Ever wondered how the greats of our time catapult themselves to the top of their fields? That's the burning question we tackle with the brilliant minds behind the recently released book, "Learned Excellence." Authors Eric Potterat (PhD) and Alan Eagle shed light on the idea that peak performance isn't solely a gift of nature, but a skill that can be learned and developed. Using a hardware-software metaphor, they highlight how our software is vitally important to truly maximize our potential. During our engaging conversation, the authors illustrate how the world's elite performers consistently align their actions with their core values. As we delve deeper into the idea, you're invited to create your personal values credo, and how such clarity can streamline your decision-making, augment your performance, and serve as a beacon through life's tumultuous journey.  We also delve into the science and practice of effective goal-setting. Goals are an essential aspect of achieving excellence, as they provide clear direction, keeping us focused and motivated. They act as a roadmap to our destination, enabling us to measure our progress and adjust our strategies accordingly. This way, we can effectively manage our time and resources, and significantly enhance our chances of success. In our final leg of the episode, we turn the spotlight to the concept of mental toughness, as our guests highlight the transformative potential of embracing failures and nurturing incremental personal growth. They share how to use evidence-informed strategies, from visualization to stress management techniques, which are vital for building resilience. Compelling vignettes of high performers teach us that mental toughness is not just about weathering the storm but thriving within it, guiding listeners on how to achieve a harmonious balance across the spectrum of life's endeavors. Join us for this riveting exchange that promises to equip you with the tools to chase excellence in your own life’s journey. What You’ll Learn: • Debunking the myth that peak performance is born, not made. • The power of a personal values credo. • How to balance life’s pillars to foster resilience and build a meaningful legacy. • The science of effective goal setting. • Embracing a growth mindset to transform setbacks into success. • Practical techniques for cultivating mental toughness. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Writing the Book on Peak Performance (05:16) – Success Is All About the Quality of Your Software (12:25) – Peak Performance Springs From Our Values (18:22) – The Science and Practice of Goal Setting (27:53) – Embracing a Growth Mindset (40:01) - Mental Toughness and its Role in Achieving Excellence Key Topics Discussed: Performance, Peak Performance, Learned Excellence, Identity, Values, Skill Enhancement, Authentic Decision-Making, Goal Setting, SMART Goals, Resilience, Legacy, Growth Mindset, Mental Toughness, Stress Management, Adversity Tolerance, Life in Balance, Personal Growth More of Eric and Alan: Eric’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-g-potterat-ph-d-49ab6b93 Alan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaneagle/ Mentions: Trillion Dollar Coach, Learned Excellence More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Unlock the transformative power of “Trust & Inspire” leadership with insights from New York Times bestselling author and global thought leader Stephen M. R. Covey. In the latest episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, we explore the seismic shift from the conventional command-and-control approach to one that empowers and elevates your team to new heights. With Covey's storied experience and unbridled passion for positive leadership, we dissect the critical need for leaders to embrace a leadership paradigm rooted in trust and inspiration and the profound impact it can have on an organization's potential. Throughout our conversation, we challenge the status quo, advocating for a balance between managing things with efficiency and leading people with effectiveness. We reveal how mastering the 'genius of the and' can create environments brimming with purpose, caring, and belonging. By fostering a trust-and-inspire culture, we discuss practical advice on nurturing a vibrant leadership style that resonates even in the complexities of hybrid work environments and remote team management. Closing our discussion, we underscore the pivotal role of trust in empowering teams, particularly in remote work contexts. Covey imparts practical strategies for fostering a high-trust culture where clarity of expectations and accountability reign supreme. We explore how Microsoft's renaissance under Satya Nadella exemplifies the remarkable impact of trust and inspiration in leadership. Finally, we challenge you to step into 2024 with a renewed commitment to trust and inspire leadership. What You’ll Learn: • Why we need to transition from traditional "command-and-control" to “trust and inspire” leadership. • The distinction between managing things and leading people. • How the 'genius of the and' is crucial for creating purpose-driven environments. • How trust and inspire leadership turned around Microsoft. • Why being trustworthy is not enough to build trusting relationships. • Strategies for fostering trust and inspiring leadership in remote team management. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Trust & Inspire Leadership (05:37) – Enlightened Command and Control is Not Enough (14:56) – “Manage Things, Lead People” (29:12) - Trust and Inspire Leadership In A Hybrid World (35:10) - Build Collaborative Agreements to Unlock Peak Performance and Engagement (44:27) – Lessons in Trust and Inspire Leadership from Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft (54:22) – The Secret to Changing Your World - Go First! More of Stephen? Stephen M. R. Covey is a renowned author, best known for his New York Times and number one Wall Street Journal bestseller, "The Speed of Trust." As the former CEO of Covey Leadership Center, he played a pivotal role in transforming the organization into the world's largest leadership development company. Under his leadership, the company expanded its reach to over 40 countries and significantly increased its brand value. Stephen's influence extends beyond his own works, as he personally led the strategic efforts that propelled his father's book, Dr. Stephen R. Covey's "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," to become one of the two most influential business books of the 20th century. During his tenure as president and CEO, he nearly doubled revenue and increased profits by 12 times, taking the company from a valuation of 2.4 million to an impressive 160 million through a successful merger with FranklinQuest, forming FranklinCovey. His impact on leadership development and the success of the Covey brand are testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic vision. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5/ Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Trust, Inspiration, Stephen M. Covey, Command and Control, Empowerment, Team Management, Hybrid Work Environments, Progressive Leadership, Maximizing Potential, Purpose, Caring, Belonging, Remote Work, Organizational Culture Mentions: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey https://www.amazon.ca/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519  Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden https://www.amazon.ca/Do-Good-Lead-Well-Leadership/dp/194663302X/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Gaslighting was the word of the year in 2022. It is referenced often and shows up in our personal and professional lives. To start off the New Year, I decided to share my personal and difficult journey with gaslighting in a relationship that was very important to me. My hope in sharing my experience is to unpack the critical moments, emotions, and insights that emerged. Key Takeaways: 1. The history of the relationship and some of the ongoing challenges and consequences, including disengagement and disillusionment. 2. A critical inflection point where I decided to interrupt the gaslighting tango and insert more of myself and my values into the conversation. 3. My commitment to approaching the conversation and the other person with non-reactivity and curiosity. 4. How the conversation unfolded with that approach and the key things I learned. 5. Why approaching challenging and dysfunctional relationships through the lens of our core values is critical for honoring ourselves. 6. While our core values are essential navigational tools for our journey in leadership and in life, they profoundly affect the relationships we maintain and those we let go.  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Have you ever considered that showing yourself kindness could be the key to overcoming life's hurdles? This week, I had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Kristin Neff, a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion research, and together we embarked on a conversation that promises to alter the way you confront personal and professional challenges. Through Dr. Neff's compelling personal narrative, we unearth the transformative power of self-compassion, demonstrating how it can shift our typical self-critical responses to a nurturing and supportive mindset. During this insightful conversation, Dr. Neff and I tackle the myths surrounding self-compassion, shedding light on how it distinguishes from self-pity and actually promotes a heightened sense of shared humanity and resilience, particularly within the high-pressure realm of leadership. We unpack how incorporating self-compassion can reduce burnout, enhance performance, and redirect one's inner critic to become a source of encouragement, akin to a coach championing their team. As we wrap up our conversation, Dr. Neff offers tangible strategies for applying self-compassion to navigate the stormy seas of negative emotions. We delve into the simple yet profound effects of physical gestures of self-kindness and the power of addressing ourselves with the same compassion we'd extend to a dear friend. By embracing these practices, listeners will find encouragement to foster personal growth, align with their core values, and approach life's adversities with a balanced mix of courage and tenderness. What You’ll Learn: • The essential differences between self-compassion, self-esteem, and self-pity. • Intriguing research findings on how self-compassion can combat workplace burnout and bolster resilience. • How self-compassion allows you to take more, not less, responsibility and grow. • The role of self-talk and journaling in reinforcing your self-compassion. • Practical strategies for managing negative emotions with grace and self-understanding. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Self-Compassion (10:11) – The Benefits of Self-Compassion (17:00) - Misconceptions About Self-Compassion (30:12) - The Power of Acceptance (38:45) - The Crucial Role of Self-Compassion in Aligning with Our Core Values (44:27) - Self-Compassion in Dealing With Negative Emotions Key Topics Discussed: Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Positive Leadership, Self-Leadership, Burnout, Resilience, Negative Emotions, Authenticity, Values, Emotional Well-Being, Mastering Emotions, Journaling, Managing Your Inner Critic, Forgiveness, Emotional Healing, Emotional Intelligence More of Kristin: Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. She conducted the first empirical studies on self-compassion more than 20 years ago, and her extraordinary career in this space has led her to publish books and articles, and share her practices with the world through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Dr. Neff has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide. She is the author of the best selling book, Self-Compassion. And her latest book is Fierce Self Compassion, How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. Along with her colleague Chris Germer, she has developed the empirically supported Mindful Self Compassion program and founded the Center for Mindful Self Compassion. Recently, they co-wrote the best selling book, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinneff/  Website: https://self-compassion.org/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What role does love play in business? How can I create an environment where I hire people for life? In this episode, Jan Ryde answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why you should have an abundance mindset. 2. How it all starts with loving and appreciating yourself. 3. How we create our reality through our thoughts and feelings. 4. Why you should let yourself live with childlike excitement and belief. 5. How humility will lead you to success. 6. Why you should ask, “What makes you so awesome?” 7. How to think in a way that optimizes for everyone. Who is Jan? Jan Ryde, the CEO of Hästens, is a fifth generation family member leading this powerhouse bed manufacturer - which has been around since 1852. Regardless of their ultimate role in the company, every employee begins as an apprentice, and Jan is no different, learning and contributing to each step in the process of hand making a Heston's bed. Jan is honored not only that his sons Lucas and David have joined the family business, but that multiple generations of other families continue to spend their careers at Heston's, dedicated to improving people's lives by helping them sleep beautifully. Jan’s book, When Business is Love: The Spirit of Hästens―At Work, At Play, and Everywhere in Your Life, comes after he grew his family’s over 170 year old business more than 50,000 percent. In the book, Jan shares his darkest moments, biggest challenges, and his most beautiful philosophies around life, love, and business. Mentions: When Business is Love: The Spirit of Hästens―At Work, At Play, and Everywhere in Your Life by Jan Ryde https://www.amazon.ca/When-Business-Love-H%C3%A4stens_At-Everywhere/dp/1637631979  Follow Jan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-ryde-a6a10a1/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

How can I be vulnerable, and still be a strong leader? How can I analyze the biases within myself and my organization? In this episode, Kathryn Tremblay answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. How to value everyone involved in your organization. 2. How resiliency is really just putting one foot in front of the other. 3. Why we must learn to be accountable for our strengths and our weaknesses. 4. How saying “I don’t know” and being curious will change your leadership. 5. How gratitude for the little things will give you space for optimism. 6. How diversity and inclusion change Kathryn’s life. 7. How vulnerability is about being a transparent and authentic self. 8. How to turn uncertainty and anxiety into excitement for unknown opportunities. Who is Kathryn? Kathryn Tremblay is a Canadian entrepreneur and business leader with over 30 years of experience specializing in the human aspect of human resources. As CEO and co-founder of Altis Recruitment and Technology, Kathryn has steadily grown her organization into one of Canada's largest privately held recruitment and staffing firms. Born and raised in Ottawa, Kathryn’s entrepreneurial journey began there in 1989 When she launched a small staffing firm with her co-founder and late husband. Growing the company organically, they expanded into the GTA and Vancouver. As a remote by choice employer, over 200 team members across Canada work to place more than 8, 500 talented candidates in meaningful roles each year. Kathryn was named the 2021 CEO of the Year by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade and has been recognized, every year since 2006, for running one of Canada's best managed companies. Follow Kathryn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-tremblay/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

