Podcasts about great leadership

March 3, 2026: The hype around AI and jobs is loud. The actual data tells a more nuanced story. This week, Stanford economist Nick Bloom released the most rigorous study yet on AI's impact on employment and productivity — surveying nearly 6,000 executives across four countries with the Federal Reserve and Bank of England. The findings are striking: 90% of firms report zero employment impact from AI so far, yet US executives are planning to cut over two million jobs in the next three years based on gains that haven't materialized yet. We break down what that gap means for workers, leaders, and organizations. Plus: CNN pushes back on the viral AI doom-loop narrative — and why "don't freak out yet" isn't the same as "you're fine." Why 43% of workers want to change careers but almost none will — and the psychological trap behind what researchers are calling "job hugging." And the central irony of the AI economy: the companies spending trillions to automate knowledge work can't build the infrastructure to run it because there aren't enough electricians — and why Gen Z is starting to pay attention. ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—order a copy here: 8EXlaws.com

Many parents and leaders are wondering if a college degree is still worth the high educational costs. With student debt reaching nearly $2 trillion and the AI impact changing the future of work, the traditional path to success is facing a major disruption. In this episode, Eric Gertler, Executive Chairman and CEO of US News and World Report, joins us to talk about the "broken compact" in higher education and how college rankings are changing as consumer trust falls. We explore how university leadership must move away from focusing on real estate growth and instead prioritize critical thinking, internships, and lifelong learning. We also cover the growing demand for high-paying trades like electrical work over four-year degrees and a story from Eric's time in government where a hospital leader identified the need for data analysts years before it became a trend. This episode helps CHROs build better talent strategies by showing how to find and train workers based on their actual skill development in a job market where actual skills matter more than a diploma. Watch on Youtube ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—order a copy here: 8EXlaws.com  

Welcome to Mid-QWeek MomentumTrue leaders understand something powerful:This role is not about being served.It's about serving.Serving the mission .Serving the people .Serving the future that hasn't been built yet.Let's talk about it!

Many companies try to solve low morale with simple perks like wellness apps, but workers often care more about real pay and career growth. The big challenge today is keeping frontline employees happy while the world worries about AI impact and high turnover. What could be the most substantial, meaningful investments leaders can make that truly build real loyalty? In this episode, Paul Marchand, EVP and CHRO of Charter Communications, more popularly known as Spectrum, discusses how to invest in people to create a better customer experience. He explains the strategy behind helping a 95,000-person workforce through absorbing rising benefit costs and programs like frictionless, prepaid tuition reimbursement and a unique employee stock purchase plan designed to build an owner mindset. Paul shares how "open mic" sessions at Charter improve their employee retention, and the way Spectrum GPT is being used to make HR more efficient. We also explore the 'high school pathways' initiative, upcoming M&A integration with Cox Communications, and how HR role evolution is turning leaders into Chief Future of Work Officers, going far beyond traditional employee management. This episode shows CHROs how to use a people-first strategy to build a resilient and competitive workforce.

What actually drives long-term growth, in business, leadership, and life?In this replay episode, Alisa Cohn sits down with Sal Di Stefano, co-founder of Mind Pump Media, to explore what it really takes to build something that lasts. From turning a podcast into a multi-revenue media company to navigating cofounder relationships, conflict, and personal growth, Sal shares hard-earned lessons from nearly a decade of building Mind Pump without venture capital or shortcuts.This conversation goes beyond tactics. Sal breaks down why authenticity creates trust at scale, how to know you've chosen the right cofounders, and why being “right” is far less important than staying aligned. He also shares how prioritizing physical health and personal boundaries made him a stronger leader, not a weaker one.If you're a founder, creator, or leader who wants sustainable growth without burnout, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what actually works.You'll learn:Why authenticity is a growth strategy, not a branding tacticHow to recognize cofounder alignment before problems surfaceWhy being right can hurt teams and trustHow physical health supports better leadership decisionsWhat Mind Pump did differently to build loyalty and longevityWe talk about:00:00 Leadership responsibility, health, and personal accountability01:00 Introducing Sal Di Stefano and Mind Pump Media03:00 Why long-form podcasting enabled real connection and trust05:10 Turning Mind Pump into a multi-revenue media business09:10 Building trust before monetizing and letting the audience lead13:45 Early revenue growth and turning down misaligned sponsors18:30 Finding the right cofounders and values alignment22:15 Conflict, disagreement, and committing as a team30:45 Navigating growth, the pandemic, and unexpected momentum36:10 Authenticity, vulnerability, and being recognized in public40:20 Boundaries, family, and redefining success as a leader45:00 Focus, leverage, and choosing what actually moves growth49:20 Serving existing customers before chasing new ones53:40 Why great leaders and coaches must be great communicators57:40 Final reflections on leadership, health, and the long gameFollow Sal onX: https://x.com/mindpumpsalPodcast: https://mindpumppodcast.com/ Website: www.mindpumpmedia.comConnect with Alisa! Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohn Twitter: @alisacohn Facebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ Website: http://www.alisacohn.com Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon

Dr. Tim Elmore is founder of Growing Leaders (GrowingLeaders.com), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. His work grew out of 20 years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today, and he's been featured on CNN's Headline News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV and Fox and Friends to talk about leading multiple generations in the marketplace. He has written over 35 books, including Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, and A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage. His latest book, The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z As They Upset the Workplace, releases fall of 2025. You can find his work at: TimElmore.com.

Leaders today face a critical AI dilemma: move too quickly and risk producing low-quality "work slop," or move too slowly and sacrifice a crucial competitive edge in innovation. But one global real estate powerhouse, managing 3% of the world's GDP, has successfully navigated this tightrope for nearly three years, offering a proven model for enterprise AI adoption. In this episode, Prologis CHRO Nathaalie Carey reveals how the company solved this dilemma with an "innovation first" strategy, a journey that began by deploying an enterprise version of ChatGPT well ahead of the curve. Prologis achieved this by deliberately empowering its workforce, intentionally prioritizing widespread innovation over premature governance. By providing direct access to tools, supported by strategic training, the company drove 95% adoption rate and sparked over 1,000 crowdsourced custom GPTs. Carey explains how the company built trust by reframing AI as a "bargain" to trade mundane tasks for high-value strategic work. She also details the company's evolution from using AI for basic information gathering to utilizing it for complex decision-making and upcoming "agentic AI" workflows for processes like underwriting and background checks. Carey argues that as AI becomes a "great equalizer" for technical skills, the true competitive advantage lies in balancing technological speed with authentic human connection and the power of human imagination. ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Stop patching problems and start designing an intentional workplace. The 8 Laws of Employee Experience gives you the how. Order your copy: 8EXlaws.com

