Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Ever wrestled with the relentless voice in your head that magnifies every slip-up and whispers doubts at the worst possible moments? I had the privilege of sitting down with Ethan Kross, an acclaimed authority on controlling the conscious mind and the inner mechanisms that govern our self-talk. Together, we dissect the phenomenon of ‘chatter’, those pesky negative thought loops that can ambush our emotional equilibrium. With a blend of personal insights and evidence-based strategies, this episode will you with the arsenal you need to tame these internal foes and lead a more poised, positive life We start by dissecting some common misunderstandings, shedding light on the importance of balancing emotional expression with solution-focused problem-solving when engaging with our own or other’s personal or professional challenges. Also, learn how to navigate the intricate dance of giving and receiving support with the finesse that builds true connections and effective leadership.  Next, we delve into the advent of the digital age, which has woven social media so intimately into our lives that it’s become a double-edged sword; capable of slicing through our confidence or defending our sense of community. Later in our conversation, we navigate the intricacies of how these platforms can amplify our internal chatter or, conversely, serve as lifelines of support and understanding.  Finally, we explore the transformative role of your environment on your mental chatter as we discuss how external factors can become critical allies in your quest for tranquility. From the calming influence of nature to the orderliness of your living and working space, discover how your surroundings can contribute to a more harmonious inner life. Join us for this immersive episode and leave feeling empowered to optimize the emotional tools at your disposal for a life with less chatter and more clarity. What You’ll Learn: • The link between emotional and social pain • The pros and cons of social media in managing our inner monologue • The transformative role of rituals and structured behavior in managing our chatter • How to give and receive emotional support • The answers lie within – why we hold the key to our chatter Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Chatter (14:15) - Understanding the Impact of Social Media (25:45) – The Power of Rituals (30:01) – How to Effectively Give and Receive Support (33:07) – Our Environment Shapes Our Chatter (44:51) –On the Importance of Negative Emotions and the Perils of Toxic Positivity Key Topics Discussed: Self-Leadership, Self-Awareness, Negative Thought Spirals, Emotional Well-Being, Rituals, Emotional Expression, Inner Critic, Self-Talk, Mental Mastery, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Mastery, Resilience, Personal Growth More of Ethan: Ethan Kross is a renowned expert on controlling the conscious mind, an award-winning professor, and a bestselling author at the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and Ross School of Business. He investigates how self-talk impacts health, performance, decisions, and relationships. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his PhD in Psychology from Columbia University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in social-affective neuroscience. Kross's research is widely published and has garnered significant media attention. He is the author of the national bestseller "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It," and resides in Ann Arbor with his family. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekross/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Ever wonder what it takes to create a company culture that not only endures but thrives? Unlock the secrets as Dan Turner, the visionary CEO of Xperigo, pulls back the curtain on fostering a workplace where Mondays are the new Fridays. Throughout our enlightening conversation, Dan shares the ins and outs of nurturing core values that resonate at every level of the organization. He takes us on a tour from the early days of shaping Xperigo’s cultural identity to the present, where recognition systems and performance reviews are steeped in core values and principles. It’s a masterclass in making every employee an indispensable part of the company’s cultural journey. The episode is filled with strategies for authentically engaging with your team, from heartfelt meet and greets with new hires to championing a culture of support and recognition that turns workplace challenges into opportunities.  As we cast our gaze to the horizon, Dan reflects on the monumental shift in leadership and corporate ethos over the recent decade. The conversation turns to how the pandemic has catalyzed a departure from archaic command-and-control models towards embracing a more empathetic and trust-centric leadership style. Dan’s experiences and forward-thinking exemplify how a culture of care and authenticity doesn’t just elevate a business—it elevates everyone who comes into contact with it; both inside and outside of the organization. Join us and discover how these cultural shifts can lead to a future where business success and personal fulfillment are not mutually exclusive but interwoven threads of the same fabric. What You’ll Learn: • The Essence of a Purpose-Driven Culture • Practical Steps to Embedding Purpose • Creating Recognition Systems that Reinforce Core Values • Consistent Communication: The Key to Community Building • Culture Drives Peak Performance • How to Lead with Authenticity