The Greg McKeown Podcast

Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, dives deep into the pressing issue of societal polarization. Sharing personal stories, he highlights the power of empathy and dignity in healing divides, particularly following the loss of his cousin. Tim discusses the structural challenges of today's political environment and the role of media in division. He encourages proactive steps for fostering respect in communities, underscoring the importance of building relationships and trust for lasting societal change.

Kim Clark, a former Dean of Harvard Business School, and Jonathan Clark, a PhD and professor, delve into the heart of effective leadership. They emphasize the crucial shift from controlling styles to fostering individual empowerment and collective well-being. The discussion highlights the importance of love, genuine listening, and authentic connection in leadership. They also tackle the moral pitfalls of totalitarian approaches and the necessity of transforming toxic leadership behaviors for a healthier organizational culture.

In this engaging discussion, the dynamic Clark family—Kim, former Dean of Harvard Business School; Jonathan, a UT professor with a Harvard PhD; and Erin, Deloitte's Human Capital leader—explore transformative leadership. They critique the 'power over' model, linking it to inefficiencies and employee dissatisfaction. Advocating for a 'leading through' approach, they emphasize the importance of personal agency, genuine engagement, and moral leadership. The conversation encourages listeners to reclaim their agency in creating positive organizational change.

Wilbur Ross, a prominent figure in global finance and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, shares his remarkable journey and insights. He reflects on the critical mentorship of General Georges Doriot and the importance of presentation in leadership. The conversation delves into the unique power dynamics in Washington D.C. and how personal branding shapes public perception. Ross offers anecdotes from his time within the Trump administration, revealing the interplay of influence and title, making this a captivating talk on economics, mentorship, and personal growth.

Wilbur Ross, a titan in global finance and the 39th US Secretary of Commerce, shares riveting insights from his career and time in the Trump administration. He recounts his first day in the Oval Office, balancing humor with serious economic talks. Ross delves into the complexities of cabinet dynamics and highlights strategies for reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. He also critiques the administration’s communication styles, particularly regarding trade policies, while discussing the pressing need for streamlined legislation in semiconductor manufacturing.

Join Jodi Wellman, author and positive psychologist, as she shares her insights on living a meaningful life with a humorous twist. They discuss the transformative power of death awareness, emphasizing how confronting mortality can motivate vibrant living. Jodi challenges the conventional retirement mindset, advocating for engagement in the present. She introduces the thought-provoking ‘Double Obituary Exercise’ to help clarify what truly matters, urging listeners to align their daily actions with their desired legacy and live fully before it’s too late.

Join Jodi Wellman, a seasoned positive psychologist and author of 'You Only Die Once', as she shares her humorous yet profound insights on living life to the fullest. She emphasizes confronting mortality to spark transformative change and introduces her four emotional quadrants related to life satisfaction. Jodi encourages listeners to assess their current vitality and avoid regrets by taking personal responsibility. With engaging discussions on balancing purpose and fun, this conversation inspires a vibrant approach to life.

Dr. Mithu Storoni, a University of Cambridge-trained physician and neuroscience researcher, shares insights on optimizing mental performance and stress management. She introduces the idea of three mental gears—relaxed, focused, and hyper-vigilant—and discusses how our environments sway which gear we operate in. Storoni highlights the effects of information overload on creativity and productivity, offering actionable tips to create optimal workspaces that promote balance and enhance cognitive efficiency.

Dr. Mithu Storoni, a Cambridge-trained physician and neuroscience expert, dives into the innovative ideas from her upcoming book, "Hyperefficient." She redefines workplace efficiency, emphasizing that quality now trumps quantity, especially in our AI-driven world. Storoni introduces her framework of three mental "gears" to combat cognitive overload and offers practical strategies for managing stress in a hyperconnected era. The conversation also touches on the historical evolution of productivity and the psychological effects of technology on our perceptions of space and time.

Marshall Goldsmith, a two-time Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker, shares insights on leadership and personal growth. He emphasizes the significance of courage, humility, and discipline for effective leadership. The discussion covers the importance of self-forgiveness and authentic relationships, revealing how they contribute to happiness. Goldsmith also highlights the transformative power of parenthood and offers wisdom from the elderly about living in the moment. His innovative work with AI aims to democratize leadership learning, making it accessible for all.