Meade Kincke: Leading with Vulnerability and Strength

Meade Kincke has diverse interests ranging from linguistics to aviation, executive advisory to beer brewing. His curiosity drives his leadership philosophy, and he believes that kindness builds others up. He is the founder and CEO of Imperfektus, a keynote speaker, and a coach to veterans, executives, & entrepreneurs. He describes himself as “self-built,” and likens his work style to an old-timey performer spinning plates, keeping multiple complex efforts moving at once. “I always spin as many plates as I can without breaking any.”

Our conversation ranged from corporate dynamics to the power of kindness in leadership and how it shapes culture. He shared a layered perspective, explaining that while being direct is essential, kindness often looks different depending on the situation. Effective leaders adapt their approach based on context, knowing when to be ask questions and when to step back and just listen. He noted that leadership isn’t about rigid rules but about reading the room and responding with both honesty and empathy, but never sugarcoating. When leaders master this balance, they cultivate trust, encourage growth, and create teams that thrive even under pressure. For Meade, “Trust is everything.”

“You cannot know someone without being vulnerable.” That willingness to step into discomfort, whether on stage speaking to thousands of people or sitting with a team, creates value. Meade draws a clear line between confidence and arrogance. “It’s a razor blade,” he said. Confidence is about making the correct decision and taking responsibility for it. Arrogance shuts others out. His story about the impact of a single keynote underscores the point. A founder approached him after a talk in Croatia and said, “You made me call someone I never would have called.” For Meade, that was a very rewarding moment.

He believes that leadership is not about being at the top, it is about lifting others. He described helping his teams when they freeze, creating forums instead of lectures, and offering strength when needed without domination. “Not everyone’s the king. You help them win.”

Kindness, for Meade, is the discipline of presence, the courage to make room for others, and the humility to learn from them.

“You want to make people bigger. You're supposed to be bringing them up and making them strong.”

Meade Kincke is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, elite coach, and multi-disciplinary leader who builds strength through empathy and clarity. Keep an eye out for more interviews