Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Unlock the secrets to mastering our fear and transform it from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. Join me, Craig Dowden, as we journey through the complex world of fear on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from Franklin D. Roosevelt's timeless insight that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," we explore how this powerful emotion can skew our perspectives and narrow our focus, often without merit. Discover startling research revealing how often our fears actually come to pass and that more often than not, things are even better than we could have imagined. Armed with the empowering acronym for F.E.A.R., listeners are invited to rethink their perspective on fear, armed with practical strategies to break free from its paralyzing hold. Whether fear is a familiar companion or a sneaky adversary in your life, this episode equips you with the tools to manage it effectively and envision a future less hindered by unfounded worries. Tune in to empower yourself with a fresh understanding of fear and start conquering it today. What You’ll Learn: • Understand how fear skews perspectives and narrows focus. • Learn about fascinating research that challenges our perception of fear. • Learn to identify and manage fear using evidence-based techniques. • Explore insights into how fear compromises our emotional power. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself (06:32) Managing Fear with an Evidence-Based Approach (12:04) Learning from Fear and Anxiety Patterns (125 Seconds) Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Managing Fear, Resilient Leadership, Building Resilience, Improved Decision-Making, Positive Interpersonal Dynamics, Empowering Ourselves, Navigating Uncertainty, Building Confidence, The Power of Mindset, Gaining Perspective, Increasing Self-Awareness, Mastering Our Emotions, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Listen into this special episode where I join The Rising Leader podcast with host Mark Silverman. I had the pleasure of welcoming Mark to the Do Good to Lead Well podcast and he decided to turn the tables on me. During our conversation, we explore the transformative impact of positive leadership in a VUCA world and challenge the misconception that doing good and achieving success are mutually exclusive. Together, we examine how intentional leadership practices can harmonize operational efficiency while fostering meaningful relationships. By adopting a mindset of integration over compromise, leaders can create a more fulfilling personal and professional experience. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the powerful role of mindset in shaping our experiences. We discuss the influential concepts of Carol Dweck’s growth versus fixed mindsets, emphasizing that changing our perspective can unlock new opportunities and choices. The conversation moves on to the difficulties of receiving feedback, even for the most accomplished individuals, and how proactively seeking feedback can bolster resilience. We also highlight how self-awareness and openness to growth can make challenging feedback less daunting and more constructive, even when it touches upon our very identity. In our final segment, we acknowledge the importance of values-based leadership. When there is a perceived disconnect between stated values and actions, there are tremendous consequences. Being true to our values is crucial, particularly when the going gets tough. Please join us to explore the potential of positive leadership to prompt significant and lasting change that benefits all. What You’ll Learn: • Discover the transformative power of positive leadership and why doing good and achieving success aren't mutually exclusive. • Learn how adopting a growth mindset can unlock new opportunities. • Why proactively seeking feedback is key to leadership development. • Strategies for staying true to one's values under pressure. • Ways to integrate operational efficiency with building meaningful relationships. • Techniques to cultivate individual and organizational resilience. • What is authentic leadership? Podcast Timestamps: (00:04) - Positive Leadership in a VUCA World (09:44) - Mastering our Mindset: Receiving Feedback (13:38) – Change Your Perspective, Change Your World (22:15) – The Power of Authentic Leadership More of Mark: Mark J. Silverman transitioned from a highly successful career in technology, where he generated over $90 million in sales for fast-growing startups, to becoming a sought-after executive coach and speaker. For the past decade, Mark has coached CEOs, senior leaders, and rising high achievers, helping them harness their resources and teams for greater impact while cultivating sustainable success across all areas of their lives. He is the author of The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders and Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-do List, Transform Your Life, with the latter selling over 75,000 copies. Mark also hosts The Rising Leader Podcast and is working on his third book, which shares the same title. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102/ Mentions: The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders by Mark Silverman Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-do List, Transform Your Life by Mark Silverman The Rising Leader Podcast Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, VUCA World, Executive Coaching, Transformative Impact, Do Good to Lead Well, Intentional Leadership, Mastering our Mindset, Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset, Gaining Perspective, Giving and Receiving Feedback, Maximizing Resilience, Increasing Self-Awareness, Openness to Growth, Values-Based Leadership, Leading with Integrity, 360-Degree Feedback, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Join us for an insightful exploration into the intricacies of workplace culture with Eric Stone, author of "Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture." Listen in as Eric reflects on navigating pivotal challenges like 9-11, offering practical strategies and a human-centric approach to transform organizational dynamics. His insights underscore the potential for innovative thinking in reshaping the way organizations operate. We discuss the critical role of one-on-one interactions in understanding motivations and management styles. Our conversation introduces the "hourglass approach" as a strategic framework for operationalizing insights, emphasizing the importance of mission, vision, and values in decision-making. As we face technological shifts and unforeseen events like the global pandemic, this approach helps realign strategies with core values, ensuring a cohesive and engaged work environment. Explore the importance of embedding organizational values throughout the life cycle of an organization to ensure they remain vibrant and influential. We also examine the key role of talent management, especially when it comes to promotions, emphasizing the need for transparency and linking advancement to cultural and values alignment. Finally, Eric shares his "John Wick School of Management" approach to fostering resilience in hybrid work environments. If you’re interested in how to build a peak performing and highly engaged culture, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: • The importance of aligning mission, vision, and values with the "hourglass approach." • Using "30 minutes of fame" to enhance employee-manager relationships • Embedding organizational values from the ground up  • The critical role of diversifying award systems • Why you want to hire for a match rather than hire for fit • Transparency is the key ingredient when it comes to talent management and advancement • Leveraging the "John Wick School of Management" approach to foster resilience in hybrid work environments. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – How to Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture (13:11) Building Employee Engagement Through Relationships (18:58) – The Crucial Role of Values In Fostering a Strong Culture (27:09) – Hiring and Promotion as Levers to Drive Culture (42:28) - Building Resilient Organizational Cultures (49:55) The John Wick School of Management Success (53:12) Shrinking the Leadership Gap More of Eric: Eric Stone is a seasoned leader and the founder and CEO of Clear Path Ventures, dedicated to helping organizations cultivate high-performance cultures and address complex challenges. After a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings—one of North America's largest privately held companies—Eric became one of the company’s most decorated regional vice presidents, renowned for his skill in fostering resilience and engagement across diverse teams. He led through pivotal moments, including 9/11, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately deciding to retire in 2018. However, inspired by his network, he soon returned with a new mission: to share his wealth of experience and insights through international keynote talks, workshops, and his award-winning book, Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture. Today, Eric collaborates with leaders to enhance employee engagement, improve customer experiences, and drive sustainable growth. Through Clear Path Ventures and his roles on nonprofit boards, Eric remains committed to empowering businesses and bridging opportunity gaps for marginalized communities. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path/ Mentions: Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture: A Road Map for Igniting High Performance by Eric Stone Key Topics Discussed: Leadership, Company Culture, Workplace Culture, Values, Mission, Vision, Moral Management, Promotions, Talent Management More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Join me for a captivating conversation with Damon Lembi, the CEO of LearnIt and the best-selling author of "The Learn-It-All Leader." Damon takes us on his incredible journey from the baseball field to the boardroom, sharing how a twist of fate redirected his aspirations towards transformative leadership. Drawing inspiration from iconic coaches and lessons in business learned from his father, Damon reveals the leadership strategies that have shaped his career and how they relate to the core themes of his book. Ever felt like an imposter in your own success story? Damon offers a powerful three-step approach to dismantle imposter syndrome by facing fears head-on, outworking the competition, and practicing "purposeful awfulizing" to mitigate worst-case scenarios. He also delves into the importance of humility and vulnerability in leadership, illustrating how these qualities foster collaboration and trust. By balancing openness with confidence, leaders can create environments where teams thrive and innovation flourishes. We also explore the art of building a culture of continuous learning