The Global Leadership Podcast Ep 194: A Look Back at 2025 (with Whitney Putnam and Eric Case)
Dec 17, 2025
Reflecting on 2025, Whitney and Eric share highlights from memorable conversations. They discuss Marcus Buckingham’s idea that 20% of work should be activities you love to prevent burnout. Joni Eareckson Tada’s insights on leadership through service shine a light on vulnerability. David Ashcraft emphasizes the importance of a clear vision, while Gabe Salguero encourages bridge building across cultures through active listening. These themes inspire leaders to cultivate passion, serve others, and communicate effectively.
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Find 20% Daily Joy
- Marcus Buckingham highlights that non-burned-out doctors and nurses had ~20% of their day spent on activities they love.
- Finding 20% "red threads" daily is doable and fuels sustained energy at work.
Fight For Your Team's Red Threads
- Whitney Putnam says leaders should fight for team members to spend 20% of their day on what they love.
- Take initiative: discuss red threads with your leader and request role adjustments to increase them.
Bathroom Moment That Sparked Leadership
- Joni Eareckson Tada recounts a fundraiser moment when a woman with cerebral palsy asked her for bathroom help.
- That small act revealed to Joni that people saw her as a leader and opened a larger sense of responsibility.