We’ve all been there. New Year’s comes around, we look at our resolutions, and we’re set on running a dozen Iron Man races. Research has shown that half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions. Despite the popularity of setting these goals, just 12% of people can say they’ve stuck to their resolutions one year on. So, what can we do to improve our chances in attaining the goals we embark on achieving? In this episode, Craig explores the WOOP method of visualizing wishes, obstacles, outcomes and plans to attain your goals. Thanks for a successful 2023, let’s see where 2024 can take us! What You’ll Learn: 1. Trends in New Year's Resolutions  2. False Hope Syndrome and Why Most Fail their New Year’s Resolutions 3. Key Research Findings on Goal Setting 4. 3 Ways to Improve the Likelihood of Achieving Your Goals 5. Approach Goals vs Avoidance Goals 6. The Power of "Mulligans"  7. The Power of Visualization 8. Introducing the WOOP Goal Setting Framework: Wish, Obstacles, Outcome and Plan More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What if embracing uncertainty could actually be the key to maximizing your potential and unlocking your greatest successes? Join us as we explore this fascinating idea with Professor Nathan Furr from INSEAD, a leading authority in strategy and innovation. We dive deep into his latest book, "The Upside of Uncertainty," and explore how stepping into the unknown can drive transformation.  Learn how to build your resilience to navigate uncertainty through the metaphor of the "first aid cross." We cover the essentials: how to reframe situations, prepare in advance, take effective action, and sustain yourself through inevitable setbacks. Drawing from real-world examples, we discuss how great leaders turn challenges into opportunities and the importance of storytelling in framing uncertainty as a pathway to growth. Learn how practices that build our ambiguity muscle can make us more creative, adaptive, and less anxious in an uncertain world, with reframing as a critical starting point. Finally, we tackle the emotional side of uncertainty, addressing common issues like imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Learn strategies to manage these feelings and how to align your actions with your core values. Nathan's personal stories and expert insights offer a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating different types of risk, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional hygiene. This episode is filled with actionable tips to help you face uncertainty with confidence. What You’ll Learn: • The First Aid Cross: A metaphor for navigating uncertainty • Framing and storytelling: tools for thriving in uncertainty • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome • All Risks Are Not Created Equal • Aligning actions with core values • Practical strategies for building resilience Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Mastering Self-Leadership Through Uncertainty (09:50) - Building Resilience Through Uncertainty (17:09) - Embracing Possibility in Uncertainty (28:35) – How to Navigate Uncertainty With Confidence (34:07) - Understanding Different Types of Risk (47:35) – Fostering Emotional Hygiene Through Uncertainty Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Navigating Uncertainty, Personal and Professional Growth, Transformation, Innovation, Strategy, Resilience, Possibility, Framing, Storytelling, Imposter Syndrome, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Managing Risk, Dealing with Anxiety, Core Values, Emotional Hygiene, Self-Care, Compassion More of Nathan: Nathan Furr is a professor of strategy and innovation at INSEAD in Paris. Professor Furr earned his PhD from Stanford University and studies how to get ideas, test ideas, and create a culture of innovation. Nathan co-wrote The Innovator's Method: Bringing the Lean Start-up into Your Organization with Jeff Dyer, and has more recently published The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown with his wife, Susannah Harmon Furr. He has published broadly in Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Forbes, Inc., and several different academic journals. He’s also been nominated for the Thinker's 50 Innovation Award. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-furr-044852/ Mentions: The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown by Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr https://www.amazon.ca/Upside-Uncertainty-Guide-Finding-Possibility/dp/1647823013  The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck https://www.amazon.com/Grapes-Wrath-John-Steinbeck/dp/0143039431  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What can be done to make a great team out of a variety of people? What makes listening the most important skill for the modern leader? In this episode, Adam answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why you must know what you want before jockeying for promotions. 