The Global Leadership Podcast

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.

Paula Faris joins the podcast today to talk about the different ways leaders can “lead with heart.” Paula is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, podcast host and the founder of CARRY Media, and she sat down for this conversation with Global Leadership Network President and CEO David Ashcraft. Together they explore the roles that intuition and passion have had in Paula’s life, how leaders can protect themselves while practicing openness and authenticity and how leading with heart informs and shapes Paula’s leadership today.

This month’s theme at the Global Leadership Network is “leading with heart,” and in this episode of the Global Leadership Podcast, Whitney Putnam sits down with GLN president and CEO David Ashcraft. Together, they explore what it means to lead with heart and examine practical ways that leaders can begin to lead with openness and authenticity. David and Whitney also discuss how to avoid some potential pitfalls that can occur as leaders begin to open up to those around them.

Molly Fletcher, a former top sports agent who represented over 300 athletes, discusses the importance of prioritizing fulfillment over mere achievement. She shares personal stories of balancing work and family in a challenging industry. Emphasizing the power of accountability, she highlights how open communication fosters team growth. Molly also delves into the importance of curiosity in leadership and relationships, offering insights from her book, 'Dynamic Drive,' which seeks to inspire deeper connections and personal growth.