The old playbooks for leadership no longer apply when your top performers might never step foot in a traditional office. It's time to move past the superficial logistics of where people sit and uncover the specific cultural habits that maintain high standards and relentless speed as your organization evolves. In this episode, LJ Brock, Chief People Officer at Coinbase, joins me to explore the high-stakes evolution of leading a remote-first organization that scales without losing its competitive edge. We dive into the practical reality of managing 5,000 global employees, moving beyond the "return to office" debate to discuss Coinbase's "magnet, not mandate" hub strategy and their recent pivot toward mandatory quarterly in-person sessions designed specifically for execution. LJ pulls back the curtain on the unique operating system that powers their culture—including the bold decision to outlaw committees—and shares the specific decision-making frameworks, like the Directly Responsible Individual (DRI) and Problem Proposed Solution (PPS) models, that ensure individual accountability remains front and center. From tackling the nuances of performance management and asynchronous collaboration to leveraging AI for future efficiency, this conversation is a must-watch for CHROs who want to build a high-performance culture that prioritizes measurable results over physical proximity. ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—order a copy here: 8EXlaws.com

Nick Saban's Five Enemies of Greatness reveal how entitlement, lack of discipline, circumstances, self pity, and complacency quietly destroy leadership performance. This episode breaks down how leaders can spot and eliminate these threats before they take over.Host: Paul FalavolitoConnect with me on your favorite platform: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, BlueSky, Threads, LinkTree, YouTubeView my website for free leadership resources and exclusive merchandise: www.paulfalavolito.comBooks by Paul FalavolitoThe 7 Minute Leadership® Handbook: bit.ly/48J8zFGThe Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/4lnT1PfThe 7 Minute Leadership® Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4ij0g8yThe Leader's Book of Secrets: http://bit.ly/4oeGzCI

Sometimes the best leadership wisdom fits on a Post-it note. In this Success Leaves Clues episode of Empowering Leaders, Luke asks his guests for the one piece of advice they keep returning to. The answers range from the disarmingly simple to the deeply strategic. “Wake up each day and don’t be a wanker.” Keep the team at the centre but honour the individual. Keep dreaming and prepare for your chance. Catch people doing things right. Coach the way you’d want someone to coach your own kids. Lean into authenticity, even when it costs you. Say yes to leadership, even if you doubt yourself. And get to know yourself properly, especially the things you’d rather avoid. These are small sentences that shape entire cultures. Find the full episodes right here: Natalie Kyriacou: Leadership during the Climate Crisis Emma Hayes LIVE from London: For Women, By Women, Football & Beyond Bruce McAvaney: The voice behind the most unforgettable moments in Australian sport Todd Duncan: The 10 Word Question You Need To Ask Every Client Mike Brey: From Notre Dame to the NBA Brad Harrison: A Warrior’s Take on AI, Ayahuasca, and the Future of Defence Jacinda Ardern: The Cost and the Power of Compassionate Leadership Pippa Grange: Leading with Soul in a World Obsessed with Winning Many of the leaders featured in this episode are members of our Aleda Connect community. To discover how you can learn and grow in a group alongside leaders like them, book a discovery call today and learn more about our signature program. Learn. Lead. Collaborate. Start your leadership journey today. Head here to find out more about our signature, cross industry collaboration program, Aleda Connect. Curated and facilitated by experts, running for 8 fortnightly sessions, Aleda Connect is the learning experience of a life-time. Book a discovery call today. Empowering Leaders is proudly partnered with Victoria University. Find more information about studying at VU here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when activist investors call your multi-billion dollar acquisition the "single worst deal of the decade"? Most leadership teams would panic, but NRG Energy did the opposite: they doubled down on their people. While most large-scale acquisitions look great on a spreadsheet, they often fail because leadership loses sight of the human energy behind the numbers. In this episode, Peter Johnson, SVP and Head of Talent and Culture at NRG, reveals how his team navigated the acquisition of Vivint—a deal that tripled their workforce to 16,000 employees and was publicly condemned by activist investors as the "single worst deal" in the sector. While the announcement triggered a 25% stock crash, their leadership's commitment to a strategic "North Star" and a "don't crush the butterfly" cultural philosophy eventually drove a staggering 420% stock recovery. Peter explores the raw challenges of an 18-month integration, from the technical hurdles of migrating 16,000 employees between competing HR systems to the deeply emotional task of harmonizing job titles across disparate industries. By prioritizing the "why" behind the change and fostering a unified "One NRG" identity, the company successfully blended traditional corporate discipline with tech-forward innovation, nearly doubling employee engagement and proving that human-centric leadership is a massive financial win. If you're a CHRO, this episode shows what real value creation looks like when people come first.   ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—preorder a copy here: 8EXlaws.com

