Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Join us in this engaging episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast as we welcome Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright, co-founders of the Anti-Fragile Academy. Listen in as we explore the concept of anti-fragility, which goes beyond mental resilience, enabling individuals to thrive through chaos and volatility. Dr. Holton and Dr. Wright share their expert insights on human potential and the application of cutting-edge science to help individuals and organizations achieve peak performance and overall well-being. This conversation underscores the importance of combining positive psychology with the ability to navigate life's hardships, offering a holistic approach to human flourishing. We break down anti-fragile behaviors into three key components: thriving, resilience, and consistent performance, and examine how these can be applied in both our personal and professional lives. Discover the practical framework of the biopsychosocial model, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors to create a holistic approach to performance and mental health. Additionally, we delve into the significance of motivation and mindset in fostering anti-fragility, highlighting the role of self-determination theory and the importance of mindfulness and meditation for behavior change and attention control. Finally, we explore how process goals can improve skills, endurance, and mental strength. By embracing a philosophy of continuous improvement, we can reach our full potential and positively impact those around us. Don’t miss this thought-provoking episode filled with actionable insights for personal and professional growth. What You’ll Learn: • Understanding anti-fragility and its importance in today's volatile world. • The biopsychosocial model. • The role of motivation, mindset, and mindfulness in fostering anti-fragility. • Actionable strategies rooted in self-determination theory, mindfulness, and meditation. • The significance of a process mindset over outcome goals. • The secrets to creating supportive, high-challenge environments Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - What is Anti-Fragility? (16:49) - The Biopsychosocial Model: A Holistic Approach to Performance and Mental Health (28:57) - Understanding Motivations and Mindsets for Anti-Fragility (41:18) - Enhancing Performance Through A Process Mindset (46:59) - Building Alignment Through Values-Based Leadership (55:16) - Embracing Our Potential More of Nick and Adam: Nick co-hosts Flourish FM, a podcast in collaboration with Harvard's Human Flourishing Program, where he explores research on how to live well. After a career in education, Nick co-founded The Antifragile Academy with Dr. Adam Wright, aiming to bring the science of human potential to young people, transforming their futures. Adam is a high-performance and executive coach, consultant, and educator specializing in supporting elite performers in high-stakes, volatile environments. As Major League Mental Performance Consultant for the Washington Nationals, Adam draws on decades of practical experience and academic expertise, integrating philosophy, sport psychology, neuroscience, and mental health counseling to optimize performance and well-being. Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-holton-ph-d-8233a215/ Adam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwrightphd/ Mentions: How to make stress your friend | Kelly McGonigal | TED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Anti-Fragility, Resilience, Positive Psychology, Personal Growth, Professional Growth, Biopsychosocial Model, Motivation, Mindset, Peak Performance, Well-being, Human Potential, Values Alignment, Continuous Improvement, Psychological Flexibility, Emotional Intelligence, High Challenge, High Support, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

How can Canada crack the productivity code to secure a prosperous future? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Pedro Antunes, the Chief Economist for the Conference Board of Canada, as he unpacks the pivotal role productivity plays in shaping our nation's economic landscape. He scrutinizes why GDP per hour worked is a crucial metric for income generation and long-term growth, and why enhancing private sector productivity is essential for maintaining robust public services like healthcare and education. Pedro takes us on a journey through the complexities of the productivity equation. Using concrete examples, he illustrates how higher education and skill levels can lead to substantial income growth. We also uncover the challenges Canada faces with insufficient private investment, exploring how even minor differences in productivity growth rates can have significant long-term economic impacts. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of strategic investments and competitive tax reforms to enhance productivity and fuel economic growth. In our final segment, we tackle the productivity hurdles that emerged post-2015, including the impacts of oil price collapses, the COVID-19 pandemic, and U.S. tax cuts. We explore the post-pandemic challenges in sectors like utilities, transportation, and construction, and delve into the burgeoning knowledge economy. Pedro offers a forward-looking perspective on revitalizing public transit, addressing labor constraints in construction, and crafting immigration policies to attract the skilled trades necessary for housing development. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Canada's productivity landscape and the critical steps needed to navigate these multi-faceted issues. What You’ll Learn: • The significance of productivity for Canada's long-term prosperity. • Key drivers of economic productivity and income growth. • The economic challenges and investment dynamics post-2015. • Post-pandemic productivity challenges and opportunities. • The evolving landscape of Canada's knowledge economy. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Productivity (10:52) - Productivity Growth and Investment (17:15) - Investment Challenges and Solutions (32:56) - Canada's Post-Pandemic Productivity Challenges (37:32) – The Role of the Knowledge Economy in Productivity (47:12) – Through the Looking Glass: The Future of Productivity More of Pedro: Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist for the Conference Board of Canada, where he leads a team responsible for producing economic forecast products and reports on key indicators impacting Canada. Joining the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada, Antunes has been a key figure in researching issues such as demographic change, public health care sustainability, and long-term economic growth. He regularly provides expert testimony before parliamentary committees and engages with Canadian leaders, the public, and media on economic issues important to the nation. Recently, he has focused on a report titled Cracking the Productivity Code, which addresses productivity challenges in Canada. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-a-22265a2/  Mentions: Cracking the Productivity Code: Charting a New Path to Prosperity Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Productivity, Canadian Economy, Economic Growth, GDP, Healthcare, Education, Labor, Capital Investments, Income Growth, Tax Reforms, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Competitiveness, Knowledge Economy, Interprovincial Trade Barriers, AI, Immigration, Skilled Labor, Canada-US Relations, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, we sit down with Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Canada, to unpack his revolutionary approach to leadership that reshaped the entire company's culture. Don shares his compelling journey from battling challenging customer and dealer relations to fostering a thriving environment where trust, inclusivity, and open dialogue are the cornerstones of success. Through captivating stories and key experiences, Don illustrates the power of listening and cultural understanding, drawing from his time in the Middle East to his current initiatives at Hyundai Canada. Learn about "Discussions with Don," an initiative that promotes honest and fear-free communication, and see how this approach has driven both productivity and creativity within the organization. Don's perspective on the delicate balance between being receptive to feedback and managing expectations offers invaluable insights for leaders at all levels. Lastly, we explore the profound impact of authentic leadership and values alignment. Hear firsthand how Don integrates core values like honesty, integrity, and resilience into the very DNA of Hyundai Canada, and how these principles have spurred business growth and innovation. Don's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a corporate mantra but a lived reality that provides a competitive edge and a more engaging workplace. This episode is filled with valuable wisdom for anyone seeking to cultivate a positive, inclusive and high-performing organization. What You’ll Learn: • Rebuilding trust through active listening. • The significance of fostering a psychologically safe environment for driving innovation and performance. • How authenticity and self-awareness shape effective management. • Strategies for integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into business practices. • How inclusivity can transform company culture. • The importance of aligning organizational values with employee development. • The balance between being receptive to feedback and managing expectations. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) Rebuilding Trust Through A Listen-First Philosophy (12:44) Asking Questions: A Key Change Management Skill (20:03) The Power of Authentic Leadership (28:00) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Driving Forces for Success (32:57) Core Values Alignment: A Leadership Superpower (44:07) Leading with Empathy More of Don: Don Romano is the President and CEO of Hyundai Canada, a position he has held since January 2014. Under his leadership, Hyundai Canada has risen to become one of the nation's leading automotive brands and the largest mainstream electric vehicle distributor. Romano is recognized for championing initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, resulting in Hyundai Canada being named a great place to work for five consecutive years and one of the best workplaces for women. The company has also been honored as a five-star Diversity and Inclusion Employer by Human Resources Director. In 2021, Automotive News named Romano a notable champion of diversity. Prior to joining Hyundai, Romano held senior positions at Toyota, Nissan North America, and Mazda Motor Company. Mentions: Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Building Trust, Open Communication, Organizational Culture, Customer Experience, Active Listening, Receiving Feedback, Authentic Leadership, Values Alignment, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Employee Development, Creativity, Positive Work Environment, Psychological Safety, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Adaptability, Career Development, Learning from Mistakes, Fostering Innovation, High-Performance Leaders, Inclusive Organization, CEO Success. More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

