Leadership as a System, Not a Trait, with Cher Murphy

In this episode of Workplace Stories, Dani Johnson talks with Cher Murphy, Partner, Head of People+Talent Practice at ON Partner, founder of The Murphy Advisory, and faculty member at Pepperdine and the University of Michigan. Drawing from her deep experience in executive coaching and leadership development, Cher shares how leadership is evolving in response to rapid technological, political, and organizational change. She emphasizes that while AI and data can enhance decision-making, human traits like discernment, empathy, and the ability to communicate clearly remain irreplaceable. Leaders today must move from a mindset of control to one of clarity, especially as strategic planning windows shorten and collaboration across functions becomes essential.

Cher also reflects on the erosion of trust in organizations and how leaders can rebuild it through transparency, consistency, and shared logic. She introduces the concept of leadership as a system—not just a set of traits—which, when embedded across all levels of an organization, can outlast any one individual. The conversation touches on the future of leadership development, the convergence of people functions, and how leaders can balance data and intuition to make better decisions. Ultimately, Cher makes a compelling case that strong leadership is still—at its core—a deeply human endeavor.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• (00:00) — Intro & Cher’s background
• (04:00) — Leadership mindsets, speed, and trust
• (12:00) — Rebuilding trust & communication challenges
• (20:00) — Structural shifts and cross-functional collaboration
• (26:00) — AI’s role, human skills, and decision-making
• (32:00) — Universal leadership traits & leadership as a system
• (39:00) — Succession, culture fit, and final reflections on meaning

Resources & People Mentioned

• https://www.onpartners.com
• https://www.jeffwetzler.com

Connect with Cher Murphy

• Connect with Cher Murphy on LinkedIn

Connect With Red Thread Research

• Website: Red Thread Research
• On LinkedIn
• On Facebook
• On Twitter

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