Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Join us for an enlightening conversation this week with Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, a senior research scientist at Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence, as she shatters the myth of creativity as a fixed trait. Her insights from "The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action" guide us through redefining creativity as a choice, empowering us to intentionally cultivate it in all aspects of life. Whether you're an artist or a business professional, Zorana's wisdom will help you recognize and harness your creative potential.We explore the (often overwhelming) challenge of managing an abundance of ideas and the art of creative problem-solving. Learn practical strategies to overcome creative blocks, such as task switching and the innovative concepts of "problem finding" and "problem construction" that encourage redefining challenges for fresh solutions. Explore the vital role of psychological safety in fostering organizational creativity. We discuss how leaders can create an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and emotions are seen as valuable datapoints for decision-making. Through this lens, creativity becomes a continuous series of choices, each an opportunity for originality and innovation. Zorana's insights offer a roadmap for choosing creativity at every turn, leading to more effective and innovative outcomes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your creative journey with the tools and techniques shared in this episode.What You’ll Learn- How to redefine creativity as a conscious choice- Strategies to ignite and enhance personal creativity- Techniques to manage and overcome idea overload- Ways to foster and spark innovation within organizations- The importance of psychological safety in the creative process- Insights into unlocking and realizing one's full creative potentialPodcast Timestamps(00:01) – Creativity is a Choice(15:14) – Navigating Ideas and Creative Problem Solving(31:16) – Unleashing Organizational Creativity(42:23) – Fostering Psychological Safety for Innovation(51:56) – Creativity as a Continuous ProcessKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Creativity, Innovation, Generating Ideas, The Power of Problem-Finding, Social Connections, Overcoming Creative Blocks, Task Switching, Psychological Safety, Organizational Creativity, Inviting Diverse Perspectives, Emotions as Data, Improving Decision-Making, Continuous Learning, CEO Success

In this week’s episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Dodd, the CEO of Cashco Financial, for an enlightening conversation about how to build an award-winning culture. He reveals how purpose and profitability can successfully coexist, emphasizing a people-first mindset that champions dignity, trust, and empowerment. His insights showcase how Cashco Financial has consistently earned recognition as one of Alberta’s best workplaces for five consecutive years. We explore leadership not as a set of inherent qualities, but as learned behaviors such as courage, confidence, empathy, and resilience, drawing from frameworks that advocate for modeling the way and inspiring a shared vision.Our discussion delves into the true meaning of authentic leadership, defining it as a consistent commitment to building trust by aligning our actions with our values and beliefs. Lindsay illustrates how genuine vulnerability, coupled with an openness to feedback and a commitment to inclusive workplaces, strengthens bonds and fosters collaboration. We explore practical strategies for navigating challenging peer interactions, stressing the importance of curiosity and addressing issues directly yet calmly. Additionally, Lindsay shares CashCo’s unique cultural practices, from hiring based on empathy to an “upside-down triangle” leadership model that prioritizes frontline staff, reinforcing values through daily core value stories.As we look to the future, the conversation addresses the complexities of leading in a polarized society and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Lindsay offers advice on finding common ground amidst differing opinions and encourages leaders to engage with new technologies, learning and playing with them to discover new opportunities while managing risks. This episode offers practical wisdom for building successful, values-driven organizations and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.What You’ll Learn- Leadership is a learned behavior- How authenticity builds trust- Go beyond superficial values. Identify operating values that show “how we do things around here”- Empathy drives performance and engagement- Hire for growth, always- Embrace AI with curiosityPodcast Timestamps(00:00) – Lessons in Leadership(07:02) – Authentic Leadership & Trust(12:38) – Vulnerability in Leadership(16:11) – Bringing Culture & Values to Life(20:28) – Leading in a Polarized World(25:38) – Operationalizing Core Values(35:35) – The Power of Empathy(40:29) – Leveraging Strengths, Building Teams(46:21) – Founder Advice: Hire Great People(49:21) – Navigating the AI Revolution(54:54) – Courageous Leadership: The Penguin PrincipleKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Purpose-driven Leadership, Organizational Culture, Authentic Leadership, Building Trust, Employee Engagement, Core Values, Vulnerability in Leadership, Curiosity, Managing Conflict, Values Alignment, Future of Work, Artificial Intelligence, Empathy, Navigating Polarization, Adaptive Leadership, CEO Success