This month, I reflect on a unique and transformative experience that took me out of my comfort zone: a salmon fishing retreat on a remote river in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Joined by five incredible individuals— Andrew, Enrique, Geoff, Mark, and Pete —we embraced the opportunity to disconnect from our usual routines and engage deeply with one another. Despite the low water levels limiting our fishing time, we made the most of our days by engaging in profound conversations that touched on everything from politics and religion to social issues like homelessness. It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the power of authentic, values-driven dialogue among highly accomplished individuals. Listen in as I share the lessons and insights gleaned from this retreat, emphasizing the importance of open and respectful communication even on potentially contentious topics. These five days were a testament to the enriching power of genuine human connections. This episode is not just about the retreat but also about how such experiences can foster personal growth, build strong relationships, and reinforce the core values that drive effective leadership. What You’ll Learn: • The immense value of authentic human connection. • The importance of disconnecting to reconnect with our core values. • How to have constructive conflict and mutual respect, even on contentious topics. • Balancing passion with humility: The key ingredients to an engaging conversation and personal growth. • The power of community and diverse perspectives. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone (03:31) - Deep Conversations Among Diverse Individuals (10:35) – Constructive Disagreement and Mutual Respect (17:14) - Gratitude for Community and Connection Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Personal Retreat, Newfoundland and Labrador, Transformative Experience, Profound Deep Conversations, Open Dialogue, Respectful Dialogue, Authentic Human Connection, Personal Growth, Effective Leadership, Self-care, Core Values, Diverse Backgrounds, Inspiration, Recharge, Genuine Conversation, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jerry Kaplan, a leading authority in artificial intelligence and a prolific entrepreneur, as we unpack the profound implications of generative A.I. Jerry, an adjunct lecturer at Stanford, dives into his motivations behind his latest book, "Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know," stressing the necessity of understanding this fast-paced field. We dissect what generative A.I. is, the distinctions it holds from previous A.I. waves, and the vast potential it has in reshaping our interactions with technology and society at large. Throughout our discussion, we explore the seismic shifts generative A.I. is bringing to the job market and the broader workforce. From the evolution of work since the 1800s to contemporary changes, we see how technological advancements have altered job roles—sometimes displacing old ones while creating new opportunities. Generative A.I. stands poised to revolutionize creative and analytical tasks, even in software development, while underscoring the enduring importance of human empathy and personal interaction in a rapidly changing job landscape. We also delve into the rise of emotionally expressive A.I. and its societal impacts, from elder care to reducing political extremism. Jerry provides valuable insights into the concepts of A.I. hallucination and superintelligence, debunking myths and emphasizing the responsible use of A.I. technologies. Our conversation wraps up with a forward-looking perspective on the future of A.I. and society, highlighting the need to address wealth inequality and ensure the benefits of A.I. are widely distributed, fostering a more equitable and optimistic future. What You’ll Learn: • What is Generative A.I. • How is Generative A.I. different from previous waves of A.I.? • The seismic disruptions from A.I. in the job market. • The rise of emotionally expressive AI and its impacts on society. • The innovative potentials and the ethical challenges we face with Generative A.I. • The critical importance of empathy in an A.I.-driven world. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – What is Generative Artificial Intelligence? (04:56) - Impacts of Generative A.I. (12:36) - Job Market Shifts Due to Automation (26:28) - Rise of Emotional A.I. Companions (41:00) – A.I. Hallucination and A.I. Superintelligence (52:14) - The Future of A.I. and Society More of Jerry: Jerry Kaplan is a distinguished Artificial Intelligence expert, serial entrepreneur, technical innovator, educator, and bestselling author. He holds a PhD in Computer and Information Science from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in AI, and a BA from the University of Chicago. Kaplan has founded numerous technology startups, two of which became public companies, and has been a key contributor to the development of groundbreaking technologies such as tablet computers, smartphones, online auctions, and social computer games. Currently, he is an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, where he teaches about the social and economic impact of AI. Kaplan's literary contributions include four influential books, with his latest, "Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know," offering a comprehensive exploration of AI's evolving landscape. His work has earned him recognition in major publications and accolades such as the Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-kaplan/ Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, Generative A.I., Automation, Technological Advancements, Workforce Disruption, Emotional A.I., Superintelligence, Wealth Inequality, Responsible Use of Technology, A.I. Hallucination, Future of A.I., Ethics for Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Today, we