

Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.
Scott J. Allen
Practical Wisdom for Leaders is your fast-paced, forward-thinking guide to leadership. Join host Scott J. Allen as he engages with remarkable guests—from former world leaders and nonprofit innovators to renowned professors, CEOs, and authors. Each episode offers timely insights and actionable tips designed to help you lead with impact, grow personally and professionally, and make a meaningful difference in your corner of the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2024 • 36min
GC Myers - You've Got To Be a Full Person
Send us a textGC Myers is a contemporary painter from the Finger Lakes region of New York. He came to painting in mid-life and quite by accident, as a result of an accident that occurred while building his home in the early 1990s. Since that time, his recognizable landscapes, known for their strong colors and moods, are avidly collected here and abroad.Over the years, he has had over 60 one-man exhibitions at galleries across the country which represent his work. These solo exhibits have taken place at galleries in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and California.In 2012, Myers' work was featured in an exhibition, "Internal Landscapes: The Paintings of GC Myers," at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY.A Quote From This Episode"Art is about connection; you've got to be a full person. You've got to be a well-rounded person. Eventually, it shows if you're not."Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeWebsite - GC Myers Blog - RedTree TimesBook - In Quiet Places by GC MyersDocumentary - GC Myers: Finding HomePaintings - Archeology Series by GC MyersMusician - Bill Mize Musician/Composer - Moondog"I do not strive to be different for the sake of being different, but do not mind being different if my difference is a result of my being myself" - MoondogBook: Demian by Hermann Hesse“The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. That God's name is Abraxas.” - Hermann Hesse, DemianAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!About Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersBlogMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

Dec 4, 2024 • 43min
Marianne Crosley - Transforming Communities
Send us a textMarianne Crosley retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Leadership Center after leading the civic education leadership development and civic engagement organization for 14 years. Under her leadership programs to build civic leadership in Greater Cleveland grew significantly to reach 600 individuals across generations annually. In addition, she launched SPARK, an annual leadership conference, and Accelerate, an annual civic pitch competition. Prior to assuming the helm at the Leadership Center she served as the founding Executive Director of Summer on the Cuyahoga. This economic development initiative attracts young talent to Northeast Ohio. She has received numerous awards, including Crain's Cleveland Business Woman of Note, Smart Business Progressive Woman, Non-Profit Executive Director of the Year, and the Lifetime Legacy Award from the Association of Leadership Programs. She is passionate about creating positive community change and has leadership roles on several non-profit boards.A Quote From This Episode"We make sure that each program is structured differently so you can begin with your high school program and move on to our collegiate, young professional, mid-career, and senior levels. And it's all a journey - you're not repeating anything that you're learning. You're being exposed to new concepts and new people every step of the way."Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeAssociation of Leadership ProgramsCleveland Leadership CenterLovely One by Ketanji Brown JacksonAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!About Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersBlogMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

18 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 44min
Dr. David Day - Developing Leaders and Leadership
Dr. David Day, a Professor at Claremont McKenna College and an expert in leadership development, dives into the intricacies of fostering effective leaders. He critiques traditional short-term training programs, advocating for a long-term, systematic approach that emphasizes intrinsic motivation. The conversation highlights the importance of developing leadership skills through everyday experiences and personalized learning opportunities. Day shares insights on the role of feedback and reflection, challenging listeners to commit to continuous growth in their leadership journeys.

Nov 20, 2024 • 45min
Cathy Carroll - How to Lead a Family Business With Both Love and Logic
Send us a textCathy Carroll learned about family business leadership the best way you can – by leading her family business. After a twenty-year corporate career, she left United Airlines to lead her father’s business and instantly recognized a difference between leadership in a family business vs leadership in a large corporation. Founder and President of Legacy Onward, Inc., Cathy Carroll is a family business leadership coach and author of Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With both Love and Logic. She also trains advisors serving in family enterprises as well as coaches who maintain their credential with the International Coaching Federation.Cathy earned certificates in both Leadership Coaching and Executive Facilitation at Georgetown University, an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a BA at Boston College. She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) in the ICF.An active member of the community, Cathy currently serves as Vice-Chair the Board of the Purposeful Planning Instituteand co-founder & Treasurer of A Leg To Stand On which provides prosthetic limbs to children in developing countries. Quote From This Episode"There are these polarities that live within us that lead to huge blind spots, and our reactive tendency is to double down on our strength, which puts us into 'overuse.'"Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business With Both Love and LogicBook: Polarity Management by JohnsonBook: Polarity Intelligence by Christopherson and TrosethBook: Navigating Polarities by Emerson and LewisBook: Family Business as Paradox by Schuman, Stutz, & WardWebsite: Legacy Onward: Leadership Coaching for Family BusinessTelevision Show: HouseQuote: "A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth" - African ProverbAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for Prague - October 15-18, 2025!About Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: The Leader's EdgeBl ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 37min
Dr. William Attaway - Growth Happens On the Other Side of Change
Dr. William Attaway, an executive coach with nearly 30 years of experience, shares insights on leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes that growth only happens on the other side of change and the importance of consistency in achieving momentum. Attaway discusses managing overwhelm through effective systems and the need for resilience in leadership. He also touches on the role of confidence and fear in entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of tailored strategies for individual challenges in navigating leadership demands.