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, the bestselling author of Good Inside, and the founder of a parenting platform used by millions. Known for her practical, psychology-based approach to parenting, Dr. Becky shares how the same principles that help parents raise resilient children can make you a much more effective leader. In this conversation, she breaks down why all human systems—whether families or companies—operate on the same fundamental principles, and how understanding these dynamics can make you more effective in every relationship.We discuss:1. Why repair—not perfection—defines strong leadership2. Why you need to connect before you correct to build cooperation and trust3. The “most generous interpretation” framework for handling difficult behaviors4. How to correctly set boundaries (vs. making requests)5. The power of “I believe you, and I believe in you”6. What it looks like to be a “sturdy” leader—Brought to you by:Merge—Fast, secure integrations for your products and agents: https://merge.dev/lennyMetaview—The AI platform for recruiting: https://metaview.ai/lennyFramer—Builder better websites faster: https://framer.com/lenny—Episode transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/dr-becky-on-the-surprising-overlap—Archive of all Lenny's Podcast transcripts: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/yxi4s2w998p1gvtpu4193/AMdNPR8AOw0lMklwtnC0TrQ?rlkey=j06x0nipoti519e0xgm23zsn9&st=ahz0fj11&dl=0—Where to find Dr. Becky Kennedy:• X: https://x.com/GoodInside• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbecky• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbeckyatgoodinside• Website: https://www.goodinside.com—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Becky Kennedy(05:14) Connecting parenting and leadership(08:40) The power of repair(11:05) Connecting before correcting(17:45) Good Inside framework at work(22:08) The most generous interpretation (MGI)(25:46) Curiosity over judgment(27:07) Understanding behavior change(31:08) What potty training can teach us about workplace behavior(34:40) Naming your intention(35:41) Sturdy leadership(40:52) How to set boundaries well(46:33) The role of leadership and consensus(50:50) The importance of being “locatable”(52:40) A powerful story of betrayal and realization(57:12) Building resilience over happiness(01:00:34) The power of the phrase “I believe you, and I believe in you.”(01:09:08) The Good Inside community and resources(01:16:22) AI corner(01:19:52) Good Inside's mission(01:22:26) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Shreyas Doshi on pre-mortems, the LNO framework, the three levels of product work, why most execution problems are strategy problems, and ROI vs. opportunity cost thinking: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/episode-3-shreyas-doshi• Radical Candor: From theory to practice with author Kim Scott: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/radical-candor-from-theory-to-practice• From ChatGPT to Instagram to Uber: The quiet architect behind the world's most popular products | Peter Deng: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/the-quiet-architect-peter-deng• Punch: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_(play)• Figma: https://www.figma.com• Andrew Hogan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahhogan• Replit: https://replit.com• Behind the product: Replit | Amjad Masad (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/behind-the-product-replit-amjad-masad• Lovable: https://lovable.dev• Building Lovable: $10M ARR in 60 days with 15 people | Anton Osika (co-founder and CEO): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-lovable-anton-osika• Claude: https://claude.ai• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com• Secrets We Keep on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81697668• K Pop Demon Hunters on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81498621• Liberty puzzles: https://libertypuzzles.com—Recommended books:• Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kick-Ass-Humanity/dp/1250235375• Good Inside: A Practical Guide to Resilient Parenting Prioritizing Connection Over Correction: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Inside-Guide-Becoming-Parent/dp/0063159481• Leave Me Alone!: A Good Inside Story About Deeply Feeling Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Leave-Me-Alone-Inside-Feeling/dp/1250413117• The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Moments-Certain-Experiences-Extraordinary/dp/1501147765/• The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture: https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Middle-Finding-Through-Hardest/dp/0735218072• Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration: https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-Inc-Expanded-Overcoming-Inspiration/dp/0593594649—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com

AI can handle entry-level tasks today, but at what cost to your future leadership? Many companies are accidentally "hollowing out" their talent pipeline by cutting junior roles, creating a massive gap that will haunt them in five years. Efficiency today shouldn't come at the expense of your leaders tomorrow. How do we thoughtfully architect the future workforce to prioritize the health and depth of the leadership bench? In this episode, Melanie Tinto, CHRO of Grainger, joins us to explore how the company utilizes Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) to ensure a "tech powered, human led" organization that balances automation with career development. This discipline informs every aspect of Grainger's talent strategy, from navigating the impact of AI to addressing talent shortages. We look into the necessity of viewing workforce planning as a mirror to financial planning, focusing on the strategic migration of roles and skills rather than simple headcount reduction. Key highlights include managing the surge of AI-generated job applications, the importance of foundational talent programs such as maintaining the campus recruiting "spigot," and transitioning toward a skills-based organization through internal upskilling and "build vs. buy" strategies. This episode is the CHROs' blueprint to become strategic visionaries who stay three moves ahead of market disruption. Discover how to master these critical "chess moves" before the talent gap becomes irreversible.   ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com  

Imagine an eighty-year-old grandmother discussing Russian literature with ChatGPT in her native tongue; it is a powerful reminder that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality that bridges generations. For CHROs, the challenge is not simply the technology itself, but rather shifting the human behaviour that interacts with these tools. In this episode, Joanne Rodgers, the CHRO of New York Life, shares the strategic roadmap used to scale AI adoption across 24,000 employees and agents by focusing on the mindset, skill set, and tool set. We explored the firm's Ignite AI initiative, which prioritised responsible AI and AI training, remarkably leading to the creation of over 10,000 self-made GPTs. We look into how they integrated mandatory AI goals into performance reviews while maintaining a strict human-in-the-loop governance model to protect the employee experience. Moreover, Joanne highlights the success of their career hub and talent marketplace, explaining how time-bound gigs have boosted internal mobility to 40%. This discussion is your fresh playbook in change management, demonstrating how to foster employee engagement and upskilling in a rapidly evolving landscape without sacrificing the essential human element. ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com

Today, I'm joined by Jacob Morgan—a futurist, 5x bestselling author, and one of the world's leading authorities on leadership and the future of work. Jacob is also the host of the Great Leadership podcast and a highly sought-after keynote speaker.In this episode, Jacob shares his candid thoughts on how leadership is evolving in 2026, why accountability is the most overlooked skill in today's workplace, and what it really takes to create future-ready organizations. We explore the myth of consensus, the limits of empathy, and how strong communication builds trust even when teams disagree.Jacob also discusses how the pandemic reshaped leadership expectations, why perks can't replace purpose, and how great leaders communicate with clarity and conviction—especially when it's hard.Let's dive in.Additional Resources:► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/► Connect with Jacob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmorgan8/► Learn more about Jacob's work: www.thefutureorganization.com► Order Jacob's book: https://thefutureorganization.com/books/► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com

Scaling a massive workforce culture often fails because the big-picture strategy never reaches the people on the front line. What is the real secret to consistent growth future-ready leaders should know to scale culture within a massive organization of 130,000 employees? In this episode, I sat down with Chipotle COO Jason Kidd to explore how culture actually scales through systems, standards, and leadership discipline. Jason breaks down the discipline of "mastering the mundane," a strategy that ensures every department—from the CHRO to marketing and finance—is perfectly aligned to support the front line. We discussed how Chipotle achieves an incredible 80–90% internal promotion rate for General Managers by identifying "happy people" with a competitive drive and utilising "Avacado," more often called "Ava," their AI-driven recruitment assistant, to remove friction from the hiring process. For executive leaders, Jason provides a masterclass in granular succession planning, revealing how they forecast leadership needs up to four years in advance to sustain rapid growth. This episode highlights that while technology like AI serves as a powerful "assist," the human touch and leadership intuition remain the essential ingredients for scaling a high-performance culture.   ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com  

