What if the name you were born with became a barrier to your dream job? Jahanzaib Ansari faced this exact challenge and used his personal story of overcoming discrimination to fuel his passion to create a hiring process that partners with giants like IBM and Deloitte to ensure fairer hiring practices. Through his eyes, you’ll uncover the journey of leading an innovative company in Canada, navigating the hurdles of growth, and using artificial intelligence to champion equality and inclusion in the workforce.

The tech world is ever-changing, and staying ahead requires a unique set of skills. Emphasizing a growth mindset and the ability to remain agile, Jahanzaib discusses how openness to feedback and surrounding oneself with a skilled team can enhance leadership effectiveness. We delve into the importance of resilience in weathering economic challenges and organizational changes. Learn strategies to transform from a negative mindset to one of opportunity and growth, acknowledging that every leader's journey is filled with its own set of trials and triumphs.

The episode wraps up with a focus on navigating AI ethics and fostering trust in professional relationships. Jahanzaib brings attention to the increasing role of Chief Ethics Officers in ensuring ethical use of data and preventing discrimination. We discuss best practices for hiring, advocating for collaboration between recruiters and hiring managers, and the importance of objective competency setting. As the conversation unfolds, we highlight the significance of building trust and fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, despite the societal polarization surrounding these efforts. Jahanzaib underscores the need for organizations to remove unfair gatekeepers, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to thrive.

What You’ll Learn:

• The evolution of leadership in the fast-paced world of A.I.

• Building resilience and fostering a growth mindset

• Navigating A.I. ethics and promoting bias-free hiring practices

• The importance of trust and collaboration in professional relationships

• Overcoming societal polarization to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Turning Bias Into Opportunity: Knockri's Origin Story

(14:59) - Building Resilience Through A Growth Mindset

(29:36) - Navigating Ethics: A.I. and Hiring Practices

(36:29) - Building Trust and DEI Practices

(44:20) - Mastering Self-Leadership Is A Lifelong Process

More of Jahanzaib Ansari:

Jahanzaib Ansari is the co-founder of Knockri, an award-winning behavioral assessment platform that integrates ethical AI with I/O Psychology to revolutionize hiring. Driven by a mission to create a more inclusive, fair, and efficient recruitment process, he partners with Fortune 500 companies like IBM, Deloitte, SAP, and the Canadian Federal Government to help them build diverse teams and foster equity. Beyond leading Knockri, Jahanzaib serves as a Next Generation Business Leader to the Business Council of Canada, collaborating with top executives to drive meaningful change. A recognized thought leader in AI, the Future of Work, and Diversity, he has spoken at prestigious international events and earned accolades such as Innovator of the Year by Ascend, the Exceptional Leadership Award by AUSCAN Forum, and a spot on HRD Magazine’s list of Canada’s Rising Stars.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansari1/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Tech Innovation, Adaptability, A.I., Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Hiring, Ethics, Resilience, Growth Mindset, Agility, Receiving Feedback, Persistence, Collaboration, Building Trust, DEI, Leading with Transparency, Chief Ethics Officer, Establishing Credibility, Emerging Leaders, Servant Leadership, Self-Leadership, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

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

What if the key to navigating today's whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty lies in four universal qualities? As we journey through Gallup's Global Leadership Report, we unpack what followers worldwide are desperately seeking from their leaders. This episode shines a spotlight on how authentic leadership can serve as an anchor in turbulent times, and why empathy and compassion are becoming non-negotiable in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Hope, identified as the most pressing need, is dissected through real-world examples, illustrating its power to inspire resilience and forward-thinking. Join us in reflecting on these qualities and learn how embracing them can foster environments of stability and growth, paving the path for a brighter future for everyone.

What You’ll Learn:

• Real-world examples of leadership during turbulent times.

• The critical role of trust and how to nurture it.

• How hope can drive motivation and resilience.

• Practical tips to integrate the four needs of followership into your daily leadership.

