Why I’ve Been Focused on Anti-Authoritarianism (and Why You Should Be Too)


Hello Reader,

Why I’ve Been Focused on Anti-Authoritarianism (and Why You Should Be Too)


For too long, the conversation around leadership has missed the mark.

That’s why, nearly a year ago, I published Essays On: Anti-Authoritarian Leadership — a collection of ten essays confronting the behaviors and dangers of authoritarianism. It dismantles the myth of authoritarian strength and urges leaders to reflect, resist, and recommit to democratic principles. Innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership cannot thrive in a culture of fear and unchecked control.

Then, in May, I released Navigating Chaos: A Manifesto for Principled Defiance and a Call to Lead Better. It’s a sharp, strategic doctrine for those done tolerating weak, performative leadership. This manifesto is for executives, business owners, managers, organizers, and professionals who refuse to submit to manipulation, passive compliance, or moral compromise.

So why focus here, instead of the softer leadership topics flooding your LinkedIn feed?

Empathy. Authenticity. Communication. Continuous learning. Work-life balance.
Sure, they’re valuable, but they don’t address the deeper rot.

The times have changed. Leadership hasn’t.

Too many are clinging to dead frameworks while new leaders, regardless of age, are trying to earn a seat at a shrinking table, only to be denied. And too much of today’s leadership content avoids hard truths, making it complicit in the systems it pretends to critique.

Authoritarianism doesn’t always look like a movie.

It shows up in:

  • Leadership without accountability
  • Organizations where criticism is punished
  • Cultures that reward loyalty over performance
  • Silence disguised as civility

The collapse of democratic norms is a leadership problem. And bad leadership isn’t just eye-rolling frustrating anymore, it’s dangerous.

Karl Bimshas Consulting is no longer a coaching practice. We’re building a leadership movement.

We forge unapologetic leaders committed to confronting leadership drift and authoritarian creep, wherever it hides.

We don’t traffic in platitudes.

We build systems grounded in clarity, standards, and accountability, not ego, coercion, or charisma.

We architect structures that prevent drift, enable candor, and inoculate organizations from compliance-based rot.

Ready to Fight Back? Start Here.

The Leadership Accountability Audit™: A rapid diagnostic to reveal where drift, dysfunction, or deflection are taking root.

Take it if: You know something’s off, but no one’s saying it out loud. → Run the Audit

The Leadership Accountability Script Vault: 60+ bold, direct scripts to help you tackle hard conversations without compromising your values or your authority.

Use it if: You’ve been tolerating too much. It’s time to act.
Open the Vault

Leadership is not neutral.

You either build systems of accountability, or you become part of someone else’s control mechanism.

Choose clarity over comfort.
Action over avoidance.
Leadership over drift.

If you’re with me, you’re already part of this movement.

Karl Bimshas
Leadership Systems Architect
Founder, Karl Bimshas Consulting


The Evolution of Leadership Rot

An abusive company culture is obviously toxic; however, it is also an informal training ground, albeit less severe and more subtle, for unscrupulous leaders to hone their craft around a cycle of abusive power.

Continue reading →


Looking at a book called Logo Modernism

You Don’t Need a Flashbang to Arrest a Dishwasher

Law enforcement serves the public. The military defends against external threats. Confuse the two

Continue reading →

A type specimen of Google Fonts

When Institutions Fail, People Must Lead

Leadership, not as a position, but as a stance, against cruelty, complacency, and cowardice.

Continue reading →


Interesting Links

Leadership 24

Revisit the 24-Day Journey to Confident, Competent Leadership. Whether you’re a new leader, mid-level manager, or seasoned professional, this series will provide daily leadership insights and practical steps to elevate your leadership skills.


Mini-Courses

Short and practical guides that cover various leadership topics. Each three-part course is free and delivered to your email. Access them anytime and learn on your schedule.

Leadership Drift

You set out with a clear vision, goals, a strategy, and the motivation to lead with purpose. But somewhere along the way, things started to feel… off.


Latest Video

We experimented with AI video, just for fun.

video preview

Tools and Resources

Whitehead Institute Air Company
Crane Paper Exposure

Keep Advancing Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams and Help Others Along the Way


2150 Comstock Street #710192, San Diego, California 92111
Unsubscribe · Preferences

Karl Bimshas | Karl Bimshas Consulting

Become a better leader without being a jerk with this Boston-bred, California-chilled Leadership Advisor, Writer, & Podcast Host

Read more from Karl Bimshas | Karl Bimshas Consulting
Karl Bimshas Consulting

Hi Reader, How Serious Leaders Stop Drifting Leadership drift is real. You don’t fix it with platitudes or personality tests. You need a system; one that stabilizes chaos, exposes blind spots, and gives you the language to lead with authority and grace. That’s why I created the Leadership Accountability Launch Kit— a three-part entry into the Leadership Guidance System from Karl Bimshas Consulting. Each tool is helpful on its own. Together? They’re transformational. Navigating Chaos sets the...

The Leadership Accountability Audit

Hi Reader, Most leaders say they value accountability. Few actually enforce it. The cracks always start small: Double standards. Unspoken expectations. Avoided conversations. Then, mediocrity sets in, rebranded as "the way we do things." If you're not holding yourself and others to clear, enforced standards, you're not leading. You're managing dysfunction and enabling drift. Leadership drift doesn’t make headlines. It just quietly undermines your credibility. A single missed expectation...

Navigating Chaos

Hi Reader, I’m sharing something raw, urgent, and intentionally imperfect. Navigating Chaos: A Manifesto for Principled Defiance and a Call to Lead Better. This isn’t just another leadership book; it’s a doctrine for those fed up with weak leadership, moral compromise, and systems that reward mediocrity. It’s for executives, managers, business owners, organizers, and professionals who refuse to become jerks to get ahead. The world doesn’t need more performative outrage; it needs leaders who:...