Manager Mailbag: Answering Questions about Leading in the Middle- 2026 Cosmic Conference LinkedIn Live Session

In this session, Marilyn Zakhour and Tala Odeh unpacked real questions submitted by middle managers across the GCC.

These were not theoretical challenges. They reflected the reality many managers are navigating today. Being expected to provide clarity when there isn’t always clarity. Driving performance while energy and focus are shifting. Supporting teams, while also managing upwards and holding the system together.

Across the conversation, a clear pattern emerged. Many of these challenges are not problems with a single solution. They are tensions leaders must continuously navigate.

In this session, we explored:

🔹 How to balance performance expectations with team engagement

🔹 What to say when you don’t have clear answers

🔹 When to step in vs step back as a leader

🔹 How to influence upwards without overstepping

🔹 How to lead sustainably when the pressure is constant

This conversation is part of the 7th Cosmic Conference, focused on helping leaders navigate prolonged uncertainty. If you’re leading from the middle, this session will feel familiar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKJJDwHRfMk

About Cosmic Centaurs

Cosmic Centaurs is an organizational and leadership development consultancy helping leaders and leadership teams make better decisions and drive sustainable change.

The Cosmic Conference is our annual, open platform for learning, reflection, and connection, bringing together leaders, thinkers, and practitioners to explore the questions that matter most to leadership today.

You can listen to this session as a podcast here.