and Vulnerability • Sustaining Culture Wherever You Are • Embracing Change and Continuous Learning Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) The Secrets of an Award-Winning Culture – Practical Insights to Drive Exceptional Engagement (11:27) Never Stop Learning – The Role of Continuous Improvement to Sustain Excellence. (20:37) The Power of Employee Feedback (25:13) Vulnerability and Authenticity – A Dynamic Duo for Leadership Success (27:51) Nice Guys Don’t Finish Last in Business – They Win the Race (34:47) How Far Can We Take This? Keep Pushing to Challenge Yourself and Your Team More of Dan: Dan Turner is the esteemed President and CEO of Xperigo, a premier provider of customer experience management services in the automotive industry. With over three decades of experience, Dan has honed his skills in strategic planning, business development, and fostering invaluable partnerships. Under his visionary leadership, Xperigo has flourished, earning accolades such as Shell Mobility Partner of the Year and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture award, a remarkable achievement reflective of Dan's commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional prowess, Dan is revered for his dedication to cultivating a workplace culture marked by collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, making Xperigo a standout choice for top talent and industry recognition. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerdan/?originalSubdomain=ca Key Topics Discussed Purpose-Driven Culture, Resilience, Employee Recognition, Award-Winning Corporate Culture, Leadership, Empathy, Trust, Fostering Employee Voice, The Power of Vulnerability, Caring Culture More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

This is the inspiring story of Dan Turner, CEO of Xperigo, a company that has been recognized multiple times as being one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. In the first part of this special two- part series, we unpack Dan’s improbable journey from tow truck driver to CEO. It shines a light on the grit, gumption, and the audacious goals that can lead any determined individual from the roadside to the corner office. Dan opens up about the role models that sparked his ambition and the confidence that grew from each small win, providing a blueprint for anyone ready to take the wheel of their career and steer it towards success. Dan and I dig into the parallels between the leadership qualities forged in the competitive fires of high school sports and how those skills translate seamlessly into guiding teams in a business setting. This episode is a playbook for dreaming big, crafting a winning strategy, and maintaining momentum in the darkest times. Together, we dissect the attributes that propel an individual from the starting line to the finish line, emphasizing the resilience that turns setbacks into setups for greater achievements. We wrap up our conversation with a candid look at the risks that lead to the greatest rewards and immerse ourselves in how to navigate the choppy waters of leadership during crisis. Our exchange sheds light on the value of authenticity, adaptability and the strength found in teamwork. Dan’s journey is not just a testament to his own success, but a beacon for those yearning to unleash their potential and make the climb from the ground floor to the C-suite. What You’ll Learn: • The power of role models • Why setting small goals is key to achieving big wins • The mindset needed to overcome self-doubt and set audacious goals • The role confidence plays in taking risks • How to celebrate small victories and build unshakable confidence • The parallels between sports leadership and building a peak performance company • The importance of adaptability and authenticity in navigating a company through challenging times Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - From Tow Truck Driver to CEO (08:39) - Celebrating Wins and Building Confidence (15:18) - Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Motivation (20:44) - The Power of Leadership and Teamwork (30:29) - Setting and Achieving Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals (BHAGs) (39:58) - Taking Big Chances for Big Success (48:24) – Navigating Crisis Leadership (52:30) - Embracing Authentic Leadership More of Dan: Dan Turner is the esteemed President and CEO of Xperigo, a premier provider of customer experience management services in the automotive industry. With over three decades of experience, Dan has honed his skills in strategic planning, business development, and fostering invaluable partnerships. Under his visionary leadership, Xperigo has flourished, earning accolades such as Shell Mobility Partner of the Year and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture award, a remarkable achievement reflective of Dan's commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional prowess, Dan is revered for his dedication to cultivating a workplace culture marked by collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, making Xperigo a standout choice for top talent and industry recognition. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerdan/?originalSubdomain=ca Key Topics Discussed: CEO Mindset, Success, Self-Belief, Grit, Teamwork, Big Goals, Self-Motivation, Navigating Setbacks, Authentic Leadership, Adaptability, Empowerment, Collaboration, Confidence, Resilience, Growth, Overcome Obstacles More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Today Craig shares valuable insights on mastering our emotions. Emphasizing the importance of understanding emotions as data points, the conversation reveals how emotions, both positive and negative, play a crucial role in our lives by providing essential information about our state of well-being. Craig introduces the concept of 'Affective Labeling' as a powerful strategy for emotionally engaging challenges. He references a study from UCLA involving participants with a phobia of spiders to demonstrate how precisely labeling emotions can significantly reduce stress responses and facilitate closer engagement with fear-inducing situations. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging and precisely labeling emotions to process them effectively and act constructively, offering listeners a practical approach to better handle their emotional well-being in personal and professional contexts. What You’ll Learn: • Affective labeling provides an action plan for addressing emotions. By accurately identifying how you feel, you can determine appropriate steps to align your emotions with your desired state. • Participants who labeled their emotions more precisely in a study experienced lower stress responses and engaged in more approach behaviors. • Avoiding or suppressing negative emotions can lead to increased intensity and difficulty in managing them. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:35) A Big Thanks to You (00:58) Mastering Emotions in Today's World (01:34) Understanding the Value of Emotions (05:35) The Power of Emotional Labeling (06:03) UCLA’s Spider Phobia Experiment (13:03) Applying Emotional Insights to Leadership and Personal Growth (17:42) Conclusion Key Topics Discussed: Affective Labeling in Emotions, Fears, Stress Response and Management, Emotional Awareness, Constructive Approach Behaviors, Positivity, Negativity More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Have you ever been interested in the field of positive psychology and coaching? Tune into this engaging episode for a captivating journey on the subject with Robert Biswas-Diener, a globally recognized thought leader and researcher. Listen in as Robert shares his extraordinary path, one paved by a childhood shaped by his parents who were top psychologists, to becoming a pioneer in coaching research and practice. His insights challenge us to reconsider our assumptions and approach leadership and life with a renewed perspective. This episode explores the transformative power of coaching and the intricate dance between empathy, questioning, and personal growth. As we unravel the elements of effective coaching, Robert and I dissect the nuanced art of asking great questions. Learn how to cultivate patience and reflection in decision-making, harness the power of a coaching mindset, and empower the people you care about most at work and at home to find their own solutions. Discover why embracing uncertainty and fostering intellectual humility are the hallmarks of exceptional coaching and leadership. If you’re grappling with imposter syndrome, this discussion offers unconventional insights, including strategies to forge a positive self-view while also recognizing the value and necessity of self-doubt.  Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we delve into the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations, highlighting the vital role of confidentiality. The conversation also presents strengths-based and resilience-building strategies, providing a roadmap for fostering well-being and performance.  Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a burgeoning or experienced leader, or simply passionate about personal development, this episode promises to leave you with profound insights and actionable knowledge to elevate your coaching skills and enrich your leadership journey.  What You’ll Learn: • Provocative reflections on the ‘conventional wisdom’ of coaching • The role of intellectual humility in coaching and leadership • The art of asking the right questions • The balance of empathy in coaching • Strategies to combat imposter syndrome • Navigating the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations • Why you hold the key to building personal resilience Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Positive Psychology and Coaching Insights (09:10) - Elevating our Coaching Practices (16:36) – Effective Coaching and Asking the Right Questions (30:08) - Navigating Misconceptions About Empathy and Happiness (41:24) - Strengths-Based Interventions (45:12) - Ethical Considerations in Coaching (51:16) – The Future of Positive Psychology Key Topics Discussed: Coaching, Leadership, Personal Growth, Positive Psychology, Intellectual Humility, Empathy, Resilience, Effective Coaching, Coaching Practice, Coaching Mindset, Ethical Coaching, Strengths-Based Interventions, Reflection, Professional Development More of Robert: Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a well-being researcher and is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and trainer. He has published over 70 academic articles and chapters on happiness and other positive topics. His research interests include wellbeing, hospitality, leadership, social support, culture, and education. He is also the author of 8 books including the New York Times Bestseller, The Upside of Your Dark Side (2014), and, most recently, Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice. Dr. Biswas-Diener is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on positive psychology coaching. He is an ICF-certified coach and has trained professionals in his techniques in 24 countries. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-biswas-diener-a860289/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What does it really take to scale your business and leadership while staying true to your culture and values? Cybersecurity expert and CEO of ReachOut Technology, Rick Jordan, joins me, Craig Dowden, to tackle this complex question. Together, we dive deep into Rick's story to understand how a potent mix of leadership, branding and tenacity catapulted his company from a fledgling startup into a publicly traded company without a single penny of outside funding. The road to success is not a smooth ride. It is filled with setbacks and obstacles, which require more than perseverance to take us through. We must commit to learning the lessons that these experiences provide us. Rick opens up in a very personal way, even to his own surprise, to share some of his most difficult challenges, where he questioned himself and his vision. Rather than let these obstacles defeat him, Rick sees these inevitable moments as ones where we must ‘pay the dummy tax' so we can unlock the invaluable insights gained from those financial or emotional bruises. We also celebrate reframing setbacks into stepping stones, providing a roadmap for listeners to accelerate their growth by understanding and embracing the lessons in their own errors. We close our conversation with a powerful discussion about how rejection isn't the end of the road; it's just a detour on the path to achievement. The art of turning a 'no' into a 'yes' is something Rick knows very well, as he has done this throughout his entrepreneurial journey, where, through persistence, he has turned an initial refusal into extraordinary opportunity. We explore the necessity of taming one's ego and fostering curiosity in leadership and business to strengthen connections and enhance personal development. This episode is a mix of motivational stories and practical insights, aimed at arming you with the mindset and tools required for overcoming obstacles and cultivating success. What You’ll Learn: • Scaling a business with integrity and innovation • Employee engagement is at the heart of growing a successful company. • How to make every team member an investor in your shared vision. • Leveraging the 'dummy tax' we pay to overcome setbacks • Turning rejections into golden opportunities Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction and Origin Story – From Start-Up to Publicly Traded Company (13:52) - Personal Branding and Failure (24:42) – No Is Not Forever – It Means Not Now (35:48) - Cultivating Curiosity and Managing our Ego Key Topics Discussed: Mindset, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Successful Founder, Scaling A Business, Leading with Integrity, Tenacity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Personal Branding, Dealing with Failure/Rejection, Ego, Curiosity, Relationship-Building, Cybersecurity, Ethics, Digital Age, Learning from Mistakes. More of Rick: Rick Jordan is a tenacious problem-solver with a passion for hard work and Scotch whiskey. From building his first computer at age 10 to writing Best Buy's B2B sales playbook, Rick's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of solutions. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he learned the value of human connection and resilience from his family's struggles. After his father's passing, Rick became the head of the household, working at McDonald's and later at RadioShack, where he earned $30,000 in commissions by spotting system security issues. Today, Rick is the founder of ReachOut, a cybersecurity-focused MSP recognized for its excellence and innovation. As a sought-after speaker and podcast host, Rick continues to inspire and empower entrepreneurs worldwide. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrickjordan/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Do you think that humility is a superpower or kryptonite for executives? If you’re like most people, you likely believe the former; being humble will undermine your effectiveness as people will perceive you as weak. I had the privilege to speak with Urs Koenig, the bestselling author of Radical Humility: Be A Badass Boss and a Good Human. We explored how humility is not just a feel-good quality for leaders. It is foundational to drive exceptional performance; for themselves and for their teams/organizations. Based on his extensive experience consulting with global companies, we unpack how humility allows us to grow and expand. Contrary to popular belief, Urs shares how humility takes great strength to practice. We also explore several key strategies we can use at an individual, team, and organizational level. What You'll Learn: • Common misconceptions about humility. • Why humility is such an important skill for our personal and professional lives. • How feedback is the engine that drives peak performance. • How to create psychological safety in our conversations. • How to prime conversations for constructive outcomes, even in conflict. Podcast Timestamps: (0:00) - Introduction (4:55) - The Inspiration Behind Radical Humility (7:48) – What is Humility? (10:23) – Why Are There Successful Jerks? (14:29) – Asking for Feedback Takes Strength (24:49) – Failure As A Driver for Success (47:50) – The Power of Psychological Safety Key Topics Discussed: Humility, Humble Leadership, Meaningful Connection, Asking Questions, Do Good to Lead Well, Asking for Feedback, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Leadership Success, 360-Feedback More of Urs: Urs Koenig is a distinguished figure with a 35-year career spanning UN peacekeeping, NATO command, bestselling authorship, executive coaching, and academia. His keynote speeches emphasize Radical Humility, a vital yet often overlooked leadership trait, offering actionable strategies to drive engagement, self-awareness, and psychological safety within organizations. Urs's practical approach and rich experiences empower leaders to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and unlock their team's full potential for sustainable success in today's fast-paced world. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urs-koenig-ab3828/  Mentions: Fail Well by Amy Edmonson More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Have you ever felt like you’re speaking, but nobody is truly listening? This month on Do Good to Lead Well, I bring you the secrets to amplifying your listening skills, inspired by the wisdom shared in the bestselling book, ‘Crucial Conversations’ by Kerry Patterson and their colleagues. As we wave goodbye to March and gear up to tackle the rest of the year, there’s no better skill to polish than the art of active listening. In this episode, we unpack the AMPP model (yes, that is not a spelling mistake), and how it can transform the way you connect with others, solve problems, and foster positive team dynamics.  In our lives, both personal and professional, the simple yet profound act of listening holds the key to unlocking vast pools of knowledge. I’ll guide you through crafting open-ended questions that invite expansive and enlightening dialogue, steering clear of those that lead to dead-end  ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. You’ll also discover the power of mirroring, a simple yet profound technique that reflects understanding and empathy. You have likely seen it work wonders with infants, and I’ll show you how it can have the same impact on adults in any setting. No guests this time around, just you and me exploring the profound impact of deep listening and how it can lead to more meaningful interactions and outcomes. These strategies are not just theoretical—they’re backed by compelling research and real-world application, ready for you to apply in your daily interactions. Join me on this journey to elevate not only how you listen but how you can make the people you care about feel heard. What You’ll Learn: • Why active listening is so important and why so few of us do it effectively. • The art of strategic questioning and how it deepens relationships and accesses new insights. • How to employ mirroring to build rapport and show understanding. • How paraphrasing is the ultimate fail-safe tool to demonstrate active listening. • How to prime conversations for constructive outcomes, even in conflict. Podcast Timestamps: (0:00) - Introduction to the Episode (2:30) - The Importance of Active Listening and an Overview of the AMPP Model (5:12) – The Power of Asking Open-Ended Questions (8:57) - Mirroring in Conversations (14:29) - The Art of Paraphrasing (19:45) - Priming the Conversation (21:55) - Conclusion Key Topics Discussed: Active Listening, Engaging Conversation, Meaningful Connection, Communication, Open-ended Questions, Mirroring, Ask Questions, Managing Relationships, Curiosity, Rapport, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

In this special episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Goldy Hyder, the dynamic CEO of the Business Council of Canada, for a riveting exploration of the complexities shaping the Canadian business and leadership landscape. Listen in as Goldy highlights Canada’s fortunate position, endowed with natural resources and strategic trade relationships, against the stark challenges confronting our nation today. From the necessity of driving economic growth to navigating the energy transition and fortifying cybersecurity, Goldy provides an unvarnished look at the factors crucial to preserving Canada’s esteemed place on the global stage. We then shift our focus to the power of unity as we talk about the Coalition for a Better Future, where diverse voices converge to influence government policy on pressing issues, including long-term economic strategies and the fight against inequality to curb the rise of populism. We share stories of how past crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the remarkable potential for public and private sectors to come together in times of need, setting a precedent for future success. Rounding out our conversation, we talk about the indispensable qualities that define today’s visionary leaders. From fostering diversity and innovation to embracing authenticity, the episode showcases how senior leaders have a transformative impact on both individual success and the collective well-being of society. What You’ll Learn: • The dual nature of Canada’s current economic situation and how CEOs are tackling imminent threats to our prosperity. • Why we need to “Elevate the Debate” to drive sustainable and meaningful dialogue to tackle the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow. • The role of the Coalition for a Better Future in influencing government policy towards a cohesive long-term growth strategy. • The significance of CEO engagement in fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian business (14:08) - Building a Coalition for the Future (26:22) - Encouraging Civil Discourse and Positive Leadership (32:07) - CEO Engagement in Diversity, Inclusion and Innovation (41:29) - The Importance of Authentic Leadership (46:44) - Embracing Lessons