
Positive Leadership
Positive Leadership has the power to change the world. By focusing on trust, empathy, authenticity and deep collaboration, leaders can energize their teams to achieve success for individuals, their organizations, and society as a whole. Yet, it remains relatively unknown outside positive psychology and neuroscience circles.Join Jean-Philippe Courtois, former member of the Microsoft senior leadership team alongside Satya Nadella and co-founder of Live for Good, as he brings Positive Leadership to life for anyone in a leadership capacity—both personally and professionally. With help from his guests, Jean-Philippe explores how purpose-driven leaders can generate the positive energy needed to drive business success, individual fulfillment, and societal impact across a range of industries—from technology and social enterprise to sports and coffee.Most importantly, you’ll learn practical tips to apply in your own life—so you can start making a positive difference in the world.
Latest episodes

Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 28min
Special Episode: Leadership Lessons & 50 Years of Microsoft (with Steve Ballmer)
This episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast is truly special—for two reasons. First, Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of innovation, transformation, and leadership in the tech industry. Second, on a personal level, this milestone resonates deeply with me. Having spent 40 years at Microsoft, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible journey of this company, the people who shaped it, and the leadership lessons that continue to inspire me today. To mark the occasion, I am honored to welcome Steve Ballmer—a true legend, former CEO of Microsoft, and one of the most passionate, energetic leaders I’ve ever had the chance to work with. In this episode, Steve shares: ✅ His first encounter with Bill Gates and the early days of Microsoft ✅ The legendary IBM-MS-DOS deal that changed everything ✅ What it was like leading one of the world’s most influential companies ✅ His transition to owning the LA Clippers and his vision for social impact in the U.S. Expect a conversation full of energy, laughter, and powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and the future of technology. 🎧 Don’t miss this special episode! I also encourage you to (re)discover those past great episodes: Finding meaning in your work (with Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO): https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/8966432-finding-meaning-in-your-work-with-satya-nadella-microsoft-ceo Unlocking the Secrets to Leading Across Borders (with Erin Meyer): https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16477213-unlocking-the-secrets-to-leading-across-borders-with-erin-meyer I’m Michelin: making every individual matter (with Florent Menegaux): https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16252992-i-m-michelin-making-every-individual-matter-with-florent-menegaux Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 38min
[FR] Comment transformer ses émotions en force (avec Natacha Calestrémé)
Dans cet épisode, je reçois Natacha Calestrémé, écrivaine, réalisatrice et experte en bien-être émotionnel et énergétique. Son livre La Clé de votre énergie a aidé des milliers de personnes à surmonter leurs blocages émotionnels et à retrouver leur alignement personnel et professionnel. 🔎 Au programme : ✔️ Pourquoi notre énergie influence nos décisions et nos relations ✔️ Comment les émotions non exprimées impactent notre entourage ✔️ L’importance de l’attention et de la concentration dans notre bien-être ✔️ L’intelligence émotionnelle et son rôle clé dans un leadership positif ✔️ Des pratiques concrètes pour mieux gérer son stress et son énergie 🎧 Un épisode inspirant pour celles et ceux qui veulent mieux comprendre leur propre fonctionnement émotionnel et apprendre à utiliser leur énergie pour avoir un impact positif. 📌 Épisodes recommandés pour approfondir ces sujets : Optimizing your performance with emotional intelligence (with Daniel Goleman) : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14940410-optimizing-your-performance-with-emotional-intelligence-with-daniel-golemanImproving your focus (with Dandapani) : https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/12989229-improving-your-focus-with-dandapani Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 11min
Seeing the Future and Transforming Millions of Lives (with James Chen)
What if the biggest overlooked global health challenge was something as simple as… vision? In this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, we sit down with James Chen, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and global changemaker on a mission to provide vision correction to over a billion people who need it. Through his groundbreaking Clearly campaign and the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation, James has pioneered an approach he calls moonshot philanthropy—taking bold risks to solve pressing social issues, with a focus on education and sight. James’s story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, proving that vision—both literal and metaphorical—can change the world. 📌 Want more insights on bold leadership and impact? Check out these episodes: Laurence Tubiana – The Courage to Drive Change: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16090358-fr-le-courage-du-changement-avec-laurence-tubianaFred Swaniker – Developing the Next Generation of African Leaders: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15271706-developing-the-next-generation-of-african-leaders-with-fred-swanikerJacqueline Novogratz – Investing in Change Through Patient Capital: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14404175-building-a-better-world-together-with-jacqueline-novogratzSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Breaking Barriers Through Curiosity (with Scott Shigeoka)
Curiosity is more than just asking questions—it’s a mindset that can break barriers, foster empathy, and fuel innovation. In this episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Scott Shigeoka, a leading expert on curiosity and the author of Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World. Scott shares how deep curiosity can help us connect with others across differences, navigate uncertainty with resilience, and unlock new opportunities for growth—both in leadership and in life. From personal stories to practical tools, this conversation will inspire you to cultivate curiosity as a leadership superpower. 🚀 Want more insights on transformational leadership? Don’t miss these episodes: 🎙 Dorie Clark on long-term thinking and reinvention: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15190709-reinventing-yourself-with-dorie-clark 🎙 Daniel Goleman on emotional intelligence and leadership: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14940410-optimizing-your-performance-with-emotional-intelligence-with-daniel-goleman 🎙 Laurence Tubiana on shaping global change: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16090358-fr-le-courage-du-changement-avec-laurence-tubiana Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
Leading Through Civic Engagement (with Eric Liu)
What does it mean to be an engaged citizen and a positive leader? Eric Liu, CEO of Citizen University, has dedicated his career to answering this question. Through his work, he empowers individuals to embrace civic leadership, take action, and shape a stronger, more inclusive democracy. In this episode, Eric shares how leadership isn’t just about positions of power—it’s about participation, influence, and impact. He explores how everyday actions can foster a culture of engagement, why citizenship is a muscle we must exercise, and what leaders can do to inspire civic responsibility in their communities. Listen to this insightful conversation with JP and discover how you, too, can lead with purpose and engagement. For more leadership wisdom, revisit these inspiring episodes: 🎙 Daniel Goleman – The power of emotional intelligence in leadership: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/14123019 🎙 Hannah Ritchie – Data-driven optimism for a sustainable future: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/15534568 🎙 Laurence Tubiana – Leading the fight against climate change: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/15270149 Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 22min
