On this episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I speak with Jim Estill, the innovative CEO of Danby Appliances, who started his entrepreneurial journey from the trunk of his car, driven by a personal need and a passion for technology. Jim’s story is not just about building a business; it's about the transformative power of pursuing what truly excites you. We unravel Jim's insights into leadership, where authenticity and growth are paramount, and explore how his commitmentto philanthropy—like sponsoring Syrian refugee families—reflects a deep-seated family ethos of giving back to the community.

Authenticity and connection emerge as central themes as we navigate the art of leadership in challenging times. Jim shares how gratitude can galvanize a team, enhancing happiness and performance by aligning roles with individual skills and passions. This episode also underlines the importance of personal development, encouraging listeners to learn from those whose success we wish to emulate.Rather than feeling frustrated by where we are, use these role models for motivational fuel towards a positive future.

Exploring leadership in the modern era, we highlight the delicate balance between empathy and tough business decisions. Core values emerge as guiding principles for organizational identity, shaping hiring and firing decisions in a manner that is both genuine and actionable. As we discuss the evolving role of technology and AI in business, humility and open-mindedness become the cornerstones of effectiveleadership. Join us as we close with revisiting the transformative power of gratitude, leaving you inspired to nurture relationships and embrace the positivity around you.

What You’ll Learn

- How Jim Estill transitioned from selling computers out of a car trunk to leading a major company.

- Key insights into effective entrepreneurial leadership.

- The transformative power and importance of gratitude in business and leadership.

- Strategies for fostering a culture of empathy and authenticity.

- The significance of maintaining unwavering core values in business.

- Techniques for navigating the fast-paced world of modern business successfully.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – The Power of Doing Good

(12:11) – Effective Leadership Through Authenticity and Growth

(23:03) – Embrace Core Values

(35:22) – How to Build Success Habits

(47:01) – Positive Leadership in the Age of Technology

(56:20) – Leading with Gratitude and Impact

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Authenticity, Growth, Philanthropy, Community-Focused, A.I., Empathy, Tough conversations, Leading with Gratitude, Managing Performance Reviews, Building Success Habits, The Power of Micro Habits, Humility, Open-mindedness, Personal Development, Core Values, Giving Back, CEO Success

Discover how to revolutionize your organization by embedding inclusion into its very DNA. Explore the foundations of Amri's groundbreaking book, "Reconstructing Inclusion," which challenges the norms of traditional DEI approaches. Through his experiences at Novartis, Amri shares how organizations can cultivate environments where everyone thrives by aligning skills and capabilities with their purpose.

Addressing the elephant in the room, we tackle the current backlash against DEI efforts and explore the concept of anti-fragility. Learn how creating spaces for civil dialogue and fostering cognitive diversity can combat ideological resistance and enhance productivity. Amri also highlights how focusing on agency and prevention versus (over)reaction leads to a more sustainable and inclusive organizational culture.

We close the conversation unpacking the nuances of cultural intelligence and relational fitness, vital tools for navigating the complexities of building inclusive environments for all. Join us for this transformative conversation where you will walk away with actionable strategies to foster growth, collaboration, and inclusivity in your organization.

What You’ll Learn

- How to build sustainable and inclusive organizations.

- A challenge to traditional DEI frameworks.

- An introduction to the COST model—Care, Openness, Safety, and Trust.

- Ways to create vibrant, thriving work environments that inspire and empower everyone.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Creating Inclusive and Generative Organizations

(10:27) - Navigating DEI Backlash and Anti-Fragility

(23:02) - Creating Inclusive Organizations

(28:20) - Embracing Inclusion Beyond Surface Identities

(41:51) - Navigating Cultural Intelligence for Inclusion

(47:46) - Sustainable Inclusion Practices in Organizations

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Inclusive Organizations, Social Capitalism, Inclusion Strategy, DEI Frameworks, Sustainable Practices, Anti-Fragility, Cognitive Diversity, Respectful Dialogue, Cultural Intelligence, Relational Fitness, Inclusive Leadership, Collaborative Growth, Mutual Understanding, CEO Success

What happens when an organization fails to define its core values, allowing them to become mere decorative words on a wall rather than the guiding principles they are meant to be? Join me as I draw inspiration from my recent conversation with Garry Ridge, the Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of the iconic WD-40 Company.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, I talk about the crucial distinction between values and beliefs and use real-world scenarios where lack of clarity leads to confusion and inconsistency. Together, we'll explore how to translate values into actionable behaviors that serve as anchors and navigational compasses for individuals and teams alike. Last but not least, we examine why organizations benefit from having a values hierarchy.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to transform organizational values into actionable strategies.

• The impact of core values on effective decision-making.

• Ways to enhance integrity within the organization.

• Strategies to improve team cohesion through shared values.

• The power of a values hierarchy.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) The Power of Organizational Values

(12:37) Prioritizing Organizational Values for Clarity

(19:30) Maximizing Values Alignment: The Role of Intention

Key Topics Discussed:

Organizational Values, Translating Values Into Action Garry Ridge, WD-40 Company, Prioritizing Values, Maximizing Clarity, Ensuring Alignment, Values-Based Decision-Making, Increasing Trust, Creating A Culture of Integrity, Building Cohesion, Doing the Right Thing, Fostering Empowerment, Positive Team Dynamics, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/