Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan

In this discussion, Amy Salcido, the President of Kyndryl U.S. and a leader of 16,000 employees, shares her mentorship wisdom gained from her impressive career at IBM. She challenges the misconception that mentors should solve problems, highlighting the mentee's responsibility for their own growth. Authenticity in mentorship fosters better leadership, while focusing on passions over job titles can lead to greater satisfaction. Amy provides actionable insights on structuring effective mentor-mentee relationships and emphasizes how collaboration and personalized guidance enhance professional development.

Have you ever wondered if vulnerability could backfire? Leaders often face tough decisions about when and how to be open, and the stakes are high when trust is involved. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore a powerful story about a CEO who learned hard lessons about vulnerability after it was used against her early in her career. You'll hear insights on navigating trust, why vulnerability is essential for leadership, and how self-compassion can be your safety net when things go wrong. This episode also introduces the "Vulnerability Wheel" framework to help leaders use vulnerability effectively.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Turning around a struggling company isn’t for the faint of heart, but Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, is proving it can be done—and done well. Leading 30,000 employees and steering billions in revenue, Kate is tackling one of the toughest challenges in business: shifting a telecom giant from “playing not to lose” to “playing to win.” In this episode, Kate opens her fresh and fearless playbook on what it really takes to transform a culture: it starts with clarifying your mission and getting everyone aligned. She shares bold, practical strategies like fostering trust, teaching resilience, and encouraging courageous conversations that push teams forward, not sideways. We’ll also unpack why most leaders fail at culture change (and it’s not for lack of trying), how to break silos by getting close to the action, and the non-negotiables for any leader’s first 100 days. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to lead and create a culture that wins, you don’t want to miss this one.  ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The importance of workplace flexibility is on the rise, extending beyond remote setups to include career paths and employee preferences. Leaders are urged to maintain their company’s culture and values, especially during challenging times. Consistent communication fosters trust, while indecisiveness breeds confusion. Successful navigation of returning to the office showcases the need for clarity and conviction in leadership. Embracing evolving work environments while staying true to core principles can strengthen organizational loyalty.

Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, revolutionize workplace design globally. They discuss how the office is transforming to inspire creativity and collaboration while embracing sustainability. Their insights include the importance of co-leadership for innovation and the essential role of physical workspaces in organizational culture. They explore trends like mixed-use lifestyle districts and the integration of immersive technology, emphasizing that the future of workspaces not only enhances employee experience but also revitalizes urban communities.

Are you shaping the future or letting it shape you? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore how leaders can think in scenarios to prepare for multiple outcomes and avoid being caught off guard. We also dive into the power of AI tools like ChatGPT, which are transforming how leaders train employees, boost productivity, and solve problems. But with great power comes responsibility—balancing AI’s potential with human judgment is key to building the future of work.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Rachel Cooke, a former HR director and founder of Lead Above Noise, shares her four-pillar framework for team success focused on connection and development. Chris Nicholas, CEO of Sam's Club, discusses his Trust Equation, emphasizing authenticity in leadership. Melanie Dulbecco, CEO of R. Torre & Co., highlights the competitive edge of a people-first culture. Together, they explore strategies for fostering trust, effective delegation, and the critical balance between vulnerability and leadership perception to cultivate thriving workplace environments.

What shapes the employee experience? In this episode of Leadership Spark, we explore the three pillars that define it: physical space, technology, and culture. Physical environments contribute 30% of employee satisfaction, with top companies creating flexible, activity-based spaces. Technology, also 30%, acts as the central nervous system but becomes a human problem when it fails. Culture, the most impactful at 40%, determines how employees feel and connect to purpose. Through compelling stories and research, we unpack how leaders can design workplaces that inspire, support, and engage.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The workplace is evolving faster than ever, leaving leaders scrambling to keep up with new demands. How can you ensure your leadership skills remain relevant and impactful in 2025? In this episode of Future Ready Leadership, we have experts who will share the tools you need to thrive and stand out as a leader. Tom Henschel, host of The Look and Sound of Leadership, shares the secrets to executive presence—commanding attention and respect in any room. Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit, teaches us how to master conversations to deepen workplace connections and amplify your impact. Together, they reveal how to lead with authority, connect authentically, and shape your future with confidence. The future is fast approaching—get ready to lead it.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

One CEO was fired for being vulnerable. Another saved their company. What made the difference? In today’s Leadership Spark, we go beyond the theory of leading with vulnerability to explore how it works in real life. Vulnerability isn’t just admitting mistakes—it’s about showing how you’re taking action to close gaps and grow. Through powerful examples, including the contrasting stories of two CEOs who led with vulnerability, you’ll see how balancing openness with leadership drives results. We’ll also unpack common workplace scenarios and share actionable tips for first-time leaders to use vulnerability as a superpower. Learn how to inspire trust while staying accountable in this episode.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/