Cap Watkins was most recently VP of Product Design at Lattice, and previously he's held design leadership roles at Amazon, Etsy, BuzzFeed, and Primary.com. Cap started his management career as an experiment after experiencing bad management himself, deciding to do the opposite of everything he'd hated from previous managers. On today's show we chat about the basics of great management, why design lost its craft over the past decade, how senior ICs influence without authority, and how to make any project exciting enough to build your reputation.Timestamps:02:16 – Cap's intro06:46 – Management basics: transparency, showing up, and treating people like adults09:24 – Should you try management or stay on the IC track?12:08 – How to avoid being a bad manager when you're starting out19:24 – Building divisive opinions and culture through transparency20:26 – How senior ICs influence without formal authority25:40 – How design lost its craft and became too strategic28:28 – The hiring crisis: from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 pass rates36:40 – Making boring projects exciting44:14 – End of show questionsConnect with CapLinkedInSelected links from the episodeManaging Humans, by RandsTurn The Ship Around, by Lt. David MarquetThe Making of a Manager, by Julie Zhou

When a longtime CEO steps down, it's not just a change in leadership—it's a shift in the organization's heartbeat. After 40 years of service, Williams faced exactly that moment: a legacy to honor, a culture to protect, and a future to build. But how do you preserve stability while ushering in transformation? In this episode, Debbie Pickle, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Williams, talks about orchestrating a seamless CEO succession  after long tenures and the CHRO's pivotal role in managing the culture, priorities, and structure during these executive transitions. She walks through creating a CEO Resource Guide, using tools like Hogan Assessments, 360 feedback, and development plans to prepare candidates, and crafting a thoughtful 30–60–90-day plan for the incoming CEO. Debbie also shares how Williams redefined its core values and replaced its mission and vision with a purpose statement, all while aligning the board of directors through strong governance principles like "noses in, fingers out." CHROs will learn all tips into managing leadership transitions through feedback loop, the importance of continuous learning during change, and how to become a true strategic partner and CEO whisperer in the organization. You'll learn how to guide your company through its next defining leadership chapter and balance what's changing vs. what's staying the same.   ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXlaws.com

The world of work didn't just change, it fundamentally broke the old rules. Forget just 'adapting'—this episode is your essential guide to understanding the radical shifts currently squeezing CHROs and how to build a team that can truly withstand them. In this special episode, we revisit three of our most important conversations from the past year. Entrepreneur and author Mark Matson reframes the American Dream for the modern workplace, revealing how distorted mindsets—entitlement, resentment, and "juicy victimhood"—are limiting performance more than circumstances ever could, and what leaders can do to revive accountability and ownership. Endurance expert and best-selling author Alex Hutchinson shows how the science of athletic training applies directly to leadership today, from managing chronic stress to sustaining creativity and peak performance. And Stephen Schmidt, Chief Security Officer at Amazon, breaks down why the biggest AI threats aren't technical at all, but human—rooted in behavior, trust, and a lack of guardrails. Together, these segments surface a simple truth: the future belongs to leaders who can build personal responsibility, manage stress like an athlete, and create a culture strong enough to withstand the risks of an AI-powered world.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—preorder a copy here: 8EXlaws.com  

For many leaders, "transformation at scale" feels like an impossible task—especially when employees are overwhelmed, technology is accelerating, and expectations about the future of work keep shifting. But Norfolk Southern has done this successfully in one of the toughest environments imaginable: a 200-year-old freight railroad with a safety-sensitive, unionized workforce. And in this episode, you'll hear how. Annie Adams, CHRO and former Chief Transformation Officer, shows what operational excellence powered by AI really looks like in practice. You'll learn how she led a headquarters relocation to Atlanta, built a future-ready corporate headquarters around employee experience, and used guiding principles like clear communication, leader toolkits, and discretionary effort to manage transformation fatigue. Annie dives into how Norfolk Southern "puts the AI in railroad" through innovations like digital train inspection portals, machine vision, on-edge computing, and 75+ algorithms that turn "finders into fixers." She also breaks down how their data science team uses predictive maintenance to model track wear, how giving frontline employees mobile tools has improved the way work gets done, and how Copilot is helping leaders make sense of 26,000+ employee survey comments. She shares cultural anchors like their SPIRIT values and the iconic Lake Pontchartrain recovery story that reveals the company's deep commitment to innovation and purpose. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

AI is failing most companies, trapping employees in digital exhaustion. The real problem isn't the technology, but the organization itself. Forget fixing your models—the path to true transformation is redesigning your workflows, structure, and human collaboration to finally work with AI. In this episode, Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean, unpacks insights from the Work Transformation 100 study, revealing what 100+ leaders, technologists, and researchers are doing differently to make AI actually work. You'll learn how AI needs to be embedded in the flow of work, why organizational structure eats AI for breakfast, how centralization and decentralization must coexist, and how leaders can avoid automating the soul of work by preserving ownership, creativity, and accountability. Rebecca breaks down the emerging collaboration between HR and IT, the rise of agentic workflows, the role of telemetry data in measuring AI adoption, and why flattening org charts for the sake of AI often backfires. She also shares real examples of bottom-up and top-down AI change, the impact of digital exhaustion, and the critical importance of redesigning processes and incentives before redesigning technology. This episode is every CHRO's playbook to lead AI transformation with human insight, organizational clarity, and people-first strategy, not hype.   ________________ This Episode is sponsored by Glean: The AI Transformation 100 is here — Glean's Work AI Institute reveals what's really working with AI at work The AI Transformation 100, authored by Dr. Rebecca Hinds, Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean and Stanford's Bob Sutton surfaces 100 hard-won lessons from leaders actually deploying AI at scale. It's not about what AI could do — it's about what works, what fails, and what companies have to get right to make AI real. One takeaway: AI doesn't fix broken systems. It amplifies them. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

Ego blinds us.I've lived this. I've seen it in organizations, I've seen it in leaders I admired. The moments where they tried so hard to be the one who had the answers…but forgot the job isn't to be right. It's to get it right.Ego is the great destroyer of leadership. But humility? That's the great builder of people.Today, we're going to talk about what ego looks like, why it happens, and how great leaders avoid the fall.Let's dive in!