Can sharing personal stories at work really boost your well-being and productivity? In my latest solo episode, I explore the fascinating dynamics of self-disclosure in the workplace, drawing insights from recent research. Discover how sharing positive experiences can elevate emotional well-being, enhance work energy, and foster deeper connections with colleagues, while venting about negative experiences might have the opposite effect.We also examine the motivations behind why we share, including connecting, venting, or seeking advice, and how they impact our well-being. To close, we consider the intriguing interplay of mismatched intentions, where what we are looking for is not returned and how Craig also unpacks the intriguing concept of response mismatches, where the intention to connect can be misaligned and strategies we can use, as both a sharer and listener, to avoid this unfortunate outcome.Tune in as explore an issue that we all face and learn evidence-based practices that can deepen the quality of our communication and connection.What You’ll Learn- How sharing positive experiences can boost your energy and strengthen connections with colleagues- The potential downsides of venting- The crucial role of intentions in self-disclosure; why we share impacts what we receive in return- The role of intention in improving the quality of our conversations- How to avoid misalignment between our intentions and our impactKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Positive Communication, Self-Disclosure, Emotional Well-being, Mental Health, Managing Professional Relationships, Lead with Intention, High-Quality Conversations, Team Success, The Power of Vulnerability, Emotional Regulation, Support, CEO SuccessRESOURCESDo you have a minute? The cognitive and emotional consequences of self-disclosures at work - PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40424152/

Dr. Corinne Low, an associate professor at the Wharton School and author of 'Having It All,' shares her insights on the challenges faced by working mothers. She discusses the rising parenting demands and the concept of invisible labor that often falls to women. Corinne suggests using data tracking to distribute household chores more equitably and emphasizes the importance of self-care and aligning personal values with professional goals. Her practical exercises guide listeners to prioritize their needs and achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.

On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a top expert in well-being, curiosity and resilience to dive right into an engaging discussion about what makes a great conversationalist. We cover a wide range of topics during our time together, including three of his exceptional books and his Substack – Provoked.Dr. Kashdan’s insights will challenge your perceptions and assumptions and provide deeper and richer insights into how we approach our personal and professional lives. We start by exploring the science of Curiosity, which he outlined in an earlier book. He also sheds light on his previous book, the "Upside of your Dark Side," exploring how traditionally ‘negative’ emotions like anger can be powerful drivers of social change and effective leadership. This exploration extends to challenging the culture of toxic positivity and recognizing the indispensable role of negative emotions in personal and professional growth.Finally, we unpack the complex terrain of principled dissent. Through personal stories and real-world applications, the conversation highlights the importance of social courage and independent decision-making. Dr. Kashdan discusses how integrating dissenters with supportive allies can create a productive environment, both online and offline, and underscores the necessity of authenticity beyond performative gestures. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating leadership challenges with principle, providing a compelling roadmap for fostering positive environments where we effectively leverage the diversity of the human experience to achieve extraordinary things together.What You’ll Learn- The essence of great conversationalists - The importance of social sensitivity in fostering positive group dynamics- Harnessing diverse perspectives to drive creativity and innovation.- Exploring the "Upside of your Dark Side" and how traditionally negative emotions can fuel positive social change.- The role of principled dissent in societal and individual growth- The power of alignment between your Values X ActionsPodcast Timestamps(00:00) - Curiosity as a Vital Skill in Leadership and in Life(13:59) - Navigating Diversity and Psychological Safety(20:36) - Exploring the Upside of Your Dark Side(38:50) - Challenging the Status Quo: Group Norms and Decision-Making(48:16) – The True Power of Principled DissentKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Cognitive Diversity, Navigating Group Dynamics, Fostering Creativity and Innovation, The Benefits of a Wandering Mind, Facing the Shadow Self, The Upside of Anger, Power Dynamics, Principled Dissent, Exhibiting Social Courage, Creating Allyship, The Perils of Performative Versus Principled Leadership, CEO Success

