Discover how to master your world by first mastering yourself, as we explore the three essential questions every leader needs to address. This episode promises to transform your approach to leadership by offering practical advice on defining personal values and creating a shared vision with your team. Learn how understanding who you are forms the bedrock of trust and decision-making, which in turn fosters resilience and commitment, especially during challenging times.

Join me as I reflect on the wisdom shared in my collaboration with Alan Mullally, the legendary former CEO of Ford Motor Company, as we delve into his 'Working Together' principles and practices that emphasize the power of collective effort. This episode is a call to action for leaders to not only introspectively identify their core beliefs but also to actively communicate and embody them. Explore how a values-driven approach can navigate uncertainties with clarity and confidence, and how co-creating a path with your team can lead to lasting loyalty and success.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to tackle essential leadership questions.

• Strategies for uncovering and defining core values.

• Techniques for mastering shared vision strategies.

• Ways to build and maintain trust within a team.

• Methods to navigate uncertainty effectively.

• Approaches to fostering unwavering team commitment.

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Effective Leadership, Alan Mullally, Ford Motor Company, Mastering Yourself, Personal Values, Shared Vision, Inspiring Trust, Building Resilience, Increasing Commitment, Navigating Challenging Times, Working Together, Introspection, Core Beliefs, Values-Driven, Communication with Clarity and Confidence, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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

Can your thoughts truly influence your physical health? Listen as we unravel this intriguing question with pioneering psychologist and Harvard professor Ellen Langer, whose insights on mindfulness and mind-body unity challenge traditional beliefs. Ellen shares personal anecdotes and research from her book, "Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health," inviting us to reconsider how our mindset impacts well-being. From transforming cancer battles to redefining work as exercise, Ellen reveals how shifting perceptions can lead to remarkable health benefits.

Ellen’s insights extend beyond personal health, touching on the broader implications of mindfulness in relationships, leadership, and innovation. Understand how recognizing and cultivating positive traits can transform interactions and reduce judgment. Through stories about chambermaids and wound healing, we explore the untapped potential of our minds and learn practical tips for integrating mindfulness into everyday life. Ellen highlights the power of flexibility and awareness, encouraging us to embrace uncertainty and open-mindedness to boost creativity and adaptability.

We close our conversation by exploring the exciting world of mindful living, where mistakes become opportunities and empathy deepens our understanding of others. Ellen Langer's stories and studies illuminate the path to a more present, attentive mindset, whether in parenting, professional settings, or personal interactions. This episode offers valuable strategies to unlock greater creativity, adaptability, and well-being, challenging you to rethink your approach to health, relationships, and leadership. Whether you're new to mindfulness or a seasoned practitioner, Ellen’s insights promise to inspire and transform your perspective.

What You’ll Learn:

• The transformative power of mindfulness on health and well-being.

• Captivating stories and groundbreaking research that reveal the unity of mind and body.

• How shifting our mindset can profoundly impact our lives.

• The power of empathy in parenting and beyond.

• The benefits of embracing uncertainty.

• How keenly noticing the new can enhance personal and professional growth.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Mind-Body Unity and Well-Being

(07:28) - The Power of Mindful Living

(22:40) - Recognizing and Cultivating Positive Traits

(27:57) - Benefits of Mindful Leadership and Innovation

(39:28) - Embracing Mistakes and Practicing Mindful Innovation

(46:30) - Understanding Empathy and Mindful Parenting

(54:02) – Final Thoughts on the (Surprising) Science of Being Mindful

More of Ellen:

Dr. Ellen Langer, Ph.D., is a renowned social psychologist and Harvard’s first tenured woman in psychology. Known as the “mother of mindfulness,” she has authored 12 books, including The Mindful Body (2023). Her groundbreaking research on mindfulness, aging, and decision-making has earned over 200 publications and numerous awards. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she continues to inspire new perspectives on health and creativity.

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

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Mindfulness, Mind-Body Connection, Mindful Living, Mindful Leadership, Mindful Communication, Well-Being, Empathy, Resilience, Positive Change, Adaptability, Mindful Relationships, Mindful Health, Mindful Potential, Personal Transformation, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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

What if your internal conflicts are the very signals pointing you toward personal growth and success? Join me as I sit down with Kelli Thompson, a dynamic keynote speaker and women’s leadership coach, to discuss her latest book, Closing the Confidence Gap. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for overcoming societal "shoulds" and identifying the barriers that hinder your confidence, especially for women balancing an unpaid workload alongside professional responsibilities.

Together, we unpack the intricacies of people-pleasing tendencies in leadership and the pitfalls of overcommitment and perfectionism. Through introspective exercises, you’ll learn how to align your commitments with your values, define what "good enough" means, and delegate tasks that don't align with your strengths.

Explore the powerful intersection of empathy, confidence, and negotiation as we navigate the art of salary discussions. Kelli and I discuss the importance of self-compassion as a means to bolster confidence and overcome internal doubts. Kelli also shares actionable advice on identifying personal and organizational values and how operationalizing these values creates an engaging work environment. Through thought-provoking discussions, this episode invites you to transform reflection into action, empowering you to lead with authenticity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Overcoming internal conflicts and building self-trust

• The impact of societal pressures on women's confidence

• Strategies for aligning commitments with personal values

• Navigating overcommitment and perfectionism

• The art of empathetic and confident salary negotiation

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - From Aspiring TV Meteorologist to Top Women’s Leadership Coach

(11:00) - Identifying and Overcoming Internal Conflict

(22:43) - Navigating People-Pleasing in Leadership

(27:13) - Identifying and Defining Your Values

(32:21) - The Purpose and Power in Implementing Organizational Values

(45:11) - Empathy, Confidence, and Salary Negotiation

More of Kelli:

Kelli Thompson is an award-winning leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author of Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck, which was named a "Must Read" by the Next Big Idea Club, curated by Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Pink, Adam Grant, and Susan Cain. With over 10 years of experience in financial services and technology, Kelli has coached and trained thousands of women leaders to lead with clarity and confidence through her compassionate yet no-nonsense approach. Her thought leadership has been featured in top publications like Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, and Business Insider. Holding an MBA and recognized for her impactful programs, Kelli is a sought-after speaker known for delivering practical, insightful strategies. Fun fact: she’s also a trained storm spotter and aspiring storm chaser.

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

Mentions:

Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck by Kelli Thompson

The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence by Tara Jaye Frank

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Empowerment, Women, Women’s Leadership, Self-Confidence, Values, Self-Trust, Minimizing Resentment, Avoiding Overcommitment, The Perils of Perfectionism, Organizational Values, Salary Negotiation, Empathy, Self-Compassion, Personal Growth, Introspection, The Power of Delegating, Behavioral-Based Interviewing, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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