In our ongoing series about the creative process of building a studio, we've covered when and how to hire a team. But what happens when a hire isn't the right fit? I'm pulling back the curtain on a lesson that cost me months of energy and a piece of my confidence as a leader. You'll often know by week three or four when a new hire isn't going to make it, and waiting six months to act isn't just costly, it's a failure of leadership. I share the difference between a coachable skill gap and a fundamental values misalignment. Discover the two questions that immediately clarify your next move and the three clear, documented conversations you must have before making the final decision. This episode provides a clear, direct process to protect your creative work and act with grace and clarity, because your vision is worth protecting. Chapters 00:00 - An Expensive Lesson in Waiting: Why I Didn't Act for Six Months 01:30 - The Six-Month Rule: Knowing When It's Time to Make a Clear Decision 02:40 - Coaching vs. Cutting Loose: When to Invest in Skill vs. Values 04:05 - Making It Better or Just Different: The Two Defining Questions 04:55 - The Three Clear Conversations Before You Let Someone Go 07:05 - How to Have the Firing Conversation: Clarity is Kindness 08:45 - The Cost of Waiting and Why Acting Fast is Great Leadership 10:40 - Am I Coaching Because I Believe or Because I'm Afraid?   Support the Show Website: https://www.martineseverin.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martine.severin/ | https://www.instagram.com/thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.martineseverin.substack.com/ This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Daniel Espinosa.  

Automation and AI are rewriting the rules of work, leaving CHROs grappling with a challenge to preserve humanity that fuels innovation. When technology starts moving faster than people, the real test of leadership begins. In this episode, CHRO Katie Watson shares how she's leading an AI revolution without losing the heart of business at Western Digital, a 55-year-old tech company powering the world's data. We explore how Western Digital is modernizing every corner of its workforce—from fully automated "lights-out" factories in Thailand to AI-assisted engineering and HR systems—while protecting what makes work meaningful. Katie shares how upskilling programs have helped thousands of employees transition into higher-value roles, why "AI champions" are key to driving adoption, and how human connection must remain at the center of digital change. She also discusses how HR and business leaders can govern AI responsibly, build comfort with experimentation, and help employees see technology as a collaborator rather than a threat. The tension between innovation and humanity begins as the AI takeover lingers, but the future of work isn't about choosing between people or technology, but learning how they can grow stronger together. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

“Great leadership starts with great self-leadership” is a mantra that lies at the heart of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. This is why I am thrilled to share this episode, where I welcome Margaret C. Andrews, a seasoned executive and leadership expert, who shares the intriguing backstory behind her book, Manage Yourself to Lead Others, which was inspired by a pivotal moment when she was told she lacked self-awareness. This experience led her to explore the vital connection between understanding oneself and effective, sustainable leadership.Listen in as we guide you through an enlightening exercise to reflect on the traits of your best boss, revealing that a remarkable 85% of these qualities fall under the realm of soft skills or emotional intelligence. Margaret and I address a listener's question on self-awareness, offering methods like 360-degree feedback to gain a clearer understanding of one's impact. The episode continues to explore the challenges of addressing self-awareness and providing constructive feedback, using the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model to enhance clarity and constructiveness. Our discussion invites you to reconsider what truly makes a great leader and the critical role of empathy and effective communication in leadership.Enhancing team dynamics is also a focal point of our conversation, with insights into creating personal user manuals and team charters to foster effective teamwork. Margaret shares strategies for transitioning from a subject matter expert to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of intentional leadership. We explore managing up with a boss who lacks self-awareness, highlighting self-care and mental health as crucial components of professional success. As we conclude, we underscore the importance of self-awareness in how we perceive our intentions versus how others feel our impacts, advocating for a mindful approach to leadership that balances transparency and resilience.What You'll Learn- The power and importance of self-awareness in effective leadership.- How to enhance emotional intelligence for better team dynamics.- Leveraging 360-feedback for professional development.- Techniques for delivering impactful and constructive feedback.- Ways to align intentions with actions to foster trust within a team.- Methods to build resilience in personal and professional settings.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – Manage Yourself to Lead Others(09:48) – Soft Skills Are the Heart of Great Leadership(16:55) – Navigating Feedback Conversations to Build Self-Awareness(25:04) – Managing Up(38:37) – Share Your User Manual(42:22) – The Power of Team Charters(47:15) – Vulnerability and Building Resilience(56:16) – Intentions Versus Impacts KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Team Dynamics, Feedback, Personal Growth, Communication, Resilience, Soft Skills, Mental Health, Vulnerability, Transparency, Leading with Intention, Fostering Collaboration, User Manuals, Team Charters, CEO Success

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden dive into what they call “The Great Leadership Reset”. A shift happening across teams, industries, and the job market as expectations for leaders rise and the tolerance for being merely “average” disappears. They break down what it actually means to outperform the norm, why so many leaders get stuck in outdated habits, and how to reset your mindset so you can lead with intention, ownership, and real influence. If you've been feeling the pressure to elevate your performance or redefine how you show up at work, this conversation will help you see what “beating average” truly looks like in today's world.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION In this episode, we explore the privilege, responsibility, and transformational power of leadership. Drawing from Jack Welch's iconic principle that leaders exist to grow others, we dig into what it really means to set the tone, lift people up, and create a culture where teams can thrive. You'll hear a brand-new leadership song capturing the heart of modern leadership: using your words as tools, your emotions as instruments, and your presence as a force for clarity, calm, and inspiration. We dive into the essential question every leader must answer: "What type of leader do you choose to be?" Whether you lead a team, a business, a project, or a community, this episode will challenge you to rise above management and step fully into influence. The best leaders aren't loud — they're aligned, intentional, and quietly powerful. By the end, you'll understand why the greatest leaders are often the ones people barely notice… until they see the extraordinary results.   Free link to CZ6 Sales and Business Growth community group   https://lfbbcz6sales.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/b366de1c-363e-4bd3-b840-4a6e3d2497fa   3. Unlock Exclusive Tools and Resources   Members get free access to:   Live online sessions and mini-workshops Templates and green sheet tools Action checklists and diagnostics Sales mindset and visualisation training Early invitations to events and certifications "You'll start using the same tools we use with CEOs, executives, and sales teams across industries."   Join Free. Learn Fast. Grow Strong.   No hidden fees. No spam. Just real strategies, tools, and support to help you sell more, lead better, and grow your business.  

