Lead From the Heart

    For over 40 years, Gary Shapiro has been CEO of the Consumer Technology Association – the organization which runs CES, the world’s largest and most influential technology trade show held every year in Las Vegas. CES long ago became the global stage where innovations like the iPhone, self-driving cars, and AI breakthroughs have been introduced to the world for the first time. In his spare time, Gary has written four New York Times bestsellers, including the focus for this episode, his new book, Pivot or Die: How Leaders Thrive When Everything Changes. As you will hear, Gary emphasizes that pivoting is the cornerstone of effective leadership in today’s fast-moving world. Mastering this skill, he stresses, is critical to staying relevant, inspiring teams, and driving success in an era where resistance to change can be fatal. So, what exactly is pivoting? In Gary’s view, it’s a bold, intentional shift in strategy or direction when the future is unclear. It’s not just about savvy business choices—it’s about summoning the courage to act decisively amid uncertainty, whether you’re a startup disrupting markets or a seasoned leader tackling unforeseen challenges. His insights, honed over decades watching tech giants like Netflix and PayPal pivot to redefine industries, offer essential guidance for leaders navigating today’s unpredictable landscape. During our conversation, we dive into how leaders can pivot effectively. Importantly, Gary stresses that relying upon data alone to inform our decision-making proves to be massively flawed.  Instead, he says leaders must cultivate – and trust – their intuition as well.  His book cites studies that show blending intuition with data leads to both faster and better decisions. When Netflix made the bold leap from DVD rentals to streaming, Gary calls this a textbook pivot that redefined an industry. But as cautionary tales on what happens when companies fail to pivot, 3-in-4 startups fail to repay their investors, and half of small businesses collapse within five years. The common thread among survivors? A relentless willingness to adapt, evolve – and intentionally pivot.  And, for workplace leaders, this means staying open to new paths while keeping goals in sight, even when it feels risky. Truth be told, pivoting isn’t always easy.  As just one example, we discuss what Gary calls the “success pivot,” where leaders choose to abandon what’s working (and profitable) to seize even bigger wins or embrace market evolution. As you’ll also hear, Gary’s leadership philosophy is humanistic. He says his career’s greatest lesson is to treat employees as human beings, not capital. He believes when people are valued and cared for, they become far more willing to embrace change and help leaders quickly move in a new direction. And Gary’s parting words serve as a rallying cry: in a world moving at breakneck speed, leaders who don’t pivot risk obsolescence. The post Gary Shapiro: Mastering the Art of the Pivot appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    Wes Adams, co-author of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, joins the podcast and shares profound insights from his extensive, multi-year research, on an essential yet often ignored leadership prerogative: ensuring employees feel they’re connected to a shared purpose, empowered to make a difference – and pushed to grow. As a positive psychology scholar, Wes draws on decades of research, including vivid examples from organizations like Patagonia, Ritz-Carlton, and Zappos, to show how leaders can cultivate purpose, connection, and growth for employees at every level. In our discussion, Wes introduces the framework that defines meaningful work. With precision, he explains why each element – Community, Contribution, and Challenge – is crucial for employee well-being and organizational success, illustrating with practical examples from leading companies. From the Great Resignation to the decline in social participation outside work, Wes examines the societal shifts positioning workplaces as vital hubs for connection and purpose—and what this demands of leaders today. Some of the ideas we discuss: The Three Cs of Meaningful Work: Why fostering community, enabling impactful contributions, and providing growth challenges are vital for employee fulfillment and organizational results. Work’s Impact on Well-Being: Why meaningful work profoundly influences overall life satisfaction, surpassing most other factors. Leadership That Inspires: The traits and actions of leaders who build cultures of meaning, including how to keep organizational values authentic under pressure. Navigating Workplace Connection: Why workers crave community at work yet often struggle with co-worker relationships, and how leaders can bridge this gap. Wes Adams doesn’t merely identify the workplace’s yearning for meaning—he provides a transformative blueprint. He shows how leaders can infuse every role, from entry-level to executive, with purpose by embedding community, contribution, and challenge into daily work. His insights urge leaders to redefine their role in a world where employees increasingly seek connection and impact through work, making this episode a clarion call for those committed to building thriving teams. In our season featuring guests with deep expertise in employee well-being, Wes stands out, informed by rigorous study under UPenn’s Martin Seligman and cutting-edge research. This conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership, offering timely and compelling strategies to make meaningful work a reality. The post Wes Adams: How Meaningful Work Fuels Exceptional Performance appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    What makes a leader truly successful? To