Scott Stirrett, the inspiring entrepreneur and author, graces us with his presence to unravel the wisdom behind his latest book, "The Uncertainty Advantage: Launching Your Career in an Era of Rapid Change." Scott candidly shares personal battles with anxiety, OCD, burnout, and imposter syndrome, revealing how vulnerability and storytelling can transform uncertainty into a powerful tool for growth. Through Scott's lens, we explore the idea that embracing the unknown can unlock untapped potential and drive both personal and professional success.We tackle the pressing issue of burnout, distinguishing it from typical stress and uncovering how mindfulness can be a key player in managing it. Scott and I dive into practical strategies that help identify burnout's root causes, often hidden in misalignment with personal values or toxic environments, and offer actionable advice on mitigating its effects. For those skeptical about mindfulness, we share simple practices to integrate reflection into daily life, helping build resilience and safeguard mental health amidst chaos.As the world of work evolves, the conversation shifts toward the future, where skills like collaboration and communication become indispensable. We discuss how embracing intelligent failures and risk-taking leads to success, highlighting the myth of the singular big risk and emphasizing the importance of a strong support network. Leaders will find valuable insights on fostering a culture that thrives in uncertainty, celebrating both achievements and failures, and making informed decisions with limited data. This episode is packed with enriching perspectives on navigating uncertainty with confidence and compassion.What You’ll Learn- How to embrace and leverage uncertainty for personal and professional growth- Unpacking mindfulness for skeptics- Strategies for conquering burnout and maintaining well-being - Insights into mastering intelligent risk-taking- The power and practice of self-compassion- Strategies for maximizing team clarity, alignment, and trustPodcast Timestamps(00:00) – A Personal Window into the Uncertainty Advantage(08:03) – The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Burnout(14:55) – The Power of Self-Compassion in for Navigating Uncertainty(18:45) – Dealing with Impostor Syndrome(27:02) – The Upside of Stress(35:24) – Failure as a Path to Success(41:58) – How to Build Resilient and Adaptable Teams|Connect with Scott Stirrett:Website: https://www.scottstirrett.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett/Buy the Book: https://www.scottstirrett.com/the-uncertainty-advantageSubstack: https://scottstirrett.substack.com/archiveKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Team Success, Navigating Uncertainty, Managing Burnout, Practicing Mindfulness, Increasing Resilience, Stress Management, Dealing with Imposter Syndrome, The Power of Vulnerability, Emotional Regulation, Anti-Fragility, RULER, Intelligent Failures, Self-Compassion Support, Adaptability, CEO Success

Step into the fascinating world of group dynamics with our special guest, Colin Fisher, an associate professor at University College London and the creative mind behind the upcoming book, "The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups." Drawing from his rich experiences in research and consulting, Colin shares how groups can achieve greatness that far exceeds individual contributions. He highlights the importance of treating groups as unique entities, crucial for problem-solving and enhancing collaboration in daily and professional settings.Explore the secrets behind effective team composition as Colin guides us through the critical elements of social sensitivity, skill diversity, and intrinsic motivation. We underline the importance of forming teams with members who are socially aware and genuinely invested in their tasks. The discussion delves into empathy's role in team performance, offering actionable insights for leaders striving to build more cohesive and dynamic teams.We also tackle the complexities of remote and hybrid work environments and stress the importance of psychological safety, enabling team members to challenge norms without fear. From enhancing trust and communication to fostering adaptability, this conversation provides an evidence-informed roadmap for anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of their teams.What You’ll Learn- Effective team composition through social sensitivity, skill diversity, and intrinsic motivation- The role of empathy in team performance and strategies for building cohesive, dynamic teams- The power of curiosity and inquiry in welcoming diverse perspectives and enhancing team dynamics- Challenges and opportunities in remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing psychological safety and adaptability- Strategies for maximizing team clarity, alignment, and trustPodcast Timestamps(00:00) - The Power of Group Dynamics(15:09) - Effective Team Composition Through Social Sensitivity(20:21) - Improving Team Dynamics Through Inquiry(31:11) – Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams(42:16) - Maximizing Team Clarity and Alignment(50:31) - Dynamic Team Charters and Coaching InsightsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Group Dynamics, Team Success, Social Sensitivity, Intrinsic Motivation, Empathy, Remote Work, Psychological Safety, Building Trust, Improving Team Communication, Team Building, Establishing Clear Goals, Maximizing Alignment, Elevating Curiosity, Active Listening, Continuous Communication, CEO Success

