Lead From the Heart

    Is Bree Groff delusional or naive to believe work should be a source of fun and joy? Having read her bestseller, Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) and interviewed her, we’re certain she’s spot-on—and voicing what many of us have long felt: work shouldn’t be a grind that erodes our happiness or well-being. Bree’s expertise stems from a dynamic career in organizational transformation. With over a decade advising leaders at Google, Microsoft, and Hilton as a consultant and former CEO of a global change agency, she’s reshaped workplace cultures worldwide. Holding an MS in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, Bree now teaches strategy and change communications, championing work that prioritizes purpose over stress. Growing up, Bree saw her educator parents find joy in their work, joining them on school holidays and assuming all work was inherently meaningful. Yet, entering the workforce, she was stunned by “patently ridiculous, if not outright dangerous” practices she observed that drained all the fun from work. In this episode, Bree pinpoints what’s broken and shares practical leadership solutions to fix it. She defines how joy can coexist with high performance and explains why fostering it is critical for success. She also reveals why emotional reliability is a vital leadership skill and offers steps to cultivate it, strengthening team trust. During our conversation, Bree explains why nurturing workplace friendships boosts organizational outcomes and introduces her “user manuals” concept, where teams share personal preferences to enhance collaboration. This season, our podcast is highly focused on employee well-being, and Bree’s perspective aligns perfectly. She critiques the cost of “discretionary effort” in employee engagement—“It’s free labor, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves where that effort comes from,” she writes, citing sacrifices like missing bedtime stories, not getting exercise or losing sleep. We dive into whether leaders should chase engagement metrics or prioritize well-being for sustainable results. The entire conversation will challenge you to rethink work’s role in your life, whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own career. And just like her book title and the mission she’s on, Bree Groff is also a rather fun guest! The post Bree Groff: Reimagining Work with Joy and Purpose appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    As a statistician by trade, Cambridge University Emeritus Professor, Sir David Spiegelhalter might seem to be a huge outlier for our leadership podcast. At the beginning of our conversation he even acknowledges feeling this way. But his new book, The Art of Uncertainty, was named an Amazon Best Book of 2025, and his investigations aimed at reducing uncertainty in life: about what is happening, what might happen – even why things have happened – have yielded some remarkably useful insights on how leaders can most effectively navigate complex situations. And it’s absolutely invaluable knowledge these days.   As you’ll soon realize on your own, our conversation reveals not only his brilliance, but that he’s also a keen observer of what drives leadership success. It’s also no surprise that that his 50 years of work is so impressive that Queen Elizabeth Knighted him. With clear, engaging and truly charming delivery, Sir David explains why leaders often fear the unknown and how accepting it fosters resilience. He challenges the instinct to eliminate uncertainty, highlighting humility and adaptability as key to success. He also redefines “luck” – not as something mystical but as a skill – built through openness to opportunities and perseverance. His point is we can learn to make ourselves more lucky in life – a wiser path than hoping the universe bestows it upon us. Before we’re done, we discuss the importance of balancing intuition with data when making important leadership decisions (currently a wildly uncommon practice in business) along with real-world examples of leaders who’ve succeeded by routinely questioning assumptions. Finally, Sir David shares a brilliant model leaders can use to communicate in uncertain times when they do not have the all the answers – and also don’t want to appear indecisive. We believe there is great wisdom to be gained from experts outside of business and workplace leadership. And one of the world’s truly great analytical minds (a statistician!) proves the point in this wonderful conversation. The post Sir David Spiegelhalter: A Leader’s Guide To Mastering Uncertainty appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Richard Simon, author of Unplugged, shares his eye-opening experiences after a year-long phone detox. He reveals the staggering impact smartphones have, consuming 75 days a year from our lives. Simon highlights the detrimental effects on relationships and productivity, urging listeners to set boundaries on device use. Through personal anecdotes and stories from figures like MLB star Nick Castellanos, he emphasizes that unplugging isn't about disconnecting—it's about reconnecting with what truly matters.