find out, we sat down with Claudius Hildebrand, author of the bestselling The Life Cycle of a CEO: The Myths and Truths of How Leaders Succeed. His core insight? Leadership isn’t a trophy you win or a title you hold—it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving journey that demands growth, grit, and constant reinvention. Whether you’re a team lead, a mid-level manager, or dreaming of the C-suite, this episode is your roadmap to navigating the twists and turns of leadership. Hildebrand’s work is grounded in one of the most comprehensive studies of leadership ever performed. He and his team analyzed the career arcs of all S&P 500 CEOs, diving into decades of performance data, boardroom dynamics, and personal turning points. This wasn’t just number-crunching—Hildebrand also conducted over 100 in-depth interviews with sitting CEOs, former executives, and board directors, uncovering the human side of leadership. Ultimately, his research discovered there’s a universal path of leadership growth, defined by four distinct stages: launch (taking on a role with bold ambition and vision), calibration (adapting to realities and fostering trust with teams and stakeholders), reinvention (shifting strategies to tackle emerging challenges), and avoiding complacency (maintaining focus and agility even after success). The strength of Hildebrand’s work lies in its meticulous approach, blending hard data—such as CEO tenure, financial performance, and market trends—with rich, qualitative insights drawn from candid interviews with leaders who’ve navigated these stages firsthand. Here’s the kicker: these stages aren’t exclusive to corner-office executives. Hildebrand’s framework applies directly to anyone leading a team, project, or organization. In this episode, we dive into how a first-time manager kicking off a new initiative faces the same “launch” challenges as a CEO taking over a Fortune 500 company. We explore how mid-level leaders “calibrate” by balancing team dynamics and stakeholder expectations, and how even seasoned directors must “reinvent” to stay relevant. Hildebrand’s insights offer practical tools for leaders at every level to anticipate obstacles, seize opportunities, and grow through each phase. We also tackle the myth of the “hero leader”—the idea that great leaders are born with superhuman charisma or flawless instincts. Hildebrand dismantles this with compelling stories from his research, showing that the most successful leaders are those who embrace continuous learning, lean into self-awareness, and adapt to changing realities. Forget the larger-than-life personas; leadership is about showing up, evolving, and staying human. Tune in to discover how to navigate your own leadership journey, no matter where you are in your career. This episode is packed with actionable insights, surprising stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead. The post Claudius Hildebrand: The Lifecycle Of Every Leader; Why Growth and Reinvention Matter appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

  Melody Wilding, Professor of Human Behavior at Hunter College in New York City, and renowned for her expertise in workplace dynamics, has just published, “Managing Up: How To Get What You Need From The People In Charge.” It’s received outstanding reviews, is already a bestseller – and has become an indispensable guide for building effective relationships with bosses and even peers. In “Managing Up,” Melody addresses the key problems employees face in their careers, from feeling micromanaged to struggling with office politics and to not getting promotions. Her book provides practical strategies and techniques to help readers reclaim control at work. She goes beyond typical advice, delving into human dynamics by offering specific scripts for handling complex workplace situations. During our conversation, we explore why so many of us struggle with managing up, and the common misconceptions and challenges we face –especially those of us in leadership roles. Melody explains why relying upon our strong workplace performance alone isn’t sufficient to win influence with the people we report to. And, she stresses that adopting a “strategic, investigative mindset” to understand our managers leads to a greater understanding of how to successfully navigate these relationships. One of the highlights of Melody’s book is the introduction of ten critical conversations every professional should have with their managers. Melody discusses the most important ones of these, and provides actionable advice on how to approach them. Importantly, Melody also emphasizes that managing up isn’t solely the employee’s responsibility; she believes (and explains why) managers should also proactively provide clarity on how people working for them can succeed while under their leadership. Managing up is an art, and during our conversation, she will teach you to be a master. It’s a fantastic and Illuminating conversation that will surely help you thrive in your career. The post Melody Wilding: Navigating the Complexities of Managing Up appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    Version 1.0.0 Renowned social psychologist and Columbia Business School professor Adam Galinsky, has dedicated his academic career to understanding the intricacies of leadership and human behavior. His latest book, “Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others,” offers a compelling exploration of what it takes to be an inspiring leader. Adam is clear that inspiring leadership is rarely an innate trait, but rather a skill we all can develop through conscious effort and practice. In “Inspire,” he presents a groundbreaking framework for understanding the qualities that make leaders truly inspiring – and he identifies three universal characteristics that define inspiring leaders: Visionaries, Exemplars, and Mentor: Visionaries offer a big-picture, optimistic, and accessible vision of the future. They help others see beyond the present challenges and imagine a better tomorrow.  