How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#257: Klaus Kleinfeld, Former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa – Purpose channels your energy

Sep 18, 2025
Klaus Kleinfeld, the former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa, shares his insights as an author and advisor on purpose-driven leadership. He discusses how to channel energy towards meaningful objectives rather than just pushing harder. Klaus reveals a simple way to assess one's sense of purpose and offers a two-pronged approach for effective decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, transforming challenges into opportunities, and managing energy across various facets of life. His personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, highlighting leadership principles in both business and family.
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ANECDOTE

Giving The Team Their Soul Back

  • Klaus invited a former patient to an all-hands meeting to show employees the impact of their work.
  • The event restored pride and motivation, and the union leader said Klaus 'gave us our soul back.'
ADVICE

Choose Purpose That Energizes You

  • Sit with yourself and answer: on my last day, would I feel fulfilled by this work.
  • Choose purposes that energize you and change them as life roles evolve.
INSIGHT

Morning Purpose Test

  • Use the morning test: do you want to get out of bed for today's work.
  • If you smile at the day because it moves you toward purpose, your purpose is working.
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