Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive with over 30 years in diverse sectors, shares his insights on leadership through our common humanity. He emphasizes the importance of learning from everyone, regardless of differences in age or ideology. Ghosh highlights the power of empathy, mentioning lessons from the Dalai Lama about compassion. He advocates for quiet generosity and peer mentoring, noting how small actions can lead to significant change. With examples like the friendship between Ginsburg and Scalia, he underscores the value of respectful disagreement and unity in leadership.
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insights INSIGHT
Unity Requires Shared Commitment
Neil credits childhood empathy and exposure to diverse contexts for his openness to learning from anyone.
He argues small actions and shared commitment to the common good enable unity without uniformity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Acknowledge Feelings First
Acknowledge people's feelings before debating their views to build a relationship and open dialogue.
Use compassion as practical inner capacity building, not merely a passive ideal.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Compliment Unsung Contributors
Compliment unsung contributors regularly to shift dynamics and increase receptivity.
Give back quietly without seeking recognition to practice true humility and service.
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Neil Ghosh: Do More Good
Neil Ghosh is a seasoned executive whose expertise spans the nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and private sectors. With 30+ years of experience, he has successfully launched and scaled both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, building teams, business models, partnerships, and strategies to drive impact and support vulnerable populations in more than 50 countries. His book is Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People (Amazon, Bookshop)*.
There are many differences in the world today, and those differences influence leaders just like everybody else. That’s why Neil Ghosh has this invitation for us: “Never let age or ideology come between learning and growth.” In this conversation, Neil and I explore how we can lean in on great leadership through our common humanity.
Key Points
In anyone we know, we can always find one positive attribute that we can learn from.
Never let age or ideology come between learning and growth.
The Dalai Lama reminds us to offer compassion and kindness, regardless of whether the recipient is in need.
Give back without expecting fanfare. Help people get what they want through peer mentoring.
Use your platform to promote unity and to be an advocate for others.
Befriend people who have different views. Join or start a book club that intentionally selects books from diverse viewpoints.
Resources Mentioned
Do More Good: Inspiring Lessons from Extraordinary People (Amazon, Bookshop)* by Neil Ghosh
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
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How to Connect with People Better, with Charles Duhigg (episode 670)
Turning Down the Temperature on Outrage, with Karthik Ramanna (episode 711)
How to Bring Out the Best in People, with Donna Hicks (episode 724)
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