Unlocking the Secrets to Leading Across Borders (with Erin Meyer)
When Erin Meyer set out to explore how cultural differences impact leadership and communication, she uncovered profound insights that have transformed the way global leaders connect, collaborate, and succeed. Her groundbreaking book The Culture Map and her work at INSEAD have made her one of the world's leading experts on cultural intelligence and effective teamwork. In this episode, Erin shares her invaluable lessons on bridging cultural divides, fostering trust, and encouraging positive leadership – with empathy in a complex, interconnected world. She also uncovers the “No rules rules” underpinning of Netflix culture Listen to the latest episode with JP to discover how to unlock the power to leading with empathy across the world– and revisit JP’s conversations with these inspiring leaders for even more insights: Kim Cameron: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/15008924 Hannah Ritchie: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/15534568 Daniel Goleman: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/14123019 Laurence Tubiana: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/15270149 Subscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 16min
What Truly Makes a Happy Life (with Marc Schulz)
In this insightful episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I am delighted to welcome Marc Schulz, co-author of The Good Life and Associate Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development—the world’s longest scientific study on happiness. Together, we explore the profound impact of relationships on happiness, health, and leadership. Marc shares key findings from the Harvard Study, shedding light on why meaningful connections are the cornerstone of well-being and how leaders can foster stronger relationships in increasingly hybrid and digital workplaces. We also discuss the collaborative journey behind The Good Life, written with Robert Waldinger, and dive into actionable strategies for cultivating positive leadership. Marc’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you lead, live, and connect with others. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my conversation with Hannah Ritchie on Data-Driven Optimism for Our Future: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15848278-not-the-end-of-the-world-with-hannah-ritchie Or my episode with Albert Moukheiber on The Neuroscience of Positive Leadership: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15768633-fr-savoir-dejouer-les-pieges-de-son-cerveau-avec-albert-moukheiber Watch this inspiring episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G8LGUZkyPAUSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Dec 27, 2024 • 58min
The Power of Habit (with Charles Duhigg)
In this captivating episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Power of Habit and Supercommunicator. Together, we dive, among other topics, into the science of habits, exploring how small behavioral changes can drive transformative leadership and fuel long-term success. Charles shares actionable insights on building better routines, fostering resilience, and creating a culture of innovation—essential tools for any positive leader aiming to inspire growth and impact. Looking for more inspiration? Listen to my conversation with Jeff Raikes, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Combining Leadership and Philanthropy with Jeff Raikes Or my discussion with Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer: Empowering People with AI Watch this inspiring episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rfafXs07lWYSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 11min
I’m Michelin: making every individual matter (with Florent Menegaux)
In this inspiring episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I’m joined by a leader who has redefined what it means to innovate in the world of industry and sustainability—Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin. Over the years, he has climbed the ranks to become a transformative leader, steering the company toward a bold vision: achieving 100% sustainable tire production by 2050. Under his guidance, Michelin has evolved far beyond tire manufacturing, positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable mobility. Florent’s leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices. In today’s episode, we delve into his visionary approach to transformation, exploring how he balances business growth with sustainability and how his leadership principles inspire positive impact across the globe. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the future of sustainable mobility, ethical leadership, and the power of transformation. Also, don’t miss this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1-sRFMRUJHYInterested in similar episodes with other visionary leaders? Tune in to my conversation with Jeff Raikes, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Combining Leadership and Philanthropy with Jeff Raikes - https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16177556-special-100th-episode-a-journey-of-leadership-and-giving-back-with-jeff-raikesOr my discussion with Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer: Empowering People with AI - https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14764673-empowering-people-with-ai-with-kevin-scottSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 14min
Special 100th episode! A Journey of Leadership and Giving Back (with Jeff Raikes)
In this milestone episode of the Positive Leadership Podcast, I’m joined by someone who has had a profound influence on my career and personal growth—Jeff Raikes. Jeff and I share a deep connection, having both spent significant time at Microsoft, where he became a legendary manager and mentor to me.From his early days at Microsoft in 1981 to his pivotal role as President of the Business Division, Jeff’s leadership has been integral to the company's success. Beyond his Microsoft career, Jeff is known for his extraordinary philanthropic work. As the former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and co-founder of the Raikes Foundation with his wife Tricia, he has made a lasting impact in youth development, education, and addressing youth homelessness.In today’s conversation, we dive into the principles of leadership that have guided Jeff throughout his career and explore how his commitment to making the world a better place continues to drive his work.Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership, giving back, and the power of making a lasting difference.Interested in other similar episodes with great positive leaders?Don’t miss my conversation with Yoshito Hori, founder of GLOBIS Corporation, GLOBIS University, and GLOBIS Capital Partners: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/16010088-combining-purpose-and-entrepreneurship-for-japan-s-future-with-yoshito-horiOr with Kevin Scott, Microsoft's chief technology officer: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14764673-empowering-people-with-ai-with-kevin-scottSubscribe now to JP's free monthly newsletter "Positive Leadership and You" on LinkedIn to transform your positive impact today: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/positive-leadership-you-6970390170017669121/
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