Can small, meaningful interactions transform leadership and organizational success? Join us as we explore this fascinating question with Zach Mercurio, an authority in purposeful leadership and positive organizational psychology. Through Zach's compelling research, we uncover the concept of "mattering" in the workplace, a crucial element often overlooked amidst traditional rewards like pay raises and promotions. As employees grapple with feelings of invisibility, Zach introduces the idea of a "mattering deficit" and shares his insights on how leaders can create cultures where every team member feels valued and significant, elevating both well-being and performance.Our conversation with Zach also explores the profound impact of genuine care and connection in leadership. We address the distinction between caring about and caring for team members, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in leaders' actions. Unconscious signals can undermine employees' sense of mattering, and Zach provides practical strategies to ensure leaders' good intentions translate into meaningful daily practices. From understanding the role of "soft skills" to recognizing the subtle biases that can lead to complacency, we explore ways to build a supportive environment that fosters true belonging.Finally, we touch upon the critical role of noticing and affirming those we rely on at work. By moving beyond transactional interactions to transformational ones, leaders can create a more inclusive atmosphere. We share techniques like the green, yellow, red check-in to gauge emotional states and Carl Rogers' active listening principles, vital for building meaningful relationships. As we consider the intersection of AI and human connection, this episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on how recognizing and valuing each other can empower teams and, ultimately, transform organizations.What You’ll Learn- The critical nuances between caring about and caring for your team- Shifting from transactional to transformational interactions- The significance of emotional connections in communication and decision-making- The paradox of leadership: empowering teams by letting go- The vital role of soft skills and the intersection of AI and human connectionPodcast Timestamps(00:03) – The Power of Mattering (in Leadership)(12:14) - The Importance of Caring for Others(18:36) – What It Truly Means to Notice Someone(27:03) –Small Gestures Can Build Deep Emotional Connections(38:03) – How to Create Psychological Safety(48:02) - Empowering Leadership Through Relinquishing Control(54:29) - Mattering in an AI WorldKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, The Power of Mattering, Maximizing Engagement, Enhancing Well-being, A Culture of Caring, Practicing Empathy, Soft Skills Drive Hard Results, Deep Emotional Connections, Effective Communication, Building Trust, The Perils of Command and Control, Increasing Human Connection, Relational Economy, Creativity, CEO Success

