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/

Prepare for an eye-opening conversation as Bill George, celebrated Harvard faculty member and former CEO of Medtronic, joins the Do Good to Lead Well podcast to share his profound insights. With his latest bestseller, "True North for Emerging Leaders," Bill sheds light on the seismic shift from traditional, ego-centric leadership to a purpose-driven model. This episode unpacks the essence of authenticity and integrity, showcasing how modern leaders, from Satya Nadella to Mary Barra, are staying true to their principles while driving meaningful change.

Challenges and adversity often serve as catalysts for growth, and this episode explores how leaders can harness these experiences to foster continuous learning and resilience. Drawing from inspiring examples, we discuss the power of maintaining core values and fostering diversity and inclusion within organizations. Emotional intelligence and courage emerge as pivotal traits for global leadership, helping executives navigate adversities while cultivating inspired, inclusive teams.

We wrap up with strategies for emerging leaders eager to make their mark in today's fast-paced world. From empowering frontline leadership to fostering honest conversations, this episode is rich with actionable insights. We explore the importance of feedback, self-awareness, and humility in steering clear of the pitfalls that can ensnare unwary leaders. Join us as we embrace the transformative power of authenticity, purpose, and intentionality, enabling you to lead with conviction and create lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Discover the power of authenticity and integrity in leadership through inspiring examples from leaders like Satya Nadella and Mary Barra.

• Learn how challenges and adversity can serve as catalysts for growth, fostering resilience and continuous learning.

• Explore the importance of maintaining core values, fostering diversity and inclusion, and cultivating emotional intelligence and courage in leadership.

• Get actionable insights on empowering frontline leadership, navigating honest conversations, and leveraging feedback for personal and organizational growth.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - True North for Emerging Leaders

(11:30) - Navigating Adversity and its Role in Leadership Growth

(16:51) - Staying True to Your Values

(22:35) - Empowering Frontline Leadership for Success

(32:47) - Building Courage in Global Leadership

(36:55) - Creating Inclusive Environments Through Honest Conversations

(42:35) - Leadership Strategies for Building Resilience

More of Bill:

Bill George is an esteemed executive fellow at Harvard Business School, where he taught leadership as a Professor of Management Practice and Senior Fellow from 2004 to 2022. He is the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic. Prior to Medtronic, he held senior roles at Honeywell, Litton Industries, and the U.S. Department of Defense. A prolific author, Bill has written several influential books on leadership, including True North: Emerging Leader Edition and Authentic Leadership. A frequent contributor to CNBC, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal, Bill holds a BSIE from Georgia Tech, an MBA from Harvard, and multiple honorary doctorates.

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

Mentions:

True North, Emerging Leader Edition: Leading Authentically in Today's Workplace by Bill George and Zach Clayton

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Medtronic, True North, Emerging Leaders, Authenticity, Integrity, Purpose-driven, Satya Nadella, Adversity, Continuous Learning, Resilience, Core Values, Emotional Intelligence, Courage, Global Leadership, Frontline Leadership, Empowerment, Organizational Culture, Inspired Teams, Bold Decisions, Diversity and Inclusion, Inclusive Environments, Honest Conversations, Self-awareness, Humility, Feedback, 360-degree Feedback, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

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

Can failure be the secret ingredient to our success? As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's time to rethink how we perceive failure. Contrary to the traditional view of setbacks as purely negative, this episode unpacks the transformative concept of "failing well," inspired by Amy Edmondson's groundbreaking book, "The Right Kind of Wrong." We dissect failures into three categories: preventable, complex, and intelligent. Understanding these distinctions not only heightens our resilience but also enhances our capacity for growth, both personally and professionally. Through this lens, we discuss the importance of intelligent failure, where venturing into uncharted territories becomes a fertile ground for innovation and learning.

As we prepare for 2025, the challenge is to embrace failure as a driving force for growth. By adopting acronyms like "First Attempt In Learning" and "From Action, I Learn," we emphasize the significance of learning through doing and experimenting. Rather than waiting for unattainable perfection, we learn valuable lessons through action and can use this feedback as a pivotal and far more accurate tool for refinement as opposed to reflection alone. With this mindset, we transform failures into valuable insights, enabling us to stretch our capabilities, refine our strategies, and ultimately, achieve a more enriching and fruitful year ahead. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Learn:

• Why our unhealthy relationship with failure holds us back.

• Embracing intelligent failures as a catalyst for growth.

• F.A.I.L. forward to achieve your goals.

• How to adopt a growth mindset for failure.

• The importance of learning through action and experimentation

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - What is Your Relationship with Failure?

(04:20) - Not All Failures Are Created Equal

(08:01) - Embracing Intelligent Failures for Innovation

(19:06) – Looking Forward to 2025

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Dealing with Failure, Achieving Success, Pursuing Goals, Amy Edmondson, Preventable Failures, Complex Failures, Intelligent Failures, Continuous Learning, Growth Mindset, Embracing Innovation, Minimum Viable Product, Feedback Through Action, Building Resilience, Insight Through Action, Embracing Challenges, Capitalizing on Opportunities, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

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

Mentions:
Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson

Dr. Jean Latting, an esteemed figure in the realm of inclusive leadership, joins our latest episode with her profound journey from the segregated South to becoming a beacon of unity and understanding. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of thoughts and words, shaped by her family and the civil rights movements. Dr. Latting's experiences in a racially integrated boarding school informed her vision for successful multiculturalism, and her insights offer a compelling blueprint for nurturing inclusion in any environment.