from our Past to Drive A Successful Future Key Topics Discussed: Business Council of Canada, Economic Growth, Cybersecurity, Coalition for a Better Future, Energy Transition, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Authentic Leadership, Strategic Unity, Government Policy, Public-Private Sector Synergy, Corporate Social Responsibility. More of Goldy: As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Goldy Hyder represents Canadian business leaders across the country and around the world. The BCC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose membership is comprised of more than 170 chief executives and entrepreneurs of Canada’s leading and largest companies. Mr. Hyder works directly with these leaders to develop and promote sensible public policy solutions in support of economic growth, including in the areas of the energy transition, innovation and industrial policy, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and trade diversification. Mr. Hyder is a regular commentator in Canadian media on business, politics and leadership. He is also the host of the “Speaking of Business” podcast, which features interviews with Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders. LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldy-hyder-56813721/⁠  Mentions: Coalition for a Better Future: ⁠https://www.canadacoalition.ca/⁠  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Please join me as I welcome David Katz, founder and CEO of Plastic Bank, as we embark on a poignant exploration of how adversity can shape a vision for a better world. During our conversation, David shares the genesis of his social enterprise that’s turning the tide on ocean plastic and poverty. His initiative, which transforms plastic waste into a form of currency, not only cleans up the environment but also offers essential resources to those in need.  In this deeply personal episode, David opens up about his transformative experiences—witnessing domestic violence, coping with the loss of a child — and how they brought him a profound sense of compassion and gratitude. He thoughtfully discusses the immense freedom that comes with embracing life’s improbabilities and the importance of being present and intentional. Our conversation invites listeners to consider our life’s challenges as catalysts for growth, with a reminder that our very existence is an extraordinary gift.  We then pivot our focus to the workplace, often a hub of untapped potential, where David challenges us to reimagine it as a sanctuary for self-actualization and authenticity. He also touches on the importance of reframing failure as a vital learning step in our journey to success and how each setback can serve as the groundwork for new beginnings.  Lastly, we tackle the crucial role of self-love and authenticity in both personal development and the workplace. By fostering a culture that prioritizes self-actualization, we unlock the full potential of our teams and ourselves. We delve into the essence of adopting a yes, and; mindset to innovation and collaboration, and how small acts of acceptance make a world of difference. What You’ll Learn: • Insights on compassionate leadership for positive change. • The importance of cultivating gratitude and courage amidst challenges. • Tips for creating a workplace that fosters self-actualization and authenticity. • How to overcome our fear of failure and embrace creativity and learning. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Compassionate Leadership for Positive Change (15:09) – The Transformative Power of Reflecting on Our Life’s Journey (27:23) - Creating a Culture of Self-Actualization (33:18) - Overcoming Failure and Embracing Growth (39:05) – Love as a Verb in Business and in Life More of David: David Katz is the Founder and CEO of Plastic Bank - an internationally recognized solution to ocean plastic. His idea has enlivened an opportunity for the world to collect and exchange plastic as a currency. Today, his social enterprise is a global network of over 500 collection communities with more than 36,000 members transcending poverty by saving the ocean from plastic. David’s leadership has helped guide global partners like SC Johnson, Henkel, and more to stop billions of plastic bottles before they reach the ocean. David has been named one of the world’s most compassionate entrepreneurs. He is the recipient of the United Nations Lighthouse Award for Planetary Health, recipient of the Paris Climate Conference Sustainia Community Award, recipient of the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award, recipient of The Globe and Mail: Report on Business Magazine’s Changemakers Award, and named the Entrepreneur Organizations, Global Citizen. His humanitarian work has earned him international recognition. David has been featured in hundreds of international news and investigative articles, including BBC, CNN, Time Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Business Week, and National Geographic. David can be found at TED.com, is featured in award-winning documentaries and starred in an international reality television show. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/ Key Topics Discussed: Compassionate Leadership, Social Enterprise, Clean Oceans, Self-Discovery, Environmental Action, Entrepreneurial Innovation, Gratitude, Self-Actualization, Vulnerability, Reframing Failure, Love as a Verb, Personal Growth, Self-Love, Courage, Personal Healing, Unconditional Love, Acceptance, Self-Reflection More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/