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Global Leadership Report, Gallup, Stability, Compassion, Trust, Hope, Authentic Leadership, Empathy, Resilience, Managing Disruption, Stephen M.R. Covey, Human Connection, A.I., Personal Growth, Evidence-Informed Leadership, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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

Rebecca Kacaba, CEO of DealMaker, joins us on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, sharing her captivating journey from a corporate attorney to a trailblazing entrepreneur reshaping North America's tech landscape. Her transition from law to entrepreneurship is driven by a desire to tackle the financing hurdles startup founders face. Rebecca's story is rich with lessons in empathy, resilience, and persistence, and how being mindful of our mindset can bring about transformative changes in our personal and professional lives.

We explore the traits essential for leadership today, particularly adaptability and grit, which are crucial in the ever-evolving tech world. Rebecca shares her insights on fostering adaptability within organizations through creative exercises and how maintaining a solid vision aligned with strategic goals is crucial for leaders. Balancing empathy with leadership responsibilities, she illustrates how fostering a culture of integrity and autonomy can democratize access to capital markets, showcasing DealMaker's mission.

Rebecca also candidly discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity. She shares how being genuine reduces stress and builds meaningful connections. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on AI's impact on leadership, emphasizing the need for empathy and visionary leadership. Rebecca's insights provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs eager to make a significant impact beyond their balance sheet.

What You’ll Learn:

• The essential traits for modern leadership, such as adaptability and grit.

• Strategies for fostering adaptability within organizations.

• Overcoming imposter syndrome

• Embracing authenticity to build meaningful connections.

• The role of AI in the future of leadership and the enduring need for empathy and visionary leadership.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) – The Journey from Attorney to Tech CEO

(10:50) - Building Adaptive Leadership with Grit

(26:30) – The Importance of Empathy and Integrity in Leadership

(38:43) - Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

(46:33) - Navigating AI and the Future of Leadership

More of Rebecca:

Rebecca Kacaba is the CEO and co-founder of DealMaker, a leading capital-raising platform revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge technology. A former securities lawyer with over a decade of experience on Bay Street, she co-chaired the Toronto Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies group at a global law firm before launching DealMaker to streamline and modernize fundraising. Under her leadership, DealMaker has processed over $2 billion in transactions, earning recognition on Deloitte’s Canada Technology Fast 50 and North America’s Fast 500 lists, ranking alongside and even above industry giants like Zoom and DraftKings. Named one of North America’s most innovative lawyers by the Financial Times and one of Canada's most admired CEOs, Rebecca is dedicated to empowering founders to raise capital as easily as e-commerce, turning supporters into shareholders and reshaping the future of capital markets.

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

Mentions:

DealMaker: https://www.dealmaker.tech/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Tech Innovation, Adaptability, Inspiration, Core Values, Artificial Intelligence, Financing, Startup Founders, Empathy, Resilience, Persistence, Grit, Capital Markets, Leading with Integrity, Authenticity, Dealing with Imposter Syndrome, Vulnerability, Mentorship, AI Strategy, Visionary Leadership, Personal Growth, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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

What if you could predict the success of leaders with precision in your organization? In our latest episode, we unlock the secrets behind effective leadership with our guests, Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton, the brilliant minds behind "The Five Talents That Really Matter." Barry and Sarah bring a wealth of experience in leadership assessment, dissecting the critical elements that define exceptional leaders and how these talents—setting direction, driving motivation, influencing others, building connectivity, and managing execution—uniquely contribute to long-term success.

Join us as we challenge the traditional approaches to leadership selection and development. We explore the flaws of popular tools like the Myers-Briggs and instead focus on the predictive power of data-driven assessments. Barry and Sarah highlight how evidence-based tools offer profound insights into a leader's potential, far beyond the superficial analysis of many widely used methods. We also dive into the pitfalls of conventional interview questions and spotlight the importance of crafting questions that truly predict performance, avoiding the common traps that many organizations fall into.

Cultural fit versus cultural enhancement takes center stage in our discussion on the evolving workplace landscape. We examine the notion that unique perspectives and talents should triumph over mere likability in team dynamics. Our conversation extends to the importance of self-awareness and strategic thinking in leadership roles, highlighting the rarity of genuine strategic processing. Discover how to steer clear of the “fast cars without steering wheels” scenario in leadership, and why fair and unbiased assessment tools are crucial for identifying diverse talent. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership selection process or uncover robust leadership capabilities, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice.

