Grounded Leadership: Balancing Fitness and Literature

This chapter explores the speaker's habits for staying grounded and energized, focusing on physical fitness and a passion for reading history. It highlights the influence of resilient leadership and impactful literature on personal growth and organizational success.

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Episode notes

What makes a truly great board? And what defines a life well-led? In Episode 24 of the Brilliant People Podcast, host Linnea Jungnelius sits down with Peter Browning, one of the most respected governance voices in America. With over 14 public company boards under his belt—including lead director roles at Nucor, Acuity Brands, and ScanSource, plus 16 years on the board at Lowe’s—Peter brings a rare depth of experience and perspective to the conversation.

He shares the board-level decisions that matter most, from CEO succession to crisis leadership, and the personal stories that shaped his approach to communication, transparency, and resilience. It’s a deep dive into how leadership is built through pressure, listening, and connection—long before the boardroom.

What You'll Learn:

– The 3 questions every board must answer

– What most boards get wrong about CEO succession

– How to lead through bankruptcy, crisis, and culture change

– Why the best directors listen more than they speak

– How climbing mountains and running plants shaped his edge as a leader

Timecodes:

00:00 Intro

00:11 Peter Browning: Corporate Legend

01:35 Living Life as a Contact Sport

14:57 Inside the Boardroom: ScanSource, Lowe’s & More

16:42 Sales Trainee to CEO: Sonoco, Continental Can, National Gypsum