and the critical role of leaders in this transformation. Damon shares insights on enhancing decision-making with a blend of emotional and logical approaches, using tools like decision journals to refine choices. The episode rounds out with a discussion on team building, emphasizing the need for aligning individuals with core values, nurturing diversity, and fostering a learn-it-all mindset that unlocks potential across the organization. Damon’s journey and wisdom serve as a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability, offering listeners valuable lessons that transcend industries and ambitions. What You’ll Learn: • Why you want to be a Learn-It-All rather than a Know-It-All. • How to overcome impostor syndrome • The importance of humility in leadership • The power of decision journaling • Balancing emotion and cognition in decision-making • Building great teams through curiosity Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Learn It All Leader (13:44) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome With Empowerment (20:57) - Embracing Humility and Vulnerability as Leaders (28:16) - Building a Culture of Continuous Learning (37:06) - Enhancing Decision-Making (46:47) - Building High-Performing Teams Through Coaching (54:20) - The Power of Connection and Sharing More of Damon: Damon Lembi is CEO of Learnit and a former Division 1 baseball player at Arizona State. With experience upskilling over 1.8 million individuals and working with thousands of companies, he champions a “Learn-It-All” mindset, essential for today’s rapidly evolving workplace. Damon focuses on cultivating adaptability, curiosity, and a winning mentality within teams, addressing modern challenges such as AI advancements, skill gaps, and employee burnout. Through tailored programs, keynotes, and workshops, he equips leaders at all levels to navigate disruption, build strong team cultures, and foster continuous learning. Passionate about inspiring growth, Damon helps organizations transform their workforces into high-achieving, dynamic units, ready to succeed in any environment. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Mentions:  The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits and Tools by Damon Lembi Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Team Building, Imposter Syndrome, Humility, Vulnerability, Continuous Learning, Coaching, High-Performing Teams, Personal Growth, Adaptability, Resilience, Innovation, Emotional Intelligence, Learning Mindset, Dealing with Failure, Self-awareness, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Can saying "no" actually strengthen your relationships? Explore this intriguing possibility in this solo episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from William Ury's enlightening book, "The Power of a Positive No," we uncover the hidden power behind the word "no" and navigate the common, maladaptive responses it elicits—accommodation, attacking, and avoiding.  Using this book as our compass, we’ll discuss Ury’s powerful and practical three-step approach to saying a positive no. Using real-life examples from my executive coaching practice, you'll learn the significance of acknowledging requests, sharing constraints, and inviting collaborative problem-solving.  Join me in this insightful journey to enhance your communication skills and build stronger relationships in your personal and professional life. What You’ll Learn: • Why saying no is so hard for us. • Maladaptive responses we use instead of “No.” • What is a Positive No? • The role of collaboration in a positive no. • A Positive No in action using real-life examples Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Importance of Setting and Enforcing Boundaries (04:53) – The Maladaptive Things We Do Instead of Saying No (11:07) – What is a Positive No? A 3-Step Process (15:15) – A Positive No In Action Using Real-life Examples Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Setting Boundaries, Saying No, Managing Relationships, Achieving Harmony, Positive Interactions, Mastering Conflict Resolution, Effective Communication, Navigating Disagreement, Align Priorities, Clarify Expectations, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Mark Silverman discusses the inspiration behind his book, The Rising Leader Handbook, and delves into the key themes of his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes that all leaders are continually "rising." Our conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, leading oneself, and navigating organizational dynamics, such as leading up, leading peers, and becoming a trusted advisor. Mark shares insights on his coaching methods, including using 360 feedback and personality tests like the Enneagram to help clients recognize habitual behaviors and enhance leadership skills. His approach focuses on separating behaviors from personal identity, which helps leaders improve without taking feedback personally. Mark also discusses strategies for handling executive relationships and stresses the value of curiosity and groundedness in resolving conflicts.  What You’ll Learn: • How to expand your leadership range. • The importance of your circle of trust. • How to breathe and ground yourself. • You need to delegate, set boundaries, and lead honestly. • How to overcome a lack of confidence. • How to get away from the attention grabbing fear. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – The Story Behind The Rising Leader Handbook (06:26) – The Power of 360 Feedback and Personality Tests (12:42) – Handling Executive Emotions and Missteps (21:20) – Personal Self-Regulation and Resilience (29:15) – Curiosity as a Superpower (36:25) – Overcoming Overwhelm (41:23) – The Future of Leadership More of Mark: Mark J. Silverman transitioned from a highly successful career in technology, where he generated over $90 million in sales for fast-growing startups, to becoming a sought-after executive coach and speaker. For the past decade, Mark has coached CEOs, senior leaders, and rising high achievers, helping them harness their resources and teams for greater impact while cultivating sustainable success across all areas of their lives. He is the author of The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders and Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-do List, Transform Your Life, with the latter selling over 75,000 copies. Mark also hosts The Rising Leader Podcast and is working on his third book, which shares the same title. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102/ Mentions:  The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders by Mark Silverman Only 10s 2.0: Confront Your To-do List, Transform Your Life by Mark Silverman The Rising Leader Podcast Key Topics Discussed: Leadership, Executive Coaching, Confidence, Leading Up, Politics, Heated Discussions, Tough Conversations, Self Leadership, Personal Development, 360 Feedback, Team Dynamics, Personal Growth, Breathing Techniques, Grounding, Inner Peace More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Steve Dennis, a strategic advisor and author of "Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption," joins us to share his insights on the keys to successful leadership in a rapidly changing world. Our conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and thriving amidst uncertainty, providing listeners with actionable takeaways to enhance their leadership journey. One of the key themes we explore is the challenge of ego in leadership. Through personal stories and industry examples, we examine how clinging to outdated thinking can hinder progress. Steve and I emphasize the necessity for leaders to cultivate humility and flexibility, highlighting the power of mindfulness and self-awareness in decision-making. By distinguishing one's identity from one's ideas, leaders can transform ego into a constructive force, ensuring it supports rather than obstructs their goals. We also tackle the integral roles of failure and innovation in achieving success. Steve discusses the concept of "failing fast and forward," encouraging leaders to embrace experimentation as a means to adapt and thrive. As we examine the evolving landscape of digital attention and AI, we share strategies for capturing consumer interest and integrating generative AI tools into business practices. This episode is a call to action for leaders to prioritize innovation and technology, challenging them to move boldly and act decisively in a fast-paced world. What You’ll Learn: • Powerful insights on transformative leadership in the face of disruption • Navigating change with humble leadership • Strategies for taming out ego • The importance of celebrating failure as a stepping stone towards success • How to unleash the potential of AI to drive innovation • Actionable strategies to lead with agility and maintain a cutting-edge advantage. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Leadership Transformation in Disruption (16:42) - The Problem with Ego in Leadership (28:48) - Adapting to the Speed of Disruption (35:53) - Embracing Failure for Success (48:43) - Experimenting with Generative AI More of Steve: Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author, recognized globally for his expertise in retail transformation. As the author of "Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption" and "Remarkable Retail," Steve's insights on the future of shopping are frequently featured in Forbes, CNN, and Bloomberg. He has delivered keynote talks on six continents, sharing his vision for reigniting customer growth amidst constant change. As President of Sageberry Consulting and a former executive at Neiman Marcus, Steve has guided numerous brands through disruptive growth strategies. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a BA from Tufts University, and resides in Dallas, Texas. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpdennis/  Mentions: Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption by Steve Dennis Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Navigating Disruption, Managing Ego, Promoting Innovation, Advancing Technology, Dealing with Failure, Fail Forward, A.I., Devising Strategy, Practicing Mindfulness, Increasing Self-awareness, Experimentation, Digital Attention, Competitive Edge, Embracing Transformation, Humility, Flexibility, Effective Decision-making, Personal Growth, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What if you could harness the power of design thinking to not only shape products but also the future of leadership and innovation? Join us on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast as we sit down with Carissa Carter, the brilliant designer and academic director at Stanford's D School. Carissa shares her groundbreaking insights from her latest book, "Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future," diving into concepts like "runaway design" and the vital role individual agency plays in crafting a promising future. Together, we explore how everyday objects and systems are meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly, highlighting the profound influence design holds in our lives. Carissa shares why our emotions serve as a powerful navigational tool, even in places as unexpected as strip malls. Through captivating discussions, we delve into how personal feelings, especially those stirred by social media, can influence experiences and societal dynamics. The conversation becomes even more intriguing as we explore embracing awkwardness and ambiguity, learning how these experiences can lead to personal and professional growth. We close the episode by examining the dual nature of innovation—its triumphs and setbacks—and the importance of designing high-quality metrics within organizations. As we highlight the significance of balancing quantitative data with qualitative insights, we challenge listeners to rethink how organizations measure success and embrace failure as a stepping stone for growth. This episode encourages us to embrace the complexities of our evolving world with curiosity and creativity so we can design a better future together. What You’ll Learn: • Embracing imperfection • Pioneering innovative leadership • The art of visualization and storytelling • The powerful role of emotions in technology • Strategies to navigate ambiguity • Fostering resilience to design a future that thrives beyond imagination Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Design Thinking and Positive Leadership (11:55) - Digital Feelings and Visualization (25:15) – Name your Monsters (30:55) - Embracing Ambiguity and Imperfection (38:57) – Learning from Failure (44:36) - Designing High Quality Metrics for Organizational Success More of Carissa: Carissa Carter is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Stanford’s d.school, where she leads pedagogy development, oversees instructors, and shapes course offerings. As a designer and geoscientist, Carissa teaches courses on emerging technologies, climate change, and data visualization, and has authored The Secret Language of Maps (2022) and Assembling Tomorrow (2024). Her work on machine learning and blockchain has garnered design awards from Fast Company Innovation and Core 77. Carissa’s career spans geosciences, design, and leadership, and her passion for maps, innovation, and visual storytelling threads through her work. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissalcarter/ Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Design Thinking, Personal Agency, Technology, Positive Relationships, Managing Emotions, Social Media, Polarization, Visualization, Storytelling, Crafting Our Future, Navigating Ambiguity, Personal Growth, Embracing Imperfection, Team Dynamics, Resilience, Adaptability, Innovation, Leveraging Failure, Using Metrics, Data-based Storytelling, Evidence-Informed Decision-Making, Inclusivity, CEO Success Mentions: Navigating Ambiguity: Creating Opportunity in a World of Unknowns by Andrea Small and Kelly Schmutte More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Julia DiGangi, a renowned neuropsychologist and author of "Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power." Dr. DiGangi shares her extensive experience working with high-profile leaders and organizations, offering a unique perspective on the intricate connection between the brain and behavior, especially under stress. Listen in as we unpack the pivotal role of emotional power in leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership often falters when emotions become overwhelming. Dr. DiGangi simplifies emotions into two states: pain and power, highlighting the universal language of emotions. She underscores the importance of mastering personal emotions to lead others effectively and creating emotional experiences within ourselves before expecting them from others. This episode is packed with practical advice and engaging storytelling, offering a fresh look at how we can harness our emotional power. Explore the transformative potential of navigating challenging emotions as catalysts for personal growth and empowerment. Dr. DiGangi discusses how to intelligently work with anxiety, stress, and other emotions to build resilience and influence. We touch on the importance of facing emotional pain with intention and aligning with one's values to foster long-term strength and resilience. Through powerful examples and practical insights, Dr. DiGangi illustrates how embracing discomfort and uncertainty can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Don't miss this compelling discussion on mastering emotional power in leadership and creating a conscious relationship with ourselves for true healing and creativity. What You’ll Learn: • What it means to lead with emotional power • The journey from pain to power • How to successfully navigate our emotional energy • Turning stress and anxiety into leadership power. • Building resilience through emotional mastery. • Practical advice on navigating challenging feelings like anxiety and stress. • The importance of intentionality and alignment with personal values. • The concept of a "power pattern" to maintain emotional control in any situation. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - (00:00) The Genesis of Energy Rising (06:22) - What Is Emotional Power? (21:06) - Leveraging Anxiety and Stress as Catalysts for Empowerment (30:25) - Transform Pain into Power (35:27) - Navigating Uncertainty Through Focusing on Identity (44:06) - The Power of Intention More of Julia: Dr. Julia DiGangi is a renowned expert in the intricate connection between the brain, emotions, and relationships, empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling and emotionally intelligent lives. With extensive research experience in fMRI and EEG, her work has explored stress and resilience, conducted at prestigious institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. Dr. DiGangi has also applied her scientific expertise to high-stakes environments, advising leaders at the White House, top global corporations, and Special Forces. Through her powerful insights, she helps people unlock new dimensions of emotional strength in the face of life's defining challenges. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadigangi/ Website: https://substack.com/@drjuliadigangi Mentions: Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power by Dr. Julia DiGangi  Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Neuropsychologist, Emotional Power, Managing Stress, Harvard Business Review Press, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Effectiveness, Self-Leadership, Dealing with Pain, Overcoming Maximizing Resilience, Dealing with Rejection, Personal Healing, Leading with Courage, Creating Alignment, Honoring Our Values, Growth Mindset, Navigating Uncertainty, Reducing Overthinking, Overworking, Overgiving, Managing Fear, Emotional Leadership, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What if leaders from opposite sides of the political aisle could come together to chart a path for a better economic future? In this illuminating episode, we sit down with the Honorable Anne McClellan and the Honorable Lisa Raitt, co-chairs of the Coalition for a Better Future, to explore their inspiring bipartisan efforts aimed at rejuvenating Canada's economy. You'll hear about the coalition's origins, its mission rooted in the global call to "build back better," and how these two formidable leaders use their diverse backgrounds to push for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We then pivot to discuss the vital role of evidence-based decision-making and the power of cross-partisan collaboration. Anne and Lisa open up about their journey from political adversaries to partners in progress, offering insights into the benefits of starting from a common factual base to reduce polarization. They share candid personal anecdotes and practical advice on lowering emotional temperatures during contentious conversations, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in effective, empathetic leadership focused on making real progress rather than focusing on refusing to compromise. Finally, the conversation turns to the voices that often go unheard in discussions about economic growth: those from rural and small-town Canada. Anne and Lisa share heartfelt stories that highlight the need for inclusive leadership and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. From dairy farmers to oil and gas executives, the coalition aims to ensure that economic growth is a shared benefit for everyone. This episode is a compelling reminder that economic progress isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people, unity, and a collective vision for a better future. Tune in to be inspired by their vision and learn how you can contribute to a more prosperous Canada. What You’ll Learn: • The formation and mission of the Coalition for a Better Future. • The importance of evidence-based decision-making and cross-partisan collaboration. • The critical role of empathy in today's hyper-polarized environment. • Practical advice on lowering emotional temperatures in discussions and promoting constructive dialogue. • The critical need to include voices from all walks of life, especially those from rural and small-town communities, in the conversation about economic growth. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Origin Story of the Coalition for a Better Future (14:31) - Working Together for Constructive Dialogue (31:38) – What Does Economic Growth Mean to You? Creating A Conversation for All Canadians (37:07) – The Role of Empathy and Authentic Leadership (43:47) - Navigating Disagreements With Humility (52:38) - Uniting Canada for Economic Growth More of Anne and Lisa: The Honourable Lisa Raitt is vice-chair of global investment banking at CIBC and formerly the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition. Having served in the House of Commons for eleven years, she held three portfolios as a Conservative cabinet minister: Natural Resources, Labour and Transport. The Honourable Anne McLellan is a former senior advisor at Bennett Jones in Edmonton and former Deputy Prime Minister. Having served as a Liberal MP from 1993 -2006, she held multiple ministerial portfolios, including Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Justice, and Natural Resources.   Coalition for a Better Future: https://www.canadacoalition.ca/ Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Coalition for a Better Future, Economic Growth for All, Canada, Sustainable Economic Growth, Inclusive Conversations, Evidence-based, Cross-partisan, Collaboration, Empathy, Bridging Divides, Authentic Leadership, Overcoming Polarization, Deliberative Democracy, Community Engagement, Authenticity, Transparency, Promoting Unity, Community Involvement, Influencing Policy More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/