Positive Leadership

This week on the Positive Leadership Podcast, I amjoined by Professor Durreen Shahnaz, a pioneering social entrepreneur, impact investor, and relentless advocate for women’s empowerment. From growing up in a post-war Bangladesh to becoming the first Bangladeshi woman on Wall Street, Durreen’s journey defies conventions. She left investment banking to join Grameen Bank, and went on to found Impact Investment Exchange (IIX)—home to the world’s first social stock exchange and the groundbreaking Women’s Livelihood Bond. In this powerful conversation, Durreen shares: How her upbringing shaped her belief in using finance for good What it means to be a defiant optimist in a system built for exclusion The bold vision behind IIX and the practical ways it's transforming lives across the Global South How young leaders can challenge the status quo and lead with purpose Durreen’s work has shifted the paradigm of global finance—proving that profit and purpose can coexist, and that real change comes from the margins. 🎙️ Want more inspiring stories of courageous leadership and positive change?  Check out these standout episodes: Indra Nooyi – Driving performance with purpose: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14002537-driving-performance-with-purpose-with-indra-nooyi  Hannah Ritchie – Not the End of the World: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/15848278-not-the-end-of-the-world-with-hannah-ritchie  Daniel Goleman – Optimizing your performance with emotional intelligence: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/14940410-optimizing-your-performance-with-emotional-intelligence-with-daniel-goleman  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/

Barbara Martin Coppola, former CEO of Decathlon, joins us for a powerful conversation on what it means to lead with purpose in today’s fast-changing world. From her early career in tech at Google and Samsung to leading IKEA's digital transformation and then guiding Decathlon through cultural and strategic reinvention, Barbara shares the lessons she’s learned across continents, industries, and leadership roles. In this episode, we explore: How to navigate and inspire across cultures What it takes to transform a legacy brand into a global innovation powerhouse The mindset needed to embed sustainability and impact into business strategy Her personal leadership principles shaped by experiences in 8 countries 🎧 If you enjoy this episode, you might also like: Jesper Brodin (CEO of Ingka/IKEA) - Learning to embrace risk: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/13835787-learning-to-embrace-risk-with-jesper-brodin  Hubert Joly (former CEO of Best Buy) - Libérer la magie humaine pour réussir: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/10861128-fr-liberer-la-magie-humaine-pour-reussir-avec-hubert-joly  Whitney Johnson: Growing through personal disruption: https://thepositiveleadershippodcast.buzzsprout.com/1798971/episodes/10797020-growing-through-personal-disruption-with-whitney-johnson  Tune in for a masterclass in global leadership, reinvention, and impact. ▶️ Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. 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/

Rana el Kaliouby is an AI scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to human-centered and ethical AI. She shares her journey from Cairo to MIT, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in today’s tech landscape. Rana discusses the ethical dilemmas in emotion AI, advocating for integrity over profit. She also explores the potential of AI in enhancing mental health and relationship management, while warning against the risks of misuse. Her vision for democratizing technology emphasizes trust and transparency, inspiring a more empathetic future.

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/