are joined by Joe Davis, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, who has navigated his remarkable career from a humble start as a sales rep at Procter & Gamble to steering BCG North America through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe shares insights from his latest book, "The Generous Leader," and discusses how fostering positive cultures and championing people has shaped his leadership style, aligning perfectly with our "Do Good to Lead Well" philosophy. Joe Davis' journey is more than just a career path; it's a testament to the power of honesty and openness in leadership. He walks us through instances of profound vulnerability, highlighting how saying "I don't know" can build trust and authenticity within teams. Joe challenges traditional leadership paradigms, presenting a compelling case for the transformative power of generous leadership. From the importance of asking questions to fostering inclusive environments, Joe shines a light on the importance of leading with heart and authenticity. We explore how simple gestures of recognition can strengthen team bonds and promote an inclusive atmosphere. With insights from industry titans and practical advice for leaders at all levels, this episode is filled with actionable insights for anyone looking to take their leadership to the next level. What You’ll Learn: • The essence of generous leadership • The power of asking over telling • The significance of vulnerability during challenging times • The impact of small gestures of recognition • Strategies for fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – The Journey to Generous Leader (12:13) – What Is A Generous Leadership? (15:36) - The Power of Generous Leadership (20:43) - Effective Questioning is the Cornerstone of Effective Leadership (28:46) – Vulnerability in Generous Leadership (36:20) - Inclusive Leadership Through Action (44:28) - Empathy and Perspective-Taking Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Vulnerability, Empathy, Questioning, Leading Teams, Boston Consulting Group, The Generous Leader, Human Connections, Inclusive Work Environment, Authenticity, Generosity, Diversity and Inclusion, Role Modeling, Perspective-Taking, Active Listening, Navigating Biases, Managing A Diverse Workforce More of Joe: Joe Davis is a Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he chairs BCG's Center for Inclusion and Equity and is the North America Regional Chair Emeritus. Since joining BCG in 1988, Joe has held various leadership roles, including co-founding the Washington, DC office and launching BCG’s Federal Public Sector practice during the 2008 banking crisis. His public sector work earned him recognition as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants in 2011. Joe also led BCG’s West Coast, where he played a key role in bringing Super Bowl 50 to San Francisco. In addition to his BCG responsibilities, he serves as Vice Chairman of B Capital Group. Before BCG, Joe worked at Procter & Gamble. He holds a BA in Economics from Whitman College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Joe has been married to his spouse, Sarah, for over 35 years and has four children. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedavis1313/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Is people development truly the key to business success and societal impact? Join us as we welcome Catherine Allen, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of AO People Partners, who passionately argues that it is. Catherine sheds light on the transformative power of intentional people development while advocating for a paradigm shift where developing interpersonal skills, such as emotional intelligence, becomes a strategic priority, especially during challenging times. We break down the essential soft skills into core mind skills and people skills. Catherine shares her insights on cognitive-based abilities like executive function, adaptability, and creativity, as well as emotional intelligence-derived skills such as empathy and active listening. Emphasizing the gap between knowledge and practice, Catherine underscores the significance of daily practice and supportive environments for skill development. Learn how these skills are best cultivated through consistent interactions and behaviors within organizations. Our discussion culminates in the creation of a growth-minded, development-centric culture. Catherine illustrates the vital role leaders play in modeling continuous learning and authenticity. She shares real-life examples, including a software company leader who turned project failure into a profound learning opportunity. Discover how fostering a growth mindset, embedding learning rituals, and normalizing a shared language around development can elevate both individual performance and organizational success. Dive into the practical steps leaders can take to embed development into the core of business strategy, ultimately contributing to a thriving workplace and society. What You’ll Learn: • The importance of rethinking why and how organizations develop their employees. • Distinguishing between core mind skills and people skills. • The gap between knowing and doing. • How to create supportive environments to integrate these skills into everyday interactions. • Compelling real-life examples of putting these skills into practice.  • Practical steps to foster a culture of development and continuous learning. