FranklinCovey On Leadership

Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, shares her wealth of experience coaching C-suite executives. She discusses the delicate balance between honesty and caring in feedback, urging leaders to approach communication with transparency. The conversation also tackles the evolving landscape of leadership with AI, emphasizing the need for responsible tech management. Additionally, Scott highlights the role of fiction in fostering empathy, showcasing how stories can enhance leadership skills.

Tal Ben-Shahar, a best-selling author and co-founder of The Happiness Studies Academy, is a former Harvard educator specializing in Positive Psychology. He delves into whether happiness is a choice amidst turbulence and the importance of accepting our humanity. Tal shares insights from his transformative journey toward happiness, emphasizing evidence-based practices like gratitude and healthy routines. He also discusses storytelling's role in leadership, highlighting how relatable narratives can inspire resilience and enhance emotional intelligence in the workplace.

Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Workweek and host of The Tim Ferriss Show, discusses the surprising path that led him to become a bestselling author. He shares how insomnia and a sharp comment from a student ignited his entrepreneurial journey. The conversation dives into the future of work, exploring how flexibility and AI are reshaping careers. Ferriss also highlights the potential of plant-based medicines for mental health and emphasizes the power of single-tasking for productivity. His insights on personal growth through literature offer valuable guidance for navigating today's distractions.

Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist at Cambridge University, dives into the science of aging and how we might extend our healthy years. He discusses the role of ribosomes in translating genetic information, revealing their crucial function in biology. Venki shares insights on vaccines and healthy lifestyle choices that impact longevity. He also explores groundbreaking advancements in genomic editing and AI that could revolutionize healthcare and our understanding of aging, leaving listeners with both hope and clarity.

Dr. Gregory Walton, a Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, discusses his book, Ordinary Magic. He reveals how small, intentional acts can lead to big changes in people's lives. Walton explores the power of mentorship and the profound impact of wise interventions, particularly for marginalized individuals. He emphasizes the critical need for belonging in educational settings and how supportive actions can empower students. Inspired by his research, Walton illustrates how transformational leadership can emerge from everyday moments.

John Tregoning, a Professor of vaccine immunology at Imperial College London and author of 'Live Forever', shares groundbreaking insights on aging and wellness. He discusses how simple habits like movement, nutrition, and social connections can improve longevity and quality of life. The conversation dives into the major health threats like heart disease and dementia, emphasizing preventive measures and lifestyle choices. Tregoning also highlights the importance of awareness around conditions like diabetes and cancer, reshaping how we view aging and health management.

Dawn Dahlby, a wealth advisor and author of 'Live Wealthy: Own Your Worth, Grow Your Wealth,' shares her insights on transforming financial lives through self-worth. She discusses how money stress often ties to self-perception and advocates for aligning spending with core values. Dawn introduces her 10-20-30-40 spending plan and offers practical advice for all career stages. Listeners learn about building financial wellness by evolving values and making intentional financial decisions, ultimately leading to greater peace and purpose.

Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves," shares valuable strategies to enhance communication. She introduces the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—empowering listeners to connect better. Alison highlights the role of humor for engaging conversations and offers insights on navigating social anxiety. Her practical tips make it easier for everyone, from CEOs to teenagers, to master the art of conversation in today’s noisy world.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com and Ohai.ai, shares her remarkable journey from young immigrant mother to tech founder and CEO. She opens up about the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship, the hidden costs of unpaid labor, and the systems she’s building to support families and restore connection. Sheila reflects on raising capital, staying data-driven while leading with heart, and the dualities of bold, authentic leadership. With wisdom forged in both business and life, she offers a compelling vision for how technology—and self-awareness—can help us lead better, live more fully, and love deeper.

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.