What You’ll Learn:

• Discover the five critical talents for executive success.

• Explore how structured interviews can provide a nuanced understanding of leadership capabilities beyond traditional methods.

• Learn why cultural enhancement is crucial for a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

• Understand the common pitfalls in leadership selection and how data-driven assessments can help identify truly effective leaders.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Truly Predicting Leadership Success

(08:15) - Predictive Validity of Leadership Assessment

(17:22) - Leadership Talent Assessment

(22:48) - Common Unhelpful Interview Questions

(31:17) - Rethinking Cultural Fit in Leadership

(35:50) - Leadership Development

(48:38) - The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership

More of Barry & Sarah:

Sarah on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjdalton/

Barry on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryconchie/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Leadership Selection, Organizational Performance, Leadership Assessment, Cultural Fit, Myers-Briggs, Predicting Performance, Team Dynamics, Self-Awareness, Predicting Success, Critical Thinking, Empathy, Effective Leaders, Personality Assessments, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website:https://craigdowden.com/

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

What if you could harness the power of empathy and optimism to lead your team through the toughest challenges? Join us as we sit down with Omar Halabieh, Head of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, who shares his profound insights on fostering leadership qualities that resonate in today's ever-changing world. Our conversation sheds light on the essence of building genuine connections and maintaining a positive outlook, even when negativity looms large. Omar’s mission to empower and bring out the best in others creates a dialogue rich with ideas and inspiration for aspiring and experienced leaders.

Navigating through uncertainty can be daunting, but it's not insurmountable. In our exploration, we discuss practical strategies to help teams differentiate between what they can control and the external forces like the macro economy that they cannot. With a focus on open communication, trust, and proactive learning, we highlight the importance of addressing diversity and inclusion, and keeping the momentum going despite potential challenges. The discussion offers a toolkit for leaders to foster resilience and self-compassion, ensuring they remain effective and engaged amidst change.

Mentorship is more than just guidance—it's a crucial step in advancing your career. As we close our conversation, we touch on the nuances of creating meaningful mentorship relationships. Learn how to approach potential mentors with confidence and connect your leadership discussions to broader organizational objectives. I hope you listen to our conversation about how to level-up your leadership effectiveness.

What You’ll Learn:

• The power of empathy and optimism in leadership.

• Strategies for navigating uncertainty and rapid change.

• Discovering your values through self-reflection.

• The pivotal role of mentorship in career advancement.

• Sustaining momentum in diversity and inclusion efforts.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Core Leadership Qualities

(12:28) – Effectively Navigating Uncertainty and Change

(18:17) – Navigating Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

(21:56) - Discovering Leadership Values

(29:41) - Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

(42:42) - Effective Mentorship Practices and Approaches

(49:09) - Building Mentor Relationships

More of Omar:

Omar Halabieh is a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Head of Technology at Amazon Payment Services. Passionate about leadership, he has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and teams, fostering high-performance cultures, and driving transformational initiatives that create competitive advantages. With a strong presence on LinkedIn, Omar has built a thriving community of over 70,000 professionals, sharing insights on leadership, management, and career growth, earning recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice and the #1 LinkedIn Arab World Creator in Management and Leadership. He is also the author of Leadership in 60 Seconds, an insightful ebook complemented by engaging YouTube Shorts. Beyond his professional endeavors, Omar is an avid automotive enthusiast with a love for F1 racing—especially Ferrari—alongside a passion for sports, strength training, fragrances, culinary experiences, and, most importantly, quality time with his family.

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

Mentions: https://www.omarhalabieh.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Empathy, Optimism, Overcoming Challenges, Navigating Change and Uncertainty, Instilling Trust, Proactive Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, Mentorship, Career Advancement, Executive Presence, Self-Reflection, Resilience, Personal Growth, Mentor-Mentee Relationship, Strategic Thinking, Effective Communication, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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

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/