power.

Power Playbook - The Revenge Trap

Revenge feels righteous. It feels justified. It’s been modeled for us throughout history, so much so that we mistake it for normal. But retaliation isn’t power—it’s a trap.

In this episode of Power Playbook, Julie Diamond unpacks one of the most destructive (yet tempting) uses of power: revenge. From Judge James H. Peck, who jailed a lawyer for daring to criticize him, to the subtle forms of retaliation we see today—gossip, exclusion, online trolling—we explore why revenge doesn’t strengthen us. It shrinks us.

Instead of building, it distracts. Instead of elevating, it obsesses over enemies and hands them even more influence.

True power requires restraint. It’s about creating, aspiring, and knowing what not to do.

👉 Tune in to The Revenge Trap to discover how to avoid this seductive misuse of power—and what to practice instead.

Power Playbook - From Privilege to Protest

In this compelling episode of Power Playbook, Julie Diamond explores the transformative potential of power. She examines how those in positions of privilege can choose a different path—using their influence for justice and positive change. Centering on the remarkable story of Bartolomé de las Casas, who evolved from a colonizer benefiting from oppression to a fierce defender of indigenous rights, Julie challenges the belief that power only corrupts. Instead, she highlights the courage it takes to confront one’s past, risk status, and protest the very systems that once empowered you. This episode is a powerful meditation on why true strength lies in the willingness to change when you know better.