Exemplars are courageous and calm protectors who express authentic passion while remaining consistent in word and deed. They lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors they expect from others Mentors encourage, empower, and challenge others, fostering growth and development through genuine empathy and support. “Inspire” is more than just a book on leadership; it’s a guide to becoming a more effective decision-maker, a wise problem-solver, a value-creating negotiator, and an inclusive and ethical guide For those who seek to leave a lasting positive impact on their teams, organizations, and communities, our discussion about “Inspire” offers a clear roadmap to becoming not just a leader, but an inspiring one. Join us on the Lead from the Heart podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of Adam Galinsky’s “Inspire” and uncover the secrets to becoming a truly inspiring leader. The post Adam Galinsky: A Blueprint for Inspiring Leadership appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    Ever wondered what truly drives peak performance at work? As research is now proving, the surprising secret lies in employee well-being. In this captivating episode, we’re joined by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of Economics and Behavioral Science at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Director of the Wellbeing Research Centre & an editor of the World Happiness Report. His remarkable study helps confirms the core belief of the Lead From The Heart philosophy: That there is a a direct correlation between how people feel at work & their personal productivity. The stunning take-away is that leaders who intentionally help support & elevate their employee’s well-being are rewarded with uncommonly high achievement. In this episode, we explore what inspired Jan to delve into the realm of employee well-being, & how it is differentiated from both employee wellness and employee engagement. We also dive into the major findings from his extensive & long-running research – including his two most important discoveries: (1) that the greatest driver of employee well-being is “belonging,” & (2) that addressing employees’ feelings has become crucial for highly effective leadership. Last December, on the cusp of finalizing my own upcoming book, I took a train ride from London to Oxford to meet Jan in person. Today, we pick up our conversation where we left off – which includes a focus on Jan’s new book, “Why Workplace Well-Being Matters.” If you’re interested in transforming your leadership approach – and consistently driving exceptional results, this conversation is a must-listen! The post Jan-Emmanuel De Neve: Transform Your Employees’ Performance by Prioritizing Their Well-Being appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    For our inaugural episode of our new season, we are thrilled to feature two truly extraordinary guests. It also marks a milestone for us as it’s the very first time we’ve recorded an episode where both the host and guests were together in the same room — in this case, at a recording studio at Chevron’s Northern California offices. In this special episode, you’re about to gain sage guidance and leadership insights from two of the world’s top Human Resources leaders: Kathleen Hogan (right) is the executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Microsoft. With her leadership, she influences the lives and careers of 220,000 global employees, ensuring Microsoft remains an exceptional place to work. Kathleen’s dedication to fostering a culture that attracts and inspires the world’s most passionate talent earned her the title of “HR Executive of the Year” by Human Resource Executive magazine in 2021 for her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her academic accolades include a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and economics from Harvard University, and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Rhonda Morris (left) who you may recognize as the first voice you hear at the start of all our recent podcasts episode, just retired from her role as vice president and chief human resources officer at Chevron. A long-time listener and lover of our podcast, Rhonda committed Chevron to becoming our show’s formal sponsor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from Boston University and worked tirelessly to create a workplace culture that fosters the “Lead From The Heart” values. In this must-listen episode, Kathleen and Rhonda share their extraordinary stories, impactful strategies, and visionary insights that can inspire and inform your own journey in the world of Human Resources and leadership. Listen in to hear from two of the industry’s most influential voices and take away valuable lessons that can elevate your professional and personal growth. The post Kathleen Hogan & Rhonda Morris: Two Of The World’s HR Giants Together appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

Ethan Kross, a renowned psychologist and University of Michigan professor, returns to discuss his upcoming book, 'Shift.' He delves into the crucial role emotions play in leadership, revealing how they can inform decision-making rather than obstruct it. Listeners gain insights on debunking myths about emotional avoidance and discover practical tools for emotional resilience. Kross shares innovative tips for enhancing emotional intelligence and stresses the importance of building stronger team dynamics through effective emotional management.

