Empathy and Authenticity in Leadership

Are your leadership strategies empowering your team—or holding them back? In a world of uncertainty and constant change, today’s leaders face the pressure of meeting business goals while fostering a positive, purpose-driven culture. In this episode of The Learn-It-All Podcast, we unpack the essential skills and self-mastery techniques every leader needs to inspire their teams, navigate challenges, and truly lead from within.    

Learnit CEO Damon Lembi and Dr. Craig Dowden, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of A Time to Lead: Mastering Yourself So You Can Master the World discuss why mindset and emotional mastery are vital for navigating today’s workplace. Dr. Dowden, known for his evidence-based approach to positive leadership, shares actionable insights on how self-leadership forms the foundation for successful leadership in any organization, explores feedback as an underrated tool for growth and resilience, and defines authentic leadership in practical, real-world terms. Perfect for leaders seeking to lead with purpose and integrity, this episode challenges traditional leadership paradigms and empowers you to lead with impact.   

This Episode Covers: 

• Why Positive Leadership Matters: Dr. Dowden explains how a vision for a positive future can unify and empower teams. 
• Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: The advantages of a “learn-it-all” mindset over a “know-it-all” mindset and how it fosters growth. 
• Feedback as a Tool for Success: How effective leaders use feedback to fuel personal and professional growth. 
• Authentic Leadership: The importance of aligning your values, beliefs, and behaviors to build trust with your team. 
• Managing Emotions in Leadership: How mastering emotions leads to better decision-making and healthier team dynamics. 
• Building Resilience: Why resilience is a learned skill and critical for navigating setbacks and maintaining momentum. 
• Stress vs. Pressure: The difference between stress and pressure and how leaders can manage both effectively. 
• The Power of Self-Reflection and Growth: Using feedback and self-reflection to hone your leadership approach. 

Episode Highlights: 

(00:00) Introduction to Craig Dowden – Damon introduces Dr. Craig Dowden, author of Do Good to Lead Well, and they dive into his approach to positive leadership. 

(02:00) What is Positive Leadership? – Craig explains the concept of positive leadership and how it creates a more engaged and motivated workplace. 

(05:30) Balancing Empathy and Accountability – Craig shares why leaders don’t have to choose between empathy and results; both can coexist. 

(09:00) Building a Trusting Team Culture – Craig discusses how leaders can align their teams around shared goals and foster a culture of trust. 

(12:33) Feedback as a Learning Tool – Craig emphasizes the importance of feedback in leadership and how receiving it well is as crucial as giving it. 

(17:00) Navigating Difficult Conversations – Craig provides insights into handling challenging conversations with authenticity and integrity. 

(21:30) Emotional Intelligence and Self-Mastery – Craig explains how self-awareness and emotional control are foundational to effective leadership. 

(33:18) Final Thoughts on Positive Leadership – Damon and Craig wrap up with actionable advice for leaders looking to inspire and engage their teams. 

About Craig: 

Craig Dowden, Ph.D., is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author who combines his doctorate in Psychology and Business with executive coaching to bridge the gap between leadership science and practice. As a Forbes Coaches Council member and contributor to leading business publications including Forbes, CEOWORLD, and the Financial Times, he partners with leaders across diverse industries to integrate evidence-based approaches to leadership excellence. His latest book, A Time To Lead: Mastering Your Self So You Can Master Your World, co-authored with legendary Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally, hit #1 in eight Amazon categories and reflects his mission of transforming leadership through the integration of scientific insights and practical application. 

Resources References: 

Craig Dowden’s Website 

Craig Dowden on LinkedIn   

A Time to Lead: Mastering Yourself So You Can Master the World by Craig Dowden 

Do Good to Lead Well by Craig Dowden 

The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal 

Think Again by Adam Grant 

The Center for Creative Leadership 

American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company by Bryce G. Hoffman  

Podcast Contact:

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: podcast@learnit.com 

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