Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Dr. Corinne Low, a renowned associate professor at the Wharton School, joins us this week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from her latest book, "Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours," Dr. Low explores the unique challenges faced by working mothers today. She candidly shares her personal experiences and rigorous research findings to offer evidence-based strategies for managing time pressures and empowering working mothers.Our conversation navigates through the shifting dynamics of parenting from the 1980s to today, underlining the significance of quality time with children against the backdrop of demanding societal standards. We dive into the nuanced topic of invisible labor, predominantly shouldered by mothers, and propose effective tools like data tracking for couples to evenly distribute household responsibilities. By encouraging open dialogue around these issues, the goal of her book is to foster a more equitable division of labor that enhances family dynamics and personal well-being.The episode also emphasizes the critical role of self-care and intentionality in relationships, with a special focus on mothers striving to "have it all." Dr. Low provides practical exercises to help listeners reconnect with their values, prioritize their own needs, and achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. She challenges traditional notions of success, urging listeners to align their personal values with professional goals for a truly rewarding career and life. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion filled with strategies for personal growth and a more balanced approach to work and family life.What You’ll Learn- The evolving landscape of gender economics and the pressures on working mothers.- Strategies to tackle invisible labor and foster equitable household responsibilities.- The significance of self-care and intentionality for personal and parenting relationships.- Aligning your values with your time; at work and at home.- Insights into redefining success in the modern family context.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – What is the Meaning of “Having It All?”(07:29) – High-Quality Time and the Costs of Invisible Labor(19:30) – Asking the Right Questions of Ourselves and Our Partners(23:35) – The Importance of Self-Care in Relationships(35:28) – The Science and Practice of Work-Life Balance(42:38) – Building A Values-Based Roadmap in Work and in LifeKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Gender Economics, Work-Life Balance, Working Mothers, Gender Roles, Invisible Labor, Personal Well-being, Self-Care, Flexible Work Schedules, Career Goals, Personal Growth, Parenting, Leisure Time, Structural Dynamics, Reflection Questions, Personal and Professional Growth, CEO Success

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

Jason Tham, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Nulogy, joins the Do Good to Lead Well podcast to share his insights into effective leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Authenticity, relatability, and a compelling purpose are not just buzzwords for Jason—they're the foundation of a resilient leadership style that thrives on change. As we navigate complexities in fields like supply chain management, Jason emphasizes the critical role of adaptability and agility. His personal TEDx talk and numerous accolades craft a leadership narrative where values lead the way.Moving beyond traditional business frameworks, we explore the transformative power of core values in building purpose-driven organizations. Jason reveals the importance of prioritizing people and relationships over products, a strategy that has guided Nulogy to sustainable success. By focusing on co-creation and community, we discuss how maintaining alignment with an organization's North Star fosters growth and adaptability. With a culture rooted deeply in positive leadership, continuous improvement, and shared success, there's a refreshing take on how regular reflection and dialogue integrate new members into this thriving ecosystem.Resilience and mentorship take center stage as we uncover the intricate balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot. Jason shares personal stories that illuminate the journey through adversity and the empowering role of a supportive network. We weave in narratives of psychological safety, addressing loneliness at the top, and the insidious nature of imposter syndrome. He even shares a powerful leadership lesson he learned from his daughter. Listen in as Jason makes the compelling case that strong leadership is inextricably linked to authenticity, purpose, and the courage to embrace challenges while fostering an inclusive environment.What You’ll Learn- The transformative power of core values in building purpose-driven organizations.- How adaptability and agility are essential to navigate complex times.- The balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot.- The role of mentorship and a supportive network in fostering resilience.- Addressing challenges like imposter syndrome and fostering psychological safety within teams.Podcast Timestamps(00:02) – What are the Key Leadership Qualities in a Changing World?(14:09) - Strategic Alignment Through Core Values(26:21) - Building Resilience Through Mentorship(40:34) – Personal Journey of Resilience and Community(46:36) - Leadership and EmpowermentKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Innovation, Authenticity, Adaptability, Agility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Purpose, Resilience, Mentorship, Psychological Safety, Growth Mindset, Core Values, Continuous Learning, Overcoming Adversity, Maximizing Engagement, Energy Management, Learning Conversations, Values-Based Leadership, CEO Success

What if the most honest conversations people are having… aren’t with each other, but with artificial intelligence?In this eye-opening episode, Craig dives into recent Harvard Business Review research revealing the top 10 use cases for AI—and the findings are both fascinating and deeply human. The #1 reason people are turning to AI? Therapy. Not spreadsheets. Not task management. Therapy. Closely followed by “organizing my life” and “finding purpose.”This shift points to something powerful: people are craving spaces where they can be open, reflective, and vulnerable—without fear of judgment. And AI, for all its limitations, offers exactly that.So what does this mean for leadership? For workplace culture? And most importantly, for trust?Craig unpacks the message behind this trend and offers a provocative challenge for leaders: If your people feel safer confiding in a machine than in you, what needs to change?You’ll walk away with practical insights on:Why psychological safety is becoming a leadership imperativeHow to “listen like AI” to build deeper trust and connectionWhat empathy looks like in action—without overstepping or over fixingA powerful weekly challenge to shift from reactive to reflective leadershipThis episode is a wake-up call—and a call to action. In a world turning to AI for human connection, leaders who show up with empathy and presence have never been more important.

This week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast I am joined by Martin Dubin, a seasoned clinical psychologist and business coach. We discuss his recently released book, "Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader." Martin's rich experience with 360-degree feedback highlights how a leader's strengths can sometimes inadvertently become weaknesses and why a heightened self-awareness is key in maintaining a balanced approach.We also tackle the complex web of unconscious biases and leadership blind spots, identifying six specific types that can impact our effectiveness. This engaging discussion anchors itself in a psychological model focused on the core motives driving behavior, with special attention to the needs for power, affiliation, and achievement. Martin touches on identity blind spots, where a disconnect between one's role and self-perception can create challenges, especially during transitions from individual contributor roles to managerial positions. He emphasizes the necessity of adapting one's identity to align with evolving roles and responsibilities.Finally, we tackle the emotional aspects of leadership, addressing the significance of emotional awareness for leadership success. A key skill is learning how to accurately identify and label a wide range of emotions. Martin and I also discuss the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) framework, a powerful approach for promoting a culture of feedback and personal growth. The episode wraps up with an important discussion on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in leadership, providing valuable reflections and insights for leaders seeking to foster connections and drive positive change.What You’ll Learn- The delicate balance of strengths and weaknesses- Unconscious biases and six types of leadership blind spots- Identity transitions and redefining roles- Raising our emotional awareness and regulation- The interplay between imposter syndrome and authenticity- The power of the SBI frameworkPodcast Timestamps(00:00) – A Deep Exploration of Leadership Blind Spots(10:36) – The Six Types of Leadership Blind Spots(22:04) - Recognizing and Regulating Emotions in Leadership(29:00) - Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Authenticity(35:18) – The Importance of Identity Alignment(45:22) – Entrepreneurial Blind SpotsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Blind Spots, Self-Awareness, Leveraging Strengths, Managing Weaknesses, Unconscious Bias, Emotional Intelligence, Identity, Imposter Syndrome, Authenticity, Emotional Awareness, Culture of Feedback, Instilling Trust, Entrepreneurship, The Power of Storytelling, CEO Success