FranklinCovey On Leadership with Scott Miller

Frank Lorenzo, legendary airline executive and author of Flying for Peanuts, reflects on the high-stakes world of aviation, business transformation, and leadership under fire. From pioneering low-cost fares and managing massive union battles to negotiating with Donald Trump and leading through tragedy, Frank shares lessons learned from decades in the cockpit of industry change. He also opens up about reputation, resilience, and the human cost of leadership, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone navigating complexity, criticism, or crisis. This candid conversation sets the record straight—and shows what it really takes to lead during turbulent times.

Dana Maor, McKinsey senior partner and lead author of The Journey of Leadership, shares insights from her work advising global CEOs on how to lead from the inside out. Drawing on 26 years at McKinsey, Dana unpacks the new rules of leadership in an age of complexity, from embracing humility and inner agility to learning how to be vulnerable without losing authority. She also explores the powerful dynamics of team psychology—why everyone keeps things from the boss, how leaders can uncover their own triggers, and how to build trust across top teams. Packed with research, real stories, and actionable tools, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to lead with greater self-awareness, impact, and clarity.

Debra Whitman, economist and AARP executive, shares research and wisdom from her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. From longevity and brain health to working longer, affording retirement, and redefining purpose, Debra offers a clear-eyed yet hopeful look at what it takes to age well in America today. She also breaks down the biggest myths around memory loss, long-term care, and how your zip code affects your lifespan—and provides actionable advice for individuals, families, and employers alike.

Kristen Welch, author and founder of Mercy House Global, shares the lessons she’s learned about parenting, contentment, and living with purpose. After a life-changing trip to Kenya, Kristin shifted how she raised her three kids—choosing gratitude, service, and intentional boundaries over comfort and entitlement. She explains how small, everyday practices—like family dinners, gratitude jars, and thoughtful giving—can help families counter cultural pressure and raise kids who are both joyful and grounded.

Michael Chad Hoeppner, a communication expert and author of 'Don't Say Um', shares secrets to speaking with clarity and confidence. He stresses that delivery trumps content in effective communication. Listeners learn the impact of filler words and the importance of mindful pauses and proper breathing. Hoeppner also discusses the pitfalls of speaking coaching, especially for leaders, while emphasizing the transformative role of posture in communication. Packed with practical strategies, this conversation is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their speaking skills.

Sara Jane Ho, a global etiquette expert, Netflix host, and author, shares her insights on modern manners and confidence. She highlights the importance of being present and thoughtful in social interactions rather than perfect. Sara delves into topics like the evolution of thank-you notes, navigating awkward dinner parties, and mastering small talk. With her blend of Eastern and Western etiquette, she emphasizes the significance of introductions and the art of connection, rounding out her discussion with unique advice on managing romance and social events.

Tom Rosshirt, former White House speechwriter and author of Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience, shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and a total breakdown—and how neuroscience, grace, and emotional honesty helped him rebuild. He explores how fear and self-image silently drive our choices, why setting boundaries is an act of strength, and how true peace comes not from controlling life, but from retraining our minds to face what we fear most. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and lasting transformation.

James Longman, an ABC News foreign correspondent and author of The Inherited Mind, offers insights from both personal and scientific perspectives on mental health. He shares his family's struggles with schizophrenia and depression, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetics versus epigenetics. Longman explores the emotional costs of secrecy and advocates for open conversations about mental illness. He highlights the power of community support and personal agency in fostering mental well-being, providing hope for those navigating similar challenges.

Molly Bice Jackson, performer, speaker, and author of The Commodity of Connection, shares the unimaginable story of losing her two-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—and the extraordinary healing that followed. Blending humor, heartbreak, and hope, Molly reflects on how authentic relationships, grief literacy, and emotional courage not only helped her survive but also transformed her purpose. She explains why connection is more than a soft skill—it’s a critical leadership competency. With wisdom forged in unimaginable pain, Molly offers a deeply moving case for bringing empathy, presence, and real humanity into our workplaces and lives.

Chad Sanschagrin, author of Keep Telling Yourself: Shift Your Story and Create a Life of Abundance, shares how we can break free from self-limiting beliefs, rewrite our internal narratives, and take ownership of our future. Drawing from his own transformation—from struggling with self-doubt to building a successful career—Chad reveals how "shift moments" can help us see the truth behind our stories and change our perspectives for the better. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we are the authors of our own lives, capable of rewriting our paths at any moment.