6 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 43min
Dr. Lisa Marie Kerr, Dr. Liz Cavallaro, & Dr. Leigh Ann Perry - Leader Development at the Naval War College
Dr. Lisa Marie Kerr, an expert in leader development at the U.S. Naval War College, joins fellow professors, Dr. Liz Cavallaro and Dr. Leigh Ann Perry. They discuss fostering psychological health and resilience in military leaders. The guests highlight the concept of 'beginner’s mind' for innovative problem-solving and the importance of mindfulness in enhancing self-awareness. They also explore the unique challenges faced by women leaders and share insights from literature on the psychological impacts of social media and cognitive health.

Oct 30, 2024 • 32min
Betsy Myers - Logic Doesn't Inspire
Betsy Myers, a prominent expert in women's leadership and a senior advisor with deep experience in corporate and government sectors, shares her insights on effective leadership. She discusses the importance of balancing emotional connection with intellectual competence, fostering psychological safety, and creating unity in a divided world. Betsy also delves into gender bias challenges women face at work, highlighting the need for systemic change. Additionally, she emphasizes the vital role father-daughter relationships play in building self-esteem and emotional health.

Oct 23, 2024 • 36min
Dr. Adrian Isabella & Alan Isaacson - Celebrating 250 Episodes!
Send us a textDr. Adrian Isabella is a Senior Executive and Chief Innovation Officer at LeaderEdge, a cutting-edge consultancy specializing in leadership development and organizational transformation. With a PhD in Cognitive Science and a deep passion for technology, Dr. Isabella is at the forefront of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into leadership strategies, helping organizations harness the power of AI to drive innovation and improve decision-making.A thought leader in AI and leadership, Dr. Isabella’s expertise spans over two decades of research and hands-on application of cognitive and machine learning systems to optimize team performance and organizational design. Dr. Isabella is a sought-after speaker and consultant. She frequently delivers keynotes at global conferences on AI, leadership, and the future of work. When she’s not exploring AI's potential, Dr. Isabella enjoys mentoring the next generation of leaders and contributing to research on the ethical implications of AI in leadership. Actually, all of that is false...she is an AI.Alan Isaacson is a recognized authority in leadership development and adult learning, serving as the Head of Leadership Programs at LeaderEdge. With over 25 years of experience, Alan is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential by focusing on the core principles of leadership, personal growth, and continuous development.His expertise lies in adult development, where he integrates cutting-edge research with practical applications to design transformative leadership programs. Alan deeply understands how adults learn and grow, tailoring his coaching and facilitation methods to meet leaders where they are and guide them through their professional and personal evolution.At LeaderEdge, Alan leads a team that designs and delivers innovative programs to build adaptive, resilient leaders who thrive in complex and changing environments. Alan is known for his engaging style and ability to inspire leaders to challenge their assumptions and stretch beyond their comfort zones. Actually, all of that is false...he is an AI.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeArticle: NotebookLMGary Lloyd - The Leadership Skills LabGary Lloyd's websitePodcast Episode - Deep Mind with Hannah FryAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Register for ILA's 26th Global Conference in Chicago, IL - November 7-10, 2024.About Scott J. AllenWebsite ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

Oct 16, 2024 • 33min
Jessica Leving Siegel, Julie Stark & Denny Roberts - Humans on the Move: Welcoming Migrant Families
Send us a textJessica Leving Siegel is an award-winning writer and communications consultant with experience spanning the newspaper and magazine industry, the nonprofit sector, and the disability community. She spent ten years working on internal comms teams for several organizations. Now, she uses her expertise to help other changemakers hone their messaging and amplify their impact. She is also the author of three children’s books, host of The Special Siblings Podcast, and founded her nonprofit organization, The Center for Siblings of People with Disabilities. In 2024, she mobilized the grassroots group North Shore Neighbors Say Bienvenidos to coordinate a humanitarian response to Chicago’s migrant crisis. Julie Stark owns and manages The Stark Solution, a talent strategy, training design, and coaching firm in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in helping for-profit, non-profit, and social enterprise teams connect strategic goals with vital performance development. Her areas of expertise include consultative strategy, enterprise culture shift, learning roadmaps facilitated needs assessment with multi-level leaders, end-to-end virtual/in-person training design/deployment, and professional coaching for real-time performance growth. Dr. Dennis Roberts is an independent consultant, speaker, and author. Roberts’ interest in leadership persisted throughout his forty-one-year career as a student affairs educator. He last served as Assistant Vice President of Education for the Qatar Foundation. During his seven years with QF, he worked with Qatari and expatriate colleagues to create student development and support services for its branch universities at Education City in Doha, Qatar. Roberts has authored six books and over 60 book chapters. One of his most significant books was Deeper Learning in Leadership (Jossey-Bass, 2007). ILA Cultural Emersion ExeprienceThe session is designed for those wanting to learn from changemakers or those working collaboratively on a public issue. Contextualize, explore, and experience a local response to a global issue: an influx of asylum seekers and refugees. In this three-hour session, participants will engage with the community and learn about a humanitarian response from the North Shore of Chicago. What can be learned about the context for leadership and the conditions impacting U.S. immigration practices from the Chicago community leadership effort?Sign up - Human on the Move: A Chicago ExperienceResources - See TranscriptAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together profe ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles.🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

25 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 44min
Dr. Tim O'Brien - Looking for the Development in Leadership Development
Dr. Tim O'Brien, a Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, specializes in leadership development programs worldwide. He discusses how experiential education, particularly sailing, fosters personal growth in leadership. Tim emphasizes adapting leadership education to various developmental stages and the significance of reflexivity for continuous growth. He critiques traditional methods, advocating for practical experiences that combine theory with essential skills like meta-cognition. The conversation also highlights enhancing group dynamics and the importance of inclusive leadership in organizational settings.