Trailblazing leader Angela Bonfanti, the first female president and CEO of CNIB, joins me for this week’s episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Angela shares inspiring details of her personal and professional journey, driven by a deeply rooted connection to her father's experiences with blindness. Angela's story is a testament to how personal experiences shape professional paths, leading her to champion inclusivity and systemic change. Her insights on leading with purpose and finding one's "why" highlight how tangible leadership can enact real-time differences in the world.Angela's transformative leadership at the CNIB has spawned initiatives like the "Come to Work" program, which demonstrates how aligning purpose with action not only challenges stereotypes, it fosters inclusivity and opportunities for everyone. Her story is a powerful reminder that purpose-driven initiatives lead to both meaningful societal outcomes and enhanced organizational profitability/performance.This episode doesn't shy away from discussing the hard truths of leadership, such as navigating tough conversations, embracing vulnerability, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Angela offers practical advice on crafting personal purpose statements, integrating purpose into daily work, and using purpose to combat self-doubt. Her candid reflections provide invaluable guidance for leaders aspiring to strengthen their leadership journey and leave a lasting impact.Creating Your Personal Purpose StatementAngela shared her personal purpose statement on the podcast. Here it is:“I lead to challenge limits- real or assumed- and to build systems that reflect the dignity, potential and power of every person.My purpose as a leader is to turn barriers into breakthroughs and to move organizations from intention to impact, and to ensure no one is left behind in the process of progress.”To assist you in crafting yours, here is some advice from Angela:Reflect on your answers to the following questions.1. What impact do I want to make on the people, organization, or world around me? Why do I show up every day?2. What principles do I refuse to compromise on- even under pressure?3. If people talked about my leadership 20 years from now, what would I hope they’d sayThen write your purpose statement: “My purpose as a leader is to…” Keep it to one or two sentences. It should be true, bold, and feel just a bit scary to say out loud.Here’s another powerful quote from Angela: “When we lead with purpose, we don’t just change outcomes, we change what’s possible!”Good luck and share your purpose statements in the comments!What You’ll Learn- Insights into purpose-driven leadership and how it can transform organizations- Strategies for overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities- Social good and organizational excellence go hand in hand- How to be an effective advocate- Purpose as an antidote to impostor syndrome- How to craft your own personal purpose statementPodcast Timestamps(00:00) – Angela’s Path to Leading with Purpose(11:48) – Breaking Barriers: Doing Good Drives Organizational Success(21:20) – Actively Listen to Lead with Impact(31:53) – Embrace Challenges and Learn from Setbacks: The Pathway to Leadership Excellence(41:57) – The Power of Reflection for Purposeful Leadership(52:49) – Overcoming Imposter SyndromeKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Leading with Purpose, Inclusive Leadership, Systemic Change, Advocacy, Transformative Journey, Driving Impact, Navigating Tough Conversations, Managing Polarized Environments, Constructive Dialogue, Resilience, Vulnerability, Pilot Projects, Intentionality, Humility, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Creating A Legacy, Personal Growth; Self-Awareness, CEO Success

Elizabeth Weingarten, a journalist and applied behavioral scientist, shares her journey through the labyrinth of life's uncertainties in our latest episode. As she faced personal challenges in her marriage and career, she found solace and guidance not in conventional advice, but in the words of Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet." Elizabeth's new book, "How to Fall in Love with Questions," is a testament to the power of thoughtful inquiry in an uncertain world. She unveils how embracing questions, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal growth and deeper connections.This episode also tackles the importance of resisting the constant pull of technology for quick answers and instead invites listeners to build resilience by living with uncertainty in everyday situations. By nurturing this practice, we discover how to manage life's bigger, more ambiguous questions with courage and self-awareness.Listeners will find inspiration in creating a "questions practice," an approach that fosters curiosity, conversation, community, and commitment. Learn to transform limiting questions into ones that open possibilities and guide you towards your true desires. With practical examples and strategies, Elizabeth illustrates how open-ended questions can enhance relationships and foster a collaborative spirit, especially within teams. This episode is a call to view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, to embrace diverse perspectives, and to transform questioning into a powerful tool for personal and professional development.What You’ll Learn- The transformative power of embracing questions during uncertain times- How thoughtful inquiry can ignite personal growth- Strategies for building resilience through the art of questioning- Ways to forge deeper connections in personal relationships using questions- Techniques to enhance professional interactions by embracing curiosity- The empowering and inspiring effects of incorporating questions into daily lifePodcast Timestamps(00:00) - Falling in Love With Questions – A Personal Journey(12:33) – Questions As Acts of Courage(20:22) – What Is A Questions Practice?(34:09) – The Power of Open-Ended Questions(43:25) – Creating A Team Culture That Embraces Questions(51:24) – Questions to Keep and Questions to Let GoKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Navigating Uncertainty, The Power of Questions, Personal Growth, Leading with Courage, Vulnerability as Strength, Managing Technology, Enhancing Resilience, Deepening Relationships, Open-ended Questions, Positive Team Dynamics, The Benefits of Rituals, The Secrets to Collaboration, Raising Self-awareness, CEO Success