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Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Craig Dowden
If you're passionate about mastering self-leadership, you're in the right place. I've dedicated my career to understanding the science and practice of positive leadership. I integrate evidence-based principles from the fields of positive psychology with those in leadership and organizational excellence that will help you develop real-life solutions to solve your greatest challenges. Each week I'll bring world-class content with industry experts to help you use positive leadership to build a peak performance culture.
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- Yesterday53 min
Why Empathy and Honest Communication Matter More Than Ever for AI-Driven Organizations with Joshua Gould
What does great leadership look like when AI is moving faster than most organizations can keep up? To answer this important question, I spoke with Joshua Gould, the CEO of thebigword, a global language technology and services company, where he helped grow the business from $6M to over $100M in revenue. In 2021 he sold the business to a large US based PE firm and continued on as CEO, where he has led a $20m technology investment into AI and automation.This episode tackles the challenge of leading in an Ai-driven world, examining why level-headedness, prioritization, and empathy are more vital than ever. The discussion surfaces candid insights on how leaders can cut through tech-driven noise, return to first principles, and make decisions that truly serve their teams and customers.During our conversation, Joshua shares real-world examples that bring the risks and rewards of AI adoption to life, from transforming pricing and market share strategies to reshaping entire job roles. Josh does not shy away from hard truths, exploring the necessity of honest conversations even when the answers are unpredictable or uncomfortable.For leaders searching for actionable advice on how to steward organizational culture, empower employees, and future-proof their businesses, this episode offers a blueprint grounded in candor, resilience, and a commitment to doing good.What You’ll Learn- How to cultivate level-headedness amidst noise.- Prioritize ruthlessly: It’s the antidote to overwhelm.- Use technology to serve your values.- Building a culture of adaptation and co-creation.- Why the best leaders lean into transparency and courage, even when It’s scary.- Empathy remains irreplaceable in an Ai-driven world.Podcast Timestamps – Welcome to the Podcast - Essential Leadership Qualities in the Age of AI - Fundamentals Versus Hype: How to Make Sound Decisions – Effectively Leading Through AI Advancement - AI as a Pricing Weapon Rather Than a Productivity Tool - Navigating Job Impact and Workforce Concerns with AI - Courageous and Transparent Leadership in Disruption - Leading Culture Change Amidst AI Fear and Resistance - Grounding Adoption in Mission and Strategic Participation - Preserving Critical Thinking and Avoiding AI Overreliance - Empathy, Humanity, and Leadership in an AI FutureKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology-Driven World, Level Headedness, Market Fundamentals, Fear-Based Decision Making, Prioritization, First Principles, Job Disruption, Upskilling, Employee Anxiety, Courageous Leadership, Transparency, Culture Change, AI adoption, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Executive Decision-Making, Value Creation, CEO Success
- 1 weeks ago52 min
Incorruptible Leadership Lessons from Eric Ries: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great
This week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with bestselling author Eric Ries for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, mission, and the growing crisis of short-term thinking in business.Eric first transformed the entrepreneurial world with The Lean Startup. In his latest book, Incorruptible, he tackles a new challenge: why so many organizations lose sight of their purpose, compromise their values, and drift away from the very mission that made them successful in the first place.Together, we explore why many traditional business “best practices” are no longer serving leaders, employees, or society — and what it takes to build organizations that can withstand the pressures of short-term performance, protect trust, and stay anchored in their values over time.Through powerful stories, real-world examples, and surprising data, listeners learn how organizations can defend their mission, outlast competitors, and resist the economic “gravity” that pulls so many companies into compromise. From redefining profit as human flourishing to making trust and love into competitive advantages, the episode offers a blueprint for building companies that not only succeed financially, but endure.Whether you’re a founder determined to preserve your mission, or an executive seeking to build a culture of integrity, this episode is packed with practical guidance and inspiration. Tune in to discover what it truly means to become an incorruptible force for the good of your business and the good of humanity.What You’ll Learn- The perils of “best practices.”