  The Financial Times just named Columbia University professor Michael Morriss’ new book, Tribal: How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together, one of the “Best Business Books of the Year” (2024). When we hear the word “tribalism,” it often carries a negative connotation. It gets blamed for everything from political polarization to workplace discrimination. We commonly believe tribalism is a societal divider & therefore a harmful influence on society. But, as we discuss in this episode, Morris redefines tribalism not as a flaw but as a crucial part of human nature that can be harnessed for positive change. He believes our tribal instincts are humanity’s secret weapon. In his book, he writes that humans are unique in forming tribes, & that we are fueled by three psychological instincts: The Peer Instinct: tribe members conform to group norms. The Hero Instinct: tribe members emulate respected members. The Ancestor Instinct: tribe members follow traditions. Morris says these instincts enable us to collaborate, share knowledge & build on past achievements. Teams and organizations are shaped by these instincts – they subtly influence our thoughts & actions – & when tribal “leaders” recognize & leverage these instincts, they’re able to enhance the tribe’s performance, bridge divided & drive cultural change. A central theme of Morris’ book is belonging. He explains how our need to belong (a theme we routinely & purposely explore on this podcast) motivates our identities & behaviors. And he provides insights into how we can foster inclusivity & community. It’s when leaders embrace their employee’s tribal nature that they can cultivate environments where people feel valued & connected. As you’ll hear, Morris’s perspective offers a hopeful view, suggesting that by understanding our tribal instincts, we can turn a potential source of division into a powerful force for unity and progress. By fostering a sense of belonging, leaders can unlock the secrets of our psychology and effectively manage our misunderstood superpower. Michael Morris is truly brilliant and you’ll be massively impressed by how he connects wide-ranging ideas in real time. The post Michael Morriss: How To Harness Our Tribal Instincts To Cultivate Team Belonging appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

      We live in a world where early achievements are celebrated, but what if some of your greatest successes were to come later in life? On this truly provocative episode, we sit down with the brilliant Henry Oliver, author of “Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life.” Our conversation is packed with uncommon insights that will challenge your perspectives on career success, personal growth — & surprisingly, networking! In our fast-paced society, we often feel pressured to reach the top quickly, making us overlook the value of continuous growth & evolution. Henry’s book, “Second Act,” shifts this narrative, celebrating those who achieved remarkable success in the second half of their lives. Henry argues that as we live longer, healthier & more productive lives, the potential to become a late bloomer is within all of us. In this episode, we delve into the mindset of late bloomers. Henry emphasizes the importance of preparing for the unknown, the unexpected, & the unstated. This isn’t just about having a plan, but about being open to where our journey might lead over the next 10, 20, or even 30 years. He introduces the concept of an “Odyssean education” — the value of intentionally placing ourselves in new contexts & environments in order to broaden our understanding & develop unique skills, rather than sticking to what we already know. Henry’s book has not gone unnoticed. It has received a glowing review from the Wall Street Journal, which highlighted key insights that resonate deeply with readers. What motivates someone to study late bloomers? For Henry, it’s about uncovering the lessons we can all learn from these extraordinary individuals. He shares the driving forces behind his research, the inspiration from famous late bloomers, & what he hopes readers will gain from his work. We discuss the life stories of several world-famous late bloomers & how their preparedness for luck played a significant role in their success. Steve Jobs, the man who made Apple a global phenomenon – in his second go-round as CEO – is just one example of how late bloomers can seize opportunities in ways that early achievers might not. With a rich background & years of meticulous research, Henry offers exceptional insights that are bound to inspire you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a new direction in their career, or simply wanting to understand the power & potential of their blooming later in life. The post Henry Oliver: The Essential Guide to Late Blooming Success appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.