We unpack the elements of conscious leadership as we explore what it means to be attuned to diverse inputs and organizational dynamics. Dr. Latting illustrates the ripple effect of our choices with engaging examples of leaders fostering inclusivity by engaging with all organizational levels. This episode highlights the shared responsibility to project positive energy and drive conscious change, drawing attention to the importance of role modeling and the impact of our interactions on creating inclusive environments.

Our conversation closes with practical strategies for addressing resistance to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the importance of authenticity and constructive communication. Tune in for an episode rich with actionable insights and inspiration for a more inclusive world.

What You’ll Learn:

• The power of conscious leadership and its impact on fostering inclusivity.

• How being attuned to diverse inputs can drive organizational success.

• Strategies for navigating resistance in DEI efforts.

• Explore the importance of role modeling and the ripple effect of positive energy in creating inclusive environments.

• Obtain actionable insights focusing on managing our mindset and constructive communication.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - What is Conscious Leadership?

(13:12) - Inclusive Leadership is Conscious Leadership

(21:58) - Building Conscious Change Through Self- and Other-Awareness

(28:43) - Understanding Resistance and the Psychology of Change

(47:15) - Fostering Constructive Conversations

More of Jean:

Jean Latting, an expert in inclusive leadership and conscious change, has dedicated over 20 years to consulting and teaching in both private and public sectors. As President of Leading Consciously and Professor Emeritus at the University of Houston, Jean empowers leaders and organizations to create transformative, inclusive environments where diversity thrives and individuals feel valued. Recognized for her contributions, she received an Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Houston Alumni Association and has an endowment established in her honor by a Houston philanthropist. Jean's book, Conscious Change: How to Navigate Differences and Foster Inclusion in Everyday Relationships, has garnered praise for its timely insights and practical guidance, reflecting her commitment to fostering equity through human connection and conscious action.

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

Mentions:

Reframing Change: How to Deal with Workplace Dynamics, Influence Others, and Bring People Together to Initiate Positive Change by Jean Kantambu Latting and V. Jean Ramsey

Conscious Change: How to Navigate Differences and Foster Inclusion in Everyday Relationships by Jean Kantambu Latting

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Conscious Leadership, Inclusive Leadership, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Multiculturalism, Positive Energy, Role Modeling, Organizational Dynamics, Cognitive Dissonance, Managing Bias, Fostering Open Dialogue, Delivering Feedback, Promoting Change, Overcoming Resistance, Personal Growth, Constructive Communication, Authentic Inclusion, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

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

In a world where corporate ethics are often tested, the latest episode of the "Do Good to Lead Well" podcast brings a timely discussion with Ann Skeet, the Senior Director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of leading with integrity amidst the challenges of today's corporate landscape.

During our conversation, Ann discusses the need for a comprehensive approach to ethics education and highlights the need for systemic assessments rather than attributing misconduct to a single "bad apple." We also explore how systemic pressures can foster a culture of fear and ethics washing and why organizations must effectively address toxic high performers.

The episode further explores the role of empathy in ethical leadership, underscoring its influence on decision-making and organizational dynamics. Practical applications of empathy, such as rotating assignments and fostering narrative integration through leadership stories, are discussed.

In a time when businesses must navigate partisanship, self-regulate, and address pressing issues like climate change and DEI initiatives, ethical leadership is more critical than ever. This episode inspires listeners to embrace their potential as ethical leaders, regardless of their role or setting.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to foster a culture of trust and accountability within organizations.

• The importance of empathy and ethics in decision-making and organizational dynamics.

• Strategies for handling toxic high performers and conducting culture self-assessments.

• How leaders can responsibly harness technology in the age of AI and disruptive innovations.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - An Introduction to Ethical Leadership

(15:41) - Organizational Ethics and Risk Assessment

(22:40) - Characteristics of Ethical Leadership

(36:02) - Building Ethical Cultures Through Empathy

(43:54) - Navigating Ethics in Technological Advancements

(53:52) - Ethical Leadership in the Future

More of Ann Skeet:

Ann Skeet is the Senior Director of Leadership Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Her work centers on the ethical challenges faced by leaders and their teams, with a focus on fostering healthy corporate cultures, ethical leadership practices, and governance frameworks that promote human flourishing. Ann teaches ethics literacy for boards through the Silicon Valley Executive Education Center at the Levy School of Business. She has played a pivotal role in global initiatives, including serving on the Steering Committee for the Responsible Use of Technology at the World Economic Forum and contributing to the Partnership on AI’s Working Group on AI, Labor, and the Economy, co-authoring a framework for workforce well-being in AI-integrated workplaces. Additionally, Ann has co-authored Ethics in the Age of Disruptive Technologies: An Operational Roadmap and Voting for Ethics, a guide for evaluating candidates from an ethical perspective during elections.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-gregg-skeet-239306/

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Ethical Leadership, Corporate Culture, Organizational Ethics, Risk Assessment, Silicon Valley, Sarbanes-Oxley, Integrity, Systemic Issues, Misconduct, Ethics Education, Toxic High Performers, Empathy, Applied Ethics, Ethical Decision-Making, Code of Conduct, Ethics Training, Artificial Intelligence, Technological Advancements, Responsible Technology, Governance Framework, Continuous Improvement, Public Trust, Polarized Political Landscape, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

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