While technology is transforming work, the real competitive advantage lies in human curiosity, creativity, and connection—because AI can optimize efficiency, but only people can create joy. In this episode, Deborah Borg, Chief People and Culture Officer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), joins us to explore how one of the world's most innovative companies is reimagining talent strategy through the fusion of AI, analytics, and human creativity. Deborah shares how IFF—home to the scents, flavors, and enzymes found in everyday products—builds its people strategy around both science and soul. She walks through the entire talent lifecycle, from AI-assisted recruiting and predictive analytics in engagement to apprenticeship-based mentoring for niche roles like perfumers and scientists. The conversation unpacks how IFF balances technology with human judgment, ensuring cultural fit and creativity remain central as AI accelerates hiring and decision-making. Deborah also reveals how IFF's cross-functional AI Council governs innovation responsibly, enabling experimentation without losing the human touch. ------------ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/   Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

When a leader reaches the top, the climb doesn't stop, it just changes shape. The real challenge isn't getting to the corner office, it's knowing how to stay relevant, resilient, and ready for what's next. The best CEOs don't just lead well once; they lead well through change, mastering the cycles of their own growth. In this episode, I sit down with Kurt Strovink, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Global Head of McKinsey's CEO Practice, to break down the cyclical nature of leadership from his book A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership. Drawing from research on 200 high-performing CEOs, we explore the four seasons of leadership—stepping up, starting strong, staying ahead, and sending it forward—and what distinguishes those who sustain excellence over time. We dive into how cognitive diversity strengthens decision-making, servant leadership keeps power grounded in purpose, and renewal strategies prevent success from breeding complacency. We also explore how great CEOs develop resilience under pressure and create leadership factories that outlast them. This episode offers CHROs a playbook to help leaders evolve through every phase of their journey, and build organizations capable of thriving through every season of change. ------------ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Looking for what actually moves the needle on performance and retention? It's in The 8 Laws of Employee Experience. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

Growth tests the soul of every organization. As companies expand, consistency often replaces compassion—but CAVA proves you can scale without losing humanity. With 400 restaurants and 12,000 team members, CAVA has built a culture that's as grounded as it is consistent through a people framework rooted in heart, health, and humanity. In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Costanza, Chief People Officer of CAVA, to unpack exactly how they've done it—diving into their MVC framework (Mission, Values, and Competencies) that turns ideals into action. We explore their recognition systems like MVC Awards and Value Cards, the CCT Program that trains leaders as culture coaches, and Impact Plans that replace performance reviews with real-time growth. Kelly also shares how CAVA brings connection to life through the Love Button and Allies in Motion (AIM) programs, integrates culture across the employee lifecycle, and balances AI innovation with human warmth. This episode offers every CHRO a practical look at how to bring values to life, connect them to performance, and make culture come alive. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

What makes a great leader? Olympian Sherry Winn and executive Aaron Battista explore how true leadership begins with understanding yourself first.In this episode, they discuss:Why self-awareness is the foundation of strong leadershipHow confidence and humility work hand in handLessons from real-world experience—not theoryIt's a thoughtful conversation about leadership, growth, and the mindset needed to make a lasting impact. Listen now and discover how the best leaders lead from within.#TALRadio #Leadership #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #OlympicMinds #WinningLeadership #SherryWinn #Touchalife#TALRadio

Uber moves more than 36 million trips a day, a scale that would overwhelm most systems. But as AI reshapes every corner of business, even a tech giant like Uber must evolve faster than ever. The real question is, how do you lead an organization this massive through an AI revolution without losing reliability, human connection, or trust? In this episode, I sit down with Praveen Neppalli Naga, Uber's Chief Technology Officer for Mobility and Delivery, to explore the leadership blueprint driving Uber's AI-powered transformation. He shares how Uber is transforming its software engineering systems using tools like Cursor and agentic AI workflows, integrating machine learning into real-time marketplace technology, and balancing automation with human oversight to avoid what he calls "AI slop." We also dive into how his teams are preparing for autonomous vehicles, managing global scale across 36 million daily trips, and rethinking the engineering culture to adopt AI responsibly and sustainably. For CHROs, this episode reveals how to lead large-scale transformation by aligning people, technology, and purpose, and how to build a culture where AI doesn't replace human capability, but amplifies it.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Future-ready organizations are built, not hoped for. My latest book, -The 8 Laws of Employee Experience shows how. Preorder here: 8EXLaws.com

In this episode of The Executive Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders and author of The Future Begins with Z, to explore one of the most pressing challenges — and greatest opportunities — facing today's executives: leading Generation Z.As the age of authority declines and the age of maturity rises, leaders are navigating a new reality. Gen Z employees bring intuition, innovation, and digital fluency — yet often enter the workforce still developing key soft skills and emotional intelligence. With millions of seasoned workers retiring and a smaller generation stepping in to fill the gap, getting this right isn't optional — it's essential.Dr. Elmore shares nine practical strategies for engaging, developing, and retaining Gen Z talent, including how to:Interview and onboard younger employees for long-term successDeliver firm feedback while protecting fragile confidenceMotivate, mentor, and manage across generationsEquip emerging leaders whose EQ matches their IQIf you're ready to move from frustration to fascination — and turn generational differences into a competitive advantage — this conversation is for you.The future of leadership begins now… and it begins with Z.About Tim ElmoreDr. Tim Elmore is founder of Growing Leaders (GrowingLeaders.com), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. His work grew out of 20 years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today, and he's been featured on CNN's Headline News, Fox Business, Newsmax TV and Fox and Friends to talk about leading multiple generations in the marketplace. He has written over 35 books, including Habitudes: Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes, Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership, and A New Kind of Diversity: Making the Different Generations on Your Team a Competitive Advantage. His latest book, The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z As They Upset the Workplace, is out now. You can find his work at: TimElmore.com.

As companies race to adapt to the rapid AI takeover, many are discovering that their biggest challenge isn't technological change, but knowing what their people can actually do. For CHROs, this means gaining real visibility into workforce skills, so they can move beyond job titles and legacy systems to make faster, smarter talent decisions. In this episode, Mikael Wornoo, Co-Founder and President of TechWolf, joins us to explore how AI and data are reshaping the future of HR through the rise of the skill-based organization—a model that looks beyond job titles to map, measure, and mobilize employee skills at scale. We unpack how organizations can build clean, standardized data layers to power smarter workforce decisions, enable internal mobility through AI-driven talent marketplaces, and forecast future skill needs amid accelerating automation. The conversation also dives into the limits of AI in capturing "invisible skills" like empathy and collaboration, the leadership mindset needed to balance human judgment with machine intelligence, and what the future of work and education might look like in an age of human–AI collaboration. A must-listen for CHROs who want to evolve from HR management to strategic workforce design and lead their organizations confidently into the AI era. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The real challenge for today's HR leaders isn't adopting AI, but ensuring people still feel seen, heard, and valued in a world shaped by it. Today's CHROs face a powerful question: how can we design organizations that are as human as they are high-performing? At Novartis, this challenge sparked a bold rethink of what it means to lead, grow, and belong. In this episode, Rob Kowalski, Chief People and Organization Officer at Novartis, shares how the company is reimagining HR through human-centered experiences that transform culture into a living system. He unpacks Novartis' Inspired, Curious, and Unbossed culture framework, the "behaviors in action" that make culture discussable, and programs like Future Me that redefine career growth through lattices instead of ladders. Rob also explores how storytelling connects every employee—scientists to HR teams—to patient impact, why leaders must balance empowerment with accountability, and how "unbossed" leadership is reshaping management itself. From AI coaching tools to redefining what growth and retention really mean, this conversation gives CHROs a fresh blueprint for building organizations that are truly human by design. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What does it take to build a culture so strong that it powers 68 ships, 100,000 employees, and 12 million ecstatic guests each year? In this episode, Richard Fain, former CEO and current Chairman of Royal Caribbean Group, shares how he led the company's evolution from a small cruise line into a $16 billion global powerhouse by anchoring performance in purpose and people. Drawing from his new book, Delivering the WoW: Culture as a Catalyst for Lasting Success, Richard unpacks the mindset behind Royal Caribbean's growth—from defining culture as a shared North Star to prioritizing fit over fitness in hiring and leadership. He explains how the company grew leaders through cross-functional rotations, built transparency through metrics like guest satisfaction and employee Net Promoter Scores, and created alignment through a shared “culture dashboard.” Along the way, he highlights lessons from bold innovations like the VR Innovation Lab—and even a runaway blimp experiment—that shaped a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Every CHRO who believes culture is the new competitive advantage will find in this episode the proof and the playbook for making it real.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What if business leaders cared for their employees the way loving parents care for their children? That simple, profound shift of treating employees like family actually became the engine behind a $4 billion global success story. In this episode, Bob Chapman, Chairman of Barry-Wehmiller, also known as The CEO Who Put Humanity Back into Business, pulls back the curtain on how to build an organization that seamlessly combines economic strength with genuine human care. He explains how Barry-Wehmiller grew from an $18 million struggling manufacturer into a $4 billion global company by designing a balanced business model and fueling it with a “culture of care.” Bob also breaks down the three teachable skills behind his leadership philosophy: empathetic listening, recognition and celebration, and a culture of service. He also advocates for “hard love, not layoffs,” aiming for natural attrition and efficient design instead of job cuts because fear-based management, and short-term thinking destroy both people and performance. He even addresses the role of AI in business, arguing that technology can enhance humanity when guided by leaders who care. For CHROs leading cultural transformation, this episode offers a blueprint for turning human care into a lasting competitive advantage. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Active Listening in Leadership Michael and Mick explored why active listening is at the core of great leadership. Rather than listening just to reply, they emphasized listening to truly understand — making people feel seen and valued. Mick shared a recent insight from the “experience revolution,” where 75% of client satisfaction is based on how people feel, not just on what gets done. Together, they highlighted how leaders can build stronger teams by asking questions like, “What are you proud of that we may not be recognizing?” Loyalty Beyond Reason in Hospitality Michael reflected on his personal loyalty to certain hotels, often choosing them over more convenient options. He compared this to sports stadiums and entertainment venues that deliver unforgettable experiences, inspiring loyalty that defies logic. Mick expanded on this concept of “loyalty beyond reason,” sharing lessons from global stadium designers who helped shape experiences for the World Cup and Olympics. Experiences Over Material Possessions Michael shared how he and his wife prioritize experiences over material goods, recognizing that memories last far longer than products like appliances or smartphones. Experiences spark creativity, curiosity, and joy, and he explained how leaders who design meaningful client experiences not only enrich their work but also strengthen long-term relationships and outcomes. Harmony in Work and Life Mick reframed the common idea of “work-life balance” into a broader vision of life integration. He encouraged leaders to step away from rigid linear thinking and embrace space for creativity and lateral ideas. With finite time, he advised finding mentors who offer honest feedback and guidance. Michael echoed these insights, noting that harmony — not balance — is what allows people to thrive personally and professionally. Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth The conversation turned to resilience and growth under pressure. Michael stressed the importance of focusing on what can be controlled — mindset, habits, and health — while Mick used his “orange juice” analogy to illustrate that how we respond to challenges reveals our preparation. Both agreed that being challenged is vital to staying relevant and avoiding stagnation, especially when surrounded by people who care enough to push us forward. Networking and Next Steps To close, Michael and Mick discussed ways listeners can continue learning from Mick's work through his Instagram, LinkedIn, and website. The conversation underscored how leadership rooted in listening, loyalty, and life integration can transform both personal growth and organizational success. Website:  https://www.2blimitless.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-todd-a887b313/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/2blimitless/?hl=en    

In this inspiring episode of the Sisterhood of Sweat, host Linda Mitchell welcomes back Tricia Brouk—award-winning director, author, founder of The Big Talk Academy, and creator of The Wise Leopard. Together, they dive into Tricia's new book Being Smart Is Stupid: Why Embracing the Wisdom of Your Buddha Nature Is the Secret to Great Leadership. This conversation explores how true leadership comes from intuition, emotional intelligence, and humility—not intellect or control. Tricia shares stories from her multi-decade career, her three companies, and her belief that communication with dignity, curiosity, and respect can unite us across differences. Here's a polished Apple Podcasts description for your Sisterhood of Sweat episode with Tricia Brouk — including intro, questions, themes, and links:

CHROs today face a pressing mandate: how to build cultures of clarity and belonging while navigating hybrid work, rising employee expectations, and the disruptive pace of AI. The risk of drifting into transactional cultures is real, yet so is the opportunity to shape organizations where culture drives performance and technology enables growth. The question for CHROs is, how do you create alignment while preparing your workforce for what's next? In this episode, Paulo Pisano, EVP and CHRO at Booking Holdings—and the leader shaping the Future of Work for 24,000 employees—shares how culture and AI intersect to redefine leadership. He explains why culture is ultimately about how people get things done, why clarity is the cornerstone of inclusion, and what it means to bring your “whole professional self” to work. Paulo also addresses polarizing topics at work, the trade-offs of remote versus office culture, and how employee sentiment, trust in leadership, and decision effectiveness can be measured as cultural indicators. Finally, he offers a forward-looking view on how generative and agentic AI—through both HR applications and customer-facing tools—are accelerating productivity and experimentation, and what this means for reskilling and the future role of HR in shaping culture.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

