Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan

Seth Godin, an influential entrepreneur and author of 22 books, shares insights on developing long-term strategies in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the crucial difference between strategy and tactics, stressing that strategy is a philosophical approach rather than a rigid plan. Godin highlights the transformative impact of AI on industries and warns against being passive in the face of generational shifts. He also explores Netflix's strategic evolution and underscores the necessity of adaptability for leaders to remain relevant.

What’s the ROI of vulnerability at work? It’s big—personally and professionally. In today’s Leadership Spark, I explore why being a vulnerable leader pays off. We’ll break down the concept of Mismatch Theory—why the “tough boss” style of the past doesn’t cut it today and why leaders who don’t evolve may get left behind. Vulnerability—when done right—not only boosts your team’s trust and engagement but also directly contributes to business success. Yet, less than 11% of employees view vulnerability as a strength in their leaders, which leaves a lot of untapped potential.   ________________ 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/

During times of rapid growth and disruption, aligning teams and sustaining a strong culture can be daunting, but Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood, has successfully led his company to unicorn status by focusing on these essentials. In this episode, we dive into his leadership strategies, exploring why team mobilization is central to a CEO’s role and how effective communication fosters alignment. Diego reveals how iFood’s non-negotiable culture supports an entrepreneurial mindset, values radical candor, and encourages big thinking. He shares insights into how iFood adapted during the pandemic, balancing employee comfort with high performance by instilling grit. We also discuss how iFood’s six-month cultural sprints inspire innovation and resilience and examine the role of the “pendulum effect” in guiding flexible leadership strategies.   ________________ 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/

How does vulnerability fit into leadership? Being vulnerable as a leader is tricky, but there’s a clear difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability. In today’s Leadership Spark, I share how my own journey with panic attacks reshaped my understanding of vulnerability. Through interviews with executives, I found that while vulnerability in personal life is crucial, in the workplace it’s a different story. Many executives ask if they should project unwavering confidence, or share their struggles? The answer is both! The key is not just exposing your weaknesses but demonstrating how you’re closing the gaps—combining vulnerability with action, as shown by examples from leaders like Fleetwood Grobler and Hollis Harris. Vulnerability alone can be risky, but combine it with action, and you’ve got leadership gold. I also share stories from top executives that illustrate how leading with vulnerability makes all the difference in building trust and resilience.   ________________ 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/

David Deming, Professor of Political Economy at Harvard, challenges conventional views on leadership. He reveals that those eager to lead often perform poorly, highlighting that effective leadership relies on skills rather than desire. Topics include the pitfalls of overconfidence, the significance of emotional intelligence, and how randomly selected leaders can outperform volunteers. Deming advocates for smarter selection and development of leaders based on capabilities, urging organizations to rethink their approach to fostering effective management.

Can showing weakness make you a stronger leader? This discussion dives into the essential balance between vulnerability and authority at work. Insights from 140 CEOs illustrate how effective leaders embrace their gaps while taking actions to address them. From personal stories at Continental Airlines to Sasol, it’s clear that leading with authenticity can inspire trust and motivate teams. However, sharing challenges without a strategy can lead to setbacks. Discover how to navigate this delicate leadership landscape successfully.

Discover the launch of an innovative community tailored for C-level executives focused on shaping employee experiences in the modern workplace. This platform addresses the gap left by existing networks, emphasizing collaboration and resource sharing without the hefty price tag. Join influential leaders from prominent companies and engage in meaningful discussions that matter. Members actively shape the community's direction and have direct access to insights, ensuring they're always ahead in the evolving landscape of work.

Chris Nicholas, the President and CEO of Sam's Club, shares insights on his purpose-driven leadership style that has propelled the retail giant to an $84 billion valuation. He emphasizes the importance of trust as the foundation for effective teams. Chris introduces his unique Trust Equation and discusses how empowering frontline employees drives innovation. The conversation also touches on Sam's Club's innovative model combining curated products and Walmart's technology, highlighting the balance between customer satisfaction and the value of membership fees.

Leadership is evolving, with today's leaders facing unprecedented challenges and public scrutiny. Many employees feel disconnected from their leaders, despite those leaders believing they are performing well. The discussion compares leaders to lighthouses, highlighting the importance of guidance and support in turbulent times. Insights from 140 CEOs reveal a divergence in leadership perspectives, underscoring the need for a unified understanding within organizations. It's a call for more leaders who embrace self-awareness and challenge conventional norms.

Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group, shares insights on navigating economic turbulence. He debunks the 'Master Model Mentality,' encouraging leaders to embrace diverse perspectives. Discussion includes the resilience of the labor market and how technological advancements can actually boost purchasing power. Philipp also questions the narrative around the American Dream, urging a fresh perspective. With practical strategies, he emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and critical amidst economic chaos.