2. The importance of simplifying complexity as a leader. 3. What listening has to do with leadership. 4. Delegation is a MUST. Learn to give things away and let go. 5. The best managers are coaches. 6. It’s great to be a workhorse, but you need to have a little showpony in you to move up. 7. How good managers are talent developers, not talent hoarders. Who is Adam? Adam Bryant is managing director of The ExCo Group and Merryck, a global leadership development consultancy. Prior to working with Merryck, Adam worked as a journalist, including 18 years as a reporter, editor and columnist at The New York Times. Adam has published 4 books, having interviewed over 150 leaders. His new book is The Leap to Leader: How Ambitious Managers Make the Jump to Leadership. Mentions: The Leap to Leader: How Ambitious Managers Make the Jump to Leadership by Adam Bryant https://www.amazon.ca/Leap-Leader-Ambitious-Managers-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0B5YGWWW2  The CEO Test: Master the Challenges That Make or Break All Leaders by Adam Bryant and Kevin Sharer https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08CNP2G39/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0  Follow Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambryantleadership/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Discover the art of leading with heart and science! On this episode of Do Good to Lead Well, we’re honored to host Dr. Janet Patti and Dr. Robin Stern, who bring their profound expertise on the science and practice of emotionally intelligent leadership. Post-pandemic stress and burnout have taken a toll, but our guests emphasize the power of emotional intelligence and positive relationships in fostering resilience and happiness. They also address the growing issue of loneliness, despite our digital connectivity, and the necessity of emotional awareness for strong, focused leadership. Unlock the secrets to cultivating emotional intelligence and mindfulness with practical, real-world advice from Dr. Patti and Dr. Stern. They dig into the importance of recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions—essential components of emotional intelligence. Learn about mindfulness techniques like the "meta moment," which can help extend the pause between triggers and responses, enabling us to bring our best selves to every situation. Finally, we explore the intricacies of navigating conflict with emotional intelligence and creating safe, healthy communication spaces. Our experts share strategies for managing inevitable conflicts by establishing norms and boundaries in relationships. They highlight the importance of empathy, active listening, and trust in fostering stronger connections. Dr. Patti and Dr. Stern also discuss how leaders can inspire confidence and growth within their teams by consistently acting with emotional intelligence and sharing vulnerabilities. This episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice for leaders aiming to enhance their communication strategies and build resilient, connected teams. What You’ll Learn: • Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Emotional Intelligence • How to Navigate Stress Using Emotional Intelligence • Empathy and Emotional Mastery in Leadership • Mindfulness Practices for Effective Leaders • Building Trust and Resilience in Teams • Transforming Conflict into Growth Opportunities Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Science and Practice of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (11:51) - Cultivating Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness (19:16) - Navigating Conflict with Emotional Intelligence (32:21) - Creating Safe Conversations for Healthy Relationships (44:54) - Developing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Communication Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Managing Stress, Avoiding Burnout, Well-being, Loneliness, Positive Relationships, Mindfulness, Resilience, Happiness, Connectivity, Self-awareness, Navigating Conflict, Empathy, Active Listening, Safe Communication, Trust, Establishing Boundaries, Effective Communication, Positive Team Development, Self-reflection, Flexibility, CEO Success More of Janet and Robin: Dr. Patti is a professor emeritus at the Hunter College School of Education where her teaching and research focus on educational leadership. Dr. Stern (a return guest) is a co-founder and senior advisor to the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and a licensed psychoanalyst with 30 years of experience. Together, Janet and Robin created the STAR Factor coaching model, which helps educational leaders enhance their emotional intelligence skills. Janet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-janet-patti-3b6aa6a0/ Robin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a/ Mentions: Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/