    We’re thrilled to welcome back Margaret Heffernan to the podcast, a guest whose erudition and insight left us in awe last time! Margaret is one of the most remarkable people we’ve had on the show—an entrepreneur, former CEO, acclaimed author, and thought leader whose uncommon education and thirst for knowledge imbue her work with extraordinary depth. Her TED Talk, “Why it’s time to forget the pecking order at work,” viewed over 15 million times, challenges hierarchical thinking and champions collaboration, showcasing her ability to reshape leadership. Her new book, Embracing Uncertainty: How Writers, Musicians, and Artists Thrive in an Unpredictable World, explores how to transform uncertainty into a source of creativity. It’s the subject of our conversation — essential for leaders eager to navigate today’s unpredictable world with courage and creativity.  In our conversation, we explore how artists embrace the unknown as a vital part of their creative process, and what leaders can learn from their courage. We dive into why controlling outcomes often stifles innovation, and how practices like walking spark transformative ideas. Margaret shares stories of artists who lean into uncertainty to create extraordinary work, offering lessons for leaders to shape the future. We also discuss how to empower those feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty to thrive in turbulent times. Margaret’s well-read perspective and intellectual curiosity shine through, delivered with a mentor’s warmth. Her insights inspire us to rethink how we lead and innovate, leaving us with actionable ideas to foster creativity and resilience. It’s an honor to have her back with us and to learn from her truly uncommon intellect — and heart. The post Margaret Heffernan: How Artists Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    Imagine you’re a leader who’s achieved great success, yet something suddenly feels off: roadblocks appear, your team seems less responsive and productive—and you’re not progressing as hoped. What’s holding you back? Martin Dubin, a clinical psychologist and author of, Blindspotting: How To See What’s Holding You Back As A Leader (being released next week) says career and leadership setbacks like these are often the consequence of our blind spots—hidden habits and behaviors that we don’t see, but others clearly do —that undermine our progress and impact. During decades of coaching senior executives, Dubin repeatedly observed leaders who derailed their careers because they lacked the self-awareness to improve upon their limitations not to mention the curiosity required to identify the areas where they needed work. For obvious reasons, Martin believes self-awareness is a cornerstone of great leadership, no matter our role or industry. In our discussion, Martin shares transformative insights. Picture a CEO whose overconfidence leads to a failed product launch, costing millions. Martin unpacks why this happens and why we must seek diverse perspectives in order to grow. Ironically, it’s when we have a lot of success behind us that we stop inquiring on how we might further improve our skills – and to identifying what character or personality traits may limiting us. Martin says, “when we’re winning, our teams stop challenging us – and we stop challenging ourselves.” Martin also explores emotional intelligence, showing why cultivating the ability to read others’ emotions is essential to building trust. He even dives into how childhood experiences shape our leadership values and behavior, helping us break life-long limiting patterns. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, Martin’s insights will surely resonate. Listen in as he explains how we can uncover our own blind spots without a coach—and how to refine our personal brands to inspire confidence in others. Discovering what may be holding you back might just be the greatest thing you can do for your career right now! The post Martin Dubin: Uncovering the Hidden Blind Spots That Hold Leaders Back appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    We’re thrilled to welcome Shigehiro Oishi, renowned psychologist and University of Chicago professor, whose groundbreaking research on well-being has reshaped how we understand a fulfilling life. As the author of Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life, Oishi introduces a transformative framework that adds “psychological richness”—a life enriched by diverse, novel, and challenging experiences—to the traditional pillars of happiness and meaning. His work, backed by decades of his own rigorous research, makes him the perfect guest to explore how curiosity and exploration can deepen personal lives and revolutionize leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more vibrant life not to mention innovative ways to inspire their teams. Oishi defines psychological richness as experiences that spark curiosity, push boundaries, and foster growth – distinct from happiness, which arises from frequent, small positive social interactions and close relationships, and meaning, which stems from purpose and coherence. By embracing the unfamiliar—by choosing to experience new, unique and even risky moments—individuals unlock a fuller life, with the journey itself becoming its greatest reward. For listeners, this episode offers a dual promise: tools to enrich your personal life and strategies to transform how you lead. Leaders will learn why prioritizing micro-moments of connection—like casual check-ins or team celebrations—boosts employee happiness more than rare wins like promotions or annual galas. Oishi explains how fostering psychological richness, through new challenges or creative projects, enhances commitment, creativity, and resilience. He shares how to create safe environments where employees feel empowered to step outside their comfort zones, turning risk-taking into growth without fear. We also discuss Oishi’s powerful insight that focusing on others’ happiness inherently boosts our own – offering leaders a blueprint for supporting employee growth, belonging and achievement. This isn’t just a conversation about personal fulfillment—it’s a guide for leaders to create environments where employees thrive through connection, growth, and exploration. Tune in to discover how Life in Three Dimensions can transform your life and leadership. Shigehiro Oishi’s blend of cutting-edge science and practical wisdom will inspire you to embrace curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and lead with purpose, unlocking remarkable benefits for yourself and your team. The post Shigehiro Oishi: Embracing the Unfamiliar to Forge Deeper Lives and Thriving Teams appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    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.