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Reimagining People Development in Business (12:15) - Developing Core Soft Skills in Business (19:22) - Fostering a Growth Mindset in Organizations (26:46) – A Model for Leadership Development (42:59) - Creating a Development-Centric Culture More of Catherine: Catherine Allen is the co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of AO People Partners, a leadership development and culture transformation firm dedicated to inspiring and supporting the conscious practice of people development and culture. She specializes in helping executive leaders and teams own, model, and drive the integration of business and people development within their organizations. With a 30-year track record in leadership and consulting, Catherine assists executive leaders in designing strategies, navigating the complex human realities of organizational life. She holds an MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. Catherine is also the co-author of "Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: How Employee Development Can Become the Highest Form of Social Contribution." LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineallenao/ Mentions: Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: How Employee Development Can Become the Highest Form of Social Contribution by Ed Offterdinger and Catherine Allen  Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Employee Development, Societal Impact, Intentional People Development, Interpersonal Skills, Emotional Intelligence, Navigating Challenging Times, Developing Soft Skills, Growth Mindset, Creativity, Empathy, Active Listening, Organizational Change, Self-awareness, Authenticity, Continuous Learning, Development-Centric Culture More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Ever struggled with how to deliver effective feedback? Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as too much honesty? How can I share my truth without hurting the other person? If so, this episode is definitely for you. Join me as I speak with Kim Scott, the bestselling author of "Radical Candor" and "Radical Respect," to share her profound insights on effective interpersonal and workplace dynamics. We open the conversation by diving into the complexities of addressing implicit biases and fostering an inclusive environment. Kim recounts a transformative moment that led her to champion radical respect. In this enlightening conversation, we break down the often misunderstood concepts of bias, prejudice, and bullying, providing you with practical strategies to tackle each issue head-on. Learn how "I" statements can address unconscious biases, "it" statements can confront prejudice, and "you" statements can effectively call out bullying. We emphasize the importance of speaking up against wrongdoing and making conscious decisions that align with your personal values to foster a respectful and positive workplace culture. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of radical candor in communication, especially in fast-paced environments where honest feedback can transform team dynamics. Our engaging dialogue offers strategies for discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion with a growth mindset, underscoring the significance of grace and understanding in fostering a more inclusive and respectful work environment. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for leaders committed to nurturing a culture of respect and positive team dynamics. What You’ll Learn: • The subtle but critical differences between bias, prejudice, and bullying. • Practical strategies to address bias, prejudice, and bullying - hint: they are not the same. • The critical role of honest feedback and radical candor in fast-paced environments. • Fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity with a growth mindset. • Confronting unconscious biases and overcoming workplace bullying with respect Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Radical Respect (10:55) - Effective Communication Strategies for Speaking with Respect (26:38) - Fostering Radical Candor in Communication (33:04) - Creating a Culture of Radical Respect (39:13) - Confronting Bias in the Workplace (45:53) - Challenging Bias with Grace  (51:59) – How to Confront Workplace Bullying with Respect More of Kim: Kim Scott is the bestselling author of "Radical Respect: How to Work Together Better" and "Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity." She co-founded Radical Candor and has served as a CEO coach at Dropbox, Qualtrics, Twitter, and other tech companies. Kim was also a faculty member at Apple University and previously led the AdSense, YouTube, and DoubleClick teams at Google. Kim co-hosts the podcasts "Radical Candor" and "Radical Respect" and lives with her family in Silicon Valley. Her books are highly regarded and frequently referenced by coaches and speakers, who find her ideas and principles transformative in both their personal and professional lives. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimm4/  Mentions: Radical Respect: How To Work Together Better by Kim Scott Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Respectful Workplace, Radical Candor, Radical Respect, Effective Communication, Overcoming Bias, Dealing with Prejudice, Bullying, Effective Feedback, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Growth Mindset, Positive Culture, Workplace Dynamics, Conscious Decision-Making, Team Success, Honest Communication, Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Environment, Toxic Behavior More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

As we continue to experiment in the Do Good to Lead Well universe, for this month’s solo episode, I am happy to share a very engaging conversation I had as a featured guest on the Leader Chat podcast. We dig into both of my books (Do Good to Lead Well and A Time to Lead) to examine the science and practice of positive leadership.  Leadership isn't just about guiding others—in fact, it starts with leading yourself. Drawing on wisdom from past guests of this podcast like Doug Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup, we highlight that how we manage our mindset and emotions profoundly affects our ability to foster high performance and innovation. We also touch on the idea that our emotions are vital data points to be learned from rather than feelings to be feared. We also unpack evidence-informed strategies for giving and receiving feedback while maintaining a nurturing environment. Finally, we close the conversation talking about strategies to overcome the fear of conflict. In fact, difficult conversations represent a powerful opportunity to learn and grow. We also identify several strategies to navigate conflict more effectively.  I hope you enjoy this special episode where I am now in the guest chair. What You’ll Learn: • What is positive leadership? • The crucial role of mindset and emotions in leadership • The benefit of viewing our emotions as valuable data points about our inner world • Practical strategies for giving and receiving (critical) feedback • How self-awareness and emotional intelligence drives performance, innovation, and engagement • The importance of prioritizing personal growth and reflection Podcast Timestamps: (00:55) - Introduction (16:24) Navigating Our Mindset and Emotions (25:54) The Power of Feedback in Leadership Excellence (38:10) Maximizing Self-Awareness as a Leader (50:18) Concluding Thoughts and the Future of Leadership More of Jeff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffrose/ Mentions: https://www.cognia.org/news-events/podcasts/leader-chat/ Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Leadership Development, The Science and Practice of Leadership, The Psychology of Leadership, Self-awareness, Mastering our Mindset, Managing Emotions, Giving and Receiving Feedback, Emotional Intelligence, Peak Performance, Innovation, Employee Engagement, Personal Growth, Self-Reflection, Learning from Mistakes, Expressing Gratitude, Empathy, VUCA World More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What are the ingredients for truly successful leadership? Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor, joins us to dissect the qualities that set great leaders apart. From her journey in door-to-door sales to navigating the complexities of the Corner Office, Vera's experiences illuminate the themes of self-awareness, integrity, and resilience. She candidly discusses the importance of leaders being brutally honest about their strengths and weaknesses and shares how focusing on service and the development of others transforms organizations. Throughout our conversation, we uncover practical strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness. Vera highlights the significance of understanding and adapting to different personalities to driving personal and collective success. She offers invaluable tips on managing high-stakes, emotional conversations, emphasizing the power of taking breaks and regaining composure. Real-life anecdotes from Vera’s career underscore the message that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming professional setbacks. Curiosity emerges as a pivotal theme, as Vera illustrates how a mindset of continuous learning fosters growth. We discuss the importance of acknowledging mistakes and modeling authenticity and accountability. Vera shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing the belief that with enough dedication, anyone can achieve greatness. Aspiring and experienced leaders alike will find inspiration in her advice on self-improvement and the importance of nurturing a positive internal dialogue. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable insights and heartfelt reflections on the essence of true leadership. What You’ll Learn: • How to master self-awareness through honest self-assessment. • The importance of integrity and resilience in leadership. • Practical strategies for managing high-stakes conversations with empathy. • Building and nurturing a people-first culture. • The power of curiosity. • Why admitting mistakes accelerates your leadership effectiveness. Podcast Timestamps: (00:03) – The Key Qualities of Successful Leadership (15:53) – Difficult Conversations and the Importance of Leading with Empathy (25:26) - Developing People and Building a Peak Performance Culture (37:15) - The Power of Curiosity in Leadership (49:55) - Unleashing Greatness in Yourself and Others More of Vera: Vera Quinn, CEO and President of Cydcor, has been instrumental in the company's growth for over 25 years. Beginning her career as a door-to-door sales representative, she rose through key roles such as COO and VP of Operations, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and effective leadership. Since taking the helm in 2020, Cydcor has been celebrated for its people-first culture and recognized as a great place to work. Vera's leadership has fueled client base expansion and the development of innovative strategies, including touchless selling technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Named one of the top 10 influential women leaders of 2024, Vera studied political science and history at the University of Toronto and serves as the Executive Director of Liberty Children’s Home in Belize. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veraquinn/  Mentions: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Self-awareness, Integrity, Resilience, Authenticity, Purpose, Personality Assessment, Empathy, Innovation, People-first Culture, Personal Growth, Professional Growth, Hiring, Core Values, Curiosity, Accountability, Self-doubt, Positive Mindset, Maximizing Potential, Making Sacrifices, Building Community, Self-improvement More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/