- Corruption isn’t just a crime – It’s losing your purpose.- How the moral logic of capitalism has been lost.- Redefining profit: Maximizing human flourishing.- Mission (not money) makes companies endure.- Trust and love are competitive advantages.- Governance isn’t boring. It’s your organization’s DNA.- Does growth kill mission? The risk is real. The reality does not have to be.- You can build incorruptible companies: An evidence-based business case.Podcast Timestamps - A Special Topic and Guest - From the Lean Start-up to Incorruptible - Defining and Diagnosing Corruption - The Moral Logic of Capitalism and Value Creation - Redefining Profit and Human Flourishing - Mission Drift and Protecting Organizational Purpose - Outliers: Exceptional Companies and New Best Practices - Financial Gravity, Longevity, and Employee Ownership - Trust as Organizational Currency - The Long Term Stock Exchange and Long-Termism - Love, People-First Leadership, and Real Competitive Advantage - Governance, Board Dynamics, and Creating Incorruptible Organizations - Lessons from Case Studies: Zita Cobb and Beyond - Closing Reflections and Practical ResourcesKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Incorruptible, Integrity, Do Good to Lead Well, Long Term Thinking, Effective Governance, Market Reform, Lean Startup Method, Company Culture, Avoiding Short Term Thinking, Corruption, Capitalism, Value Creation, Shareholder Primacy, Business Ethics, Corporate Mission, Profit Redefinition, Human Flourishing, Stakeholder Alignment, Organizational Trust, Financial Gravity, Mission Controlled Companies, Organizational Character, CEO Success
- 2 weeks ago20 min
The Power of ATP (Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity) – A Conversation with an Award-Winning CEO of an $800 Million Business
On this week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I am joined by Kevin Ford, the former CEO of Calian, whose track record as a transformational CEO sets the stage for a candid exploration of what really drives lasting personal and business success.We start by asking the question: Are authenticity and transparency more critical than ever in the age of AI? Our answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ We continue the conversation by exploring how the ATP trifecta—authenticity, transparency, and positivity—became the defining factor behind Kevin’s award-winning tenure as CEO.Our discussion moves beyond buzzwords, tackling real questions: How do you lead authentically even when you don’t have all the answers? How does transparency foster trust and spark breakthrough thinking? And why does a leader’s positive energy ripple through teams, especially in uncertain times?Packed with fresh perspectives and memorable stories, this conversation is essential listening for leaders and aspiring leaders looking to create thriving, rather than surviving, cultures. If you want to future-proof your leadership, build high-trust organizations, and learn how positivity can become your secret competitive edge, listen in to learn the tools and strategies that bring the ATP model to life for you.What You’ll Learn- The Power of Authentic Leadership.- Transparency as a Catalyst for Engagement.- Positivity as the Secret Sauce. - Building Trust in an Ai-Driven world.- Embracing Vulnerability for Growth.- Practical Ways to Become an ATP Leader.Podcast Timestamps - Setting the Stage - Defining ATP: Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity - Personal Reflections on Legacy and Feedback - Maintaining Core Values Amidst Public Company Pressures - Exploring Authenticity: What It Means and Why It Matters - Trust as a Foundation: Authenticity and Transparency in Practice - Transparency: Challenges and Benefits for Modern Leaders - The Power of ‘Thinking Out Loud’ - The Downside of Command-and-Control Leadership - Positivity as Secret Sauce: Leading Through Uncertainty - Controlling How You Show Up: Practical Positivity - Avoiding Negativity: Energy and Team Dynamics - Community Call-to-Action: Living and Leading ATPKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity, Leading Through AI/Disruption, Business Growth, Engaged Culture, Acquisitions, Public Company, Building Trust, ‘Think Out Loud’ Sessions, Workplace Culture, Personal Reflection, Legacy, Growth Mindset, Reframing, Employee Feedback, Positive Mindset, Resilience, Human Connection, Psychological Safety, Self-Awareness, CEO Success
- 4 weeks ago49 min
How Do I Make the Best Decisions When the Pressure Is On? Lessons From a 30-Year Senior Military Leader
How do leaders stay steady in the storm of tough choices? This week, I sit down with Jack Briggs, a retired major general with a 30-year career in the military who is also a highly seasoned, for a masterclass in pressure-tested decision making.The episode debunks the myth that high-stakes choices are unique to the military or boardroom. Instead, Jack argues, “pressure is pressure,” whether the risk is reputational, operational, or personal. The discussion highlights the three traits of the best decision makers: anchoring decisions in firm principles, seeking help with humility, and making the call… decisively, not reactively.Listeners will come away with four essential questions to use in any crisis and learn why reframing “crises” into a set of solvable problems is vital for calm, effective leadership. This conversation is a must for anyone seeking practical, repeatable strategies to lead well, even when the stakes—and the anxieties—are high.What You’ll Learn- Anchor your decisions in principles.- Lead with humility and build your team.- Distinguish between problems and crises.- The power of a structured decision framework.- Be decisive and own the outcome.- Focus on your sphere of influence.Podcast Timestamps03:18 Jack's origin story: from the Thunderbirds to the Air Force Academy05:37 When leadership first appeared: Boy Scouts, the leadership laboratory, and the Eagle Scout07:37 The Air Force Academy as a leadership lab: authority vs. responsibility10:42 Being the snowplow: how to delegate without abandoning accountability14:11 Leadership is a science and an art: training the recipe, then adapting it16:41 Combat to boardroom: why pressure is pressure regardless of context19:19 Defending North America: leading at continental scale21:28 The three characteristics of the best decision makers23:24 The archer analogy: principles, input, decisiveness26:45 What leaders get wrong: fighting the fight they wish they had28:06 Mob rule, Moses, and principled decision-making32:11 Crisis vs. problem: why language matters under pressure33:10 Snowstorms and problem buckets: a real-world example35:26 The four questions for high-stress decisions40:01 Checklists that work: laminate it and they will keep it43:18 Humility plus decisiveness: being disagree-able45:36 Choosing the least worst option and owning it48:35 Final thoughts: stop chasing outcomes, start leading in your three feetKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Decision Making, Decision Making Under Pressure, Humility, Air Force Career, Military Leadership, Air Force Academy, Leadership Lab, Principles-Based Decisions, Delegating Authority, Crisis Management, Operational Risk, Financial Risk, Reputational Risk, Pressure in Leadership, Crisis vs Problem, Crisis Communication, CEO Success
- Apr 30, 202623 min
Why (Senior) Leaders Struggle to Get Feedback and How to Change That
Why do (senior) executives so rarely hear what they need to improve? I explore this critical leadership blind spot, inspired by a recent article in Fast Company by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and global thought leader on psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Relying on thought-provoking research amplified by real-world case examples, this episode exposes the invisible barriers that often keep leaders in the dark and offers a toolkit for reversing the trend.From the dangers of hierarchical silence to the psychology of honest feedback, I review practical strategies we can all use including asking focused questions, acknowledging our own blind spots, and separating our immediate reactions from thoughtful reflection. The importance of acting on feedback, no matter how small, is a simple, yet frequently overlooked opportunity. I also share the powerful example of Alan Mulally, one of the most celebrated and respected CEOs of all-time, to highlight how we can transform our cultures from focusing on fear to unleashing our individual and collective potential.For leaders who are hungry to boost their impact and foster psychological safety, this episode is full of actionable advice on creating an environment where candor thrives and teams and leaders at every level can truly grow.What You’ll Learn- The benefits of feedback.- What is feedback?- Ask for specifics, not generalities - The power of specific questions. - Reward courage – It’s scary to offer someone feedback.- Act on feedback and communicate your changes.Podcast Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction01:37 Today's Topic: The Feedback Gap for Senior Leaders04:04 What Feedback Really Is: The Zenger Folkman Definition05:47 Why Senior Leaders Struggle to Receive Honest Feedback08:11 Strategy 1: Ask for Disconfirming Data, Not General Impressions10:31 Asking Specific, Targeted Feedback Questions12:40 Strategy 2: Separate Ingestion from Reaction14:57 Strategy 3: Focus on Patterns, Not One Data Point17:18 Strategy 4: Act on One Small Piece of Feedback First19:40 The Alan Mulally and Ford Turnaround Story22:01 Red Lights Are Gems: Closing Thoughts KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson, 360 feedback, Self-Awareness, Hierarchy, Power Differential, Leadership Development, Constructive Feedback, Actionable Feedback, Behavioral Change, Barriers to Feedback, Receiving Feedback, Accountability, Alan Mulally, Ford Turnaround, Transparent Leadership, CEO SuccessSource: Why senior leaders get less feedback—and how to change that - Fast Company
- Apr 23, 202658 min
Embracing Authenticity at Work with Chief Heart Officer and Bestselling Author, Claude Silver
What does authenticity at work truly mean and why is it worth the effort? On this week’s episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer from VaynerMedia, about the messy, courageous path to being yourself, even when it feels risky. Together, we deconstruct major myths around vulnerability in the workplace, offering evidence and stories that show how authenticity drives not just well-being, but tangible results: lower turnover, greater innovation, and a sense of collective purpose.Inspired by Claude’s honest approach, our live listeners pose powerful questions that highlight common daily struggles such as hesitating to speak up, managing boundaries, and leading authentically under pressure. Claude brings empathy and actionable insight, emphasizing that psychological safety isn’t a luxury, but the backbone of sustainable performance. She also meets tough questions about hybrid work, digital disconnection, and the demands of high expectations with practical advice for human connection, even screen-to-screen.Whether you’re looking to find your voice at work or creating an environment where others share more of themselves at the office, this conversation offers a blueprint for creating impact through authenticity, empathy, and everyday courage.What You’ll Learn- Authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything—it means showing up as you and taking up space.- Leaders aren’t expected to have all the answers; the magic happens when we guide, listen, and connect.- Empathy and accountability are not at odds. When people feel seen and valued, results follow.- Protect your energy and set boundaries; you cannot pour from an empty cup.- In challenging times, focus on what you can impact and be gentle with yourself.Podcast Timestamps00:57 Welcome and introduction to Claude Silver03:06 Origin story: Why Claude wrote Be Yourself at Work04:48 The Chief Heart Officer role explained07:01 Authenticity at work: Dipping your toe in09:20 The cost of hiding who you are12:19 The ROI of psychological safety and human-centered culture15:42 Authenticity in high-performance transformation environments18:24 Cultivating self-awareness: Where to start21:26 Getting curious about your emotions23:44 The biggest misconception about authenticity26:06 Leaders don't need all the answers28:38 Empathy vs. accountability: They're not opposites33:17 Speaking up in meetings and overcoming imposter syndrome36:12 Having difficult conversations with courage39:41 Connection in a virtual and hybrid world44:11 Cameras on: Why it matters46:52 When your face comes across as intense48:46 Staying grounded when the world feels heavy52:41 Boundaries: The recovering codependent's guide56:09 Closing message: Text three people todayKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Authenticity at Work, Psychological Safety, Workplace Culture, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Vulnerability, Maintaining Boundaries, People-Centered Leadership, Hybrid Work, Chief Heart Officer, Organizational Values, Imposter Syndrome, Emotional Intelligence, Collaboration, Belonging, Workplace Diversity, CEO Success
- Apr 9, 202657 min
Unlocking Unforgettable Presence and Influence with Bestselling Author, Lorraine K. Lee
This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well features Lorraine K. Lee, award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Right from the start, Lorraine challenges the myth that presence is an innate trait and persuasively argues that it is a learnable skill that anyone can develop through intention and small shifts.We explore the superpowers of introverts while also highlighting practical strategies for building credibility when you are the least experienced/youngest person in the room and how you can deliver high-impact presentations that engage an audience. Lorraine also provides her T.E.A. framework for effective communication in a virtual world. She highlights the importance of Technology, Energy, and Aesthetics to maximize our impact on video calls.This important conversation invites leