The Global Leadership Podcast

In this episode, David Ashcraft sits down with speaker, author and activist, Christine Caine. They explore what Christine’s path to leadership looked like, what it was like to overcome gender bias and prejudice, and how she moved from a moment of inspiration to building the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign. They also talk about what the mindset change that is necessary for a leader to build something that outlasts them. This episode is full of solid and hard-won leadership wisdom that can help leaders in all seasons.

David Ashcraft, President and CEO of Global Leadership Network, dives deep into the art of execution in leadership. He emphasizes that vision is meaningless without execution and shares practical tips to keep teams energized through mundane tasks. The conversation highlights the vital balance between vision and action, the power of effective delegation, and the importance of humility in leadership to foster collaboration. Ashcraft also reflects on personal experiences, making it clear that navigating challenges together is key to achieving a shared vision.

As we kick off Season 9 of the Global Leadership Podcast, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN President and CEO David Ashcraft to hear about some of his favorite moments from the 2025 Global Leadership Summit. David also shares wisdom regarding why it’s so important for leaders to own their own leadership growth and development.  

Lori Hermann, Senior Vice President of Summit Experiences at GLN, dives into the intricacies of producing the Global Leadership Summit. She reveals how meticulous preparations, such as speaker selection, enhance the event's impact. Lori highlights the importance of teamwork and diverse voices to inspire leadership excellence. The conversation emphasizes building trust and collaboration within teams, while underscoring the transformative power of shared experiences at leadership summits. Listeners can look forward to hearing standout speakers like Erica Duan and James Hewitt.

Dr. James Hewitt, a human performance scientist and founder of the Knowledge Work Lab, collaborates with leading businesses to enhance sustainable high performance. In this conversation, he uncovers the parallels between cognitive work and high-stakes sports like Formula 1. They discuss the crucial role of sleep in decision-making and emotional intelligence, debunking myths about its importance. Hewitt also emphasizes the need for recovery practices in leadership, encouraging listeners to balance rigorous work demands with strategic energy management.

Discover the pivotal role of vision in leadership and how it can align and engage teams. Insightful anecdotes emphasize the need for simplicity when sharing a vision for clarity. Learn how to maintain a shared organizational vision while encouraging creativity and feedback. Explore the importance of instilling core values and boundaries to shape successful cultures. Finally, see how effective communication can enhance focus and drive your team's success.

In this engaging discussion, Juliet Funt, a keynote speaker and founder of the Juliet Funt Group, tackles the rampant issue of busy work in organizations. She shares insightful strategies for leaders to create 'white space,' allowing teams to focus on high-impact tasks. Juliet emphasizes the importance of transforming corporate culture to boost both employee well-being and profitability. Listeners learn about the significance of strategic pauses and the need to enhance workplace efficiency by minimizing unnecessary meetings, ultimately fostering a more productive environment.

In this insightful conversation, Les McKeown, founder of Predictable Success, shares his expertise on organizational growth. He discusses how leaders can navigate the lifecycle of their organizations to achieve predictable success. Les emphasizes the critical need for scalable systems and a clear organizational purpose. He tackles the dangers of complacency, likening stagnation to arthritis, and discusses the importance of adaptive leadership. The dialogue touches on recognizing when change is necessary and the need for effective communication within evolving teams.

Les McKeown, Founder and CEO of Predictable Success, shares his insights as a serial entrepreneur working with fast-growing companies. He discusses the six stages of organizational growth and how leaders can effectively navigate them. McKeown emphasizes the importance of collaboration and structured principles in achieving success. He also addresses the staggering statistic that 80% of new businesses fail, highlighting the need for resilience and realistic expectations among founders. This conversation sets the groundwork for a deeper understanding of leadership strategies.

Carey Lohrenz, a trailblazing former U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat fighter pilot and bestselling author, shares invaluable insights on leadership under pressure. She discusses practical strategies to pursue excellence and manage challenges effectively. Lohrenz emphasizes the importance of debriefing and open communication to enhance team performance. She also offers actionable note-taking techniques and daily goal-setting strategies to maintain focus amid distractions, all grounded in her inspiring journey in aviation and overcoming self-doubt.