The Global Leadership Podcast

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and bestselling author known for his insights on leadership and happiness, shares intriguing takes on the science behind joy. He discusses meta-cognition techniques to enhance personal happiness. Listeners learn about mastering emotions to lead effectively and the arrival fallacy, where achieving goals may not guarantee lasting happiness. Brooks also connects with young adults, emphasizing the importance of navigating life's complexities rather than merely facing challenges. Prepare to take notes on happiness!

How can leaders stay holistically healthy amidst demands for high-performance and the constant chaos of the modern world? GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft sits down with Whitney Putnam to share his thoughts on what leaders can do to care for themselves so they can stay in the game for the long haul. 

Stephanie Chung spent her career in the aviation industry, rising from being a baggage handler to eventually making history as the first African American and second female president of a major private aviation company. During that rise, she was a top sales executive, generating $1B in revenue annually. Stephanie is now a highly sought-after speaker, and her most recent book, Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You, was released in 2024. In this conversation with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft, Stephanie shares about her leadership journey, and how all leaders of all kinds can learn to be allies of the individuals on their teams.

Dan Owolabi, a CEO, author, and founder of Branches Worldwide, discusses the power of faith-driven entrepreneurship to uplift communities. He emphasizes how authentic leadership fosters meaningful change, especially in developing nations. The conversation reveals the importance of community support and genuine connections in leadership. Dan shares personal insights on aligning purpose with professional decisions through divine dialogue, showcasing relatable stories of transformative relationships that enrich community engagement.

At the 2025 Global Leadership Summit GLN President and CEO, David Ashcraft interviewed Joni Eareckson Tada—an internationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate who has spent decades leading with grace, resilience, and faith. After a diving accident left her quadriplegic at 17, Joni turned her pain into purpose, founding Joni and Friends, a global ministry serving people with disabilities. Her journey is a powerful testament to the kind of leadership that transcends circumstances—one marked by courage, service, and unwavering hope.   In this episode, we’ll dive into Joni’s journey to become the leader she is today, how leaders can better steward suffering, and other priceless pieces of wisdom from her life. Whether you're leading in business, ministry, or everyday life, Joni’s wisdom will challenge and encourage you.

David Ashcraft, President and CEO of Global Leadership Network, shares his rich 30-year journey in leadership. He dives into the crucial elements of crafting a meaningful legacy and the importance of strategic succession planning. Ashcraft reveals how adaptability and a clear vision can help leaders navigate transitions successfully. He reflects on the emotional aspects of leaving a role, stressing that true legacy lies in the values we impart, urging listeners to consider the impact they wish to leave on future generations.

Delve into the essentials of building a thriving team culture with insights from a dynamic workshop. Discover how establishing clear values and behaviors can drive organizational success. Personal anecdotes highlight the impact of miscommunication on identity. Learn about the significance of excellence, authenticity, and collaboration in creating a positive atmosphere. Plus, explore the practical 90-10 rule for aligning decisions with long-term goals and the call to foster continuous learning among team members.

In a compelling discussion, legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, with five national championships and multiple Olympic gold medals, shares his secrets to effective leadership. He reflects on how family values shape his approach and emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships in challenging times. Coach K elaborates on the evolution of leadership through personal experiences and philanthropy, particularly in supporting cancer research. He also delves into the power of self-talk and preparation as crucial elements for fostering a successful, engaged team culture.

David Ashcraft, President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, shares invaluable insights on effective teamwork and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of open communication and proactive conflict resolution, especially in remote settings. Ashcraft discusses building trust and empowering team members, drawing on personal anecdotes from both sports and pastoral experiences. He also explores the necessity of a shared vision for unity, highlighting the challenge of balancing control with collaboration to enhance team dynamics.

Marcus Buckingham, a global researcher and New York Times bestselling author, discusses the transformative power of love in the workplace. He shares how emotional connections can boost organizational success and enhance leadership effectiveness. Buckingham emphasizes leveraging personal strengths to foster a meaningful impact, while exploring the concept of 'red threads'—passionate activities that improve productivity. He advocates for aligning work with personal passions to increase motivation and job satisfaction, urging leaders to promote dialogue about individual contributions.