We've all had that moment: working at a job we dislike, then moving to a nearly identical role at a different company, and suddenly loving it. The work didn't change, the industry didn't change, and the location didn't change. So what did? The answer is the environment. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore why employee experience has become the foundation of modern workplaces. Drawing on research, case studies, and over 150 executive interviews, I share why employee experience is not about perks, but about fundamentally changing how organizations shape the environment in which work gets done. Every employee's experience comes down to three things: culture, technology, and physical space. Organizations can't control the work employees choose to do, but they can control the environment around it, and that environment determines whether people love or hate their jobs.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The future of work is unfolding faster than anyone expected, and leaders are scrambling to keep up. In this special Best of the Quarter episode, we revisit two standout conversations that tackle the future of work from very different, yet complementary angles. Charlotte Eaton, Chief People Officer at Arm, shares how the company is rolling out AI tools to thousands of employees, the cultural shifts required to keep pace with rapid technological change, and the risks of outsourcing human thinking to machines. Joe Hart, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie, explores why timeless human skills like empathy, trust, and confidence are more vital than ever, especially as younger generations enter the workforce and AI reshapes how we work. Together, these episodes reveal that the future of work isn't about choosing between people or technology—it's about how leaders bring both together. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Bad leadership doesn't just hurt engagement. It can literally hurt people. Studies show that working under a poor leader is one of the leading causes of stress, contributing to health issues like cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, great leaders don't just make work enjoyable. They shape culture, values, and even society itself. In today's Leadership Spark, I explore why leadership matters more than ever and what it will take to be a leader in the future. I share insights from my extensive research, including interviews with 140 CEOs from some of the world's biggest organizations and a global LinkedIn study with nearly 14,000 employees. Together, these conversations reveal how leadership is being redefined in the face of AI, globalization, and the changing expectations of employees, and why every leader needs to rethink their role as a lighthouse for the future. ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What does it really take to lead one of the world's largest organizations through massive disruption and into the future? When the business collapsed overnight during the pandemic, CHRO and EVP of Global Operations Services Ty Breland helped steer Marriott through the crisis while reshaping how leaders think about resilience and growth. In this episode, he offers a blueprint for balancing authenticity, technology, and human connection in times of change. We explore how Marriott navigated the crisis and built resilience for the future. Ty stresses that well-being must expand beyond physical health to include financial and mental dimensions, and that leaders need to move from annual surveys to real-time listening so employees feel genuinely heard. On technology, his philosophy is clear: be “tech-enabled but human-centered,” which means to automate repetitive tasks but protect space for authentic human connection. He also reframes change management as “change acceleration,” built on alignment over consensus and fueled by healthy debate. To prepare for what's ahead, Ty emphasizes developing workforces that are curious, courageous, and collaborative—equipped to treat change as a constant and ready to adapt through agile scenario planning.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Work is supposed to be human, but too often it feels like the opposite. For decades, we've built organizations on outdated assumptions: managers as “slave drivers,” employees as “cogs,” and work itself as “drudgery.” No wonder so many people feel disconnected. In today's Leadership Spark, I break down what employee experience really means and why it's the foundation of the future of work. We start by unpacking the basic concept of “experience” itself, how it shapes our memories, and why those memories define the relationships employees want, or don't want, to have with their organizations. From there, we explore the flawed assumptions we've built work on, and what it takes to shift from a model of utility, where people need to work, to one of experience, where people want to show up. The future of work isn't about cake, ping-pong tables, or corporate slogans. It's about designing organizations where humanity comes first.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Leadership may come with titles, pay, and freedom, but it also demands sacrifice, and too often, leaders forget this truth. When they do, organizations slip into coddling cultures, unclear values, and employees unprepared for the realities of work. In this episode, Patrick Lencioni, CEO of The Table Group and bestselling author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Working Genius, breaks down what leadership really requires and why so many organizations get it wrong. We explore why true leadership is rooted in service, clarity, and accountability, not perks or comfort, and caution against the dangers of companies trying to be “everything to everyone.” We also explore the balance between inclusion and responsibility, the widespread misuse of psychological safety, and how overemphasizing well-being can unintentionally weaken resilience. This conversation is a reminder that leaders must be brutally clear about values, hire for humility, hunger, and smarts, and embrace discomfort as the foundation for growth and long-term success.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What makes vulnerability in leadership powerful, but also dangerous? Leaders often confuse vulnerability with simply admitting mistakes or showing emotions. But without the right foundation, being “open” can backfire, leaving you looking weak or incompetent instead of inspiring trust. In today's Leadership Spark, the spotlight is on the eight attributes of vulnerable leaders, distilled from my conversations with over 100 global CEOs. The discussion reveals that vulnerability on its own isn't enough. It has to be paired with strong leadership qualities. We'll unpack the three crucial attributes leaders need, such as competence, self-confidence, and motivation. You'll hear real-world stories from failed $150M bets to CEOs battling panic attacks that show how uncomfortable but necessary vulnerability is.   ________________ Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What if I told you that being smart gets you in the room, but wisdom keeps you there?  Drawing from my experiences with high-achieving leaders across various fields—from cancer surgeons to CEOs to mayoral candidates—I share how wisdom trumps being smart in creating lasting impacts. In this episode, we'll explore: Why being smart can make you successful, but wisdom makes you significant The key differences between being smart and being wise What it means to lead from your Buddha nature (and why it's not about religion) Five practical steps to cultivate wisdom-based leadership How the most effective speakers step onto the stage to serve their audience, not to show how brilliant they are Plus, learn about my new book, "Being Smart is Stupid: Why Embracing Your Buddha Nature is the Secret to Great Leadership," and how to access a private Q&A with me. More from Tricia  Join me LIVE for my Free Monthly Workshop Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com 

On today's episode, Andy answers live call-in questions on how to prioritize personal growth as a giver, the best way to upgrade your circle to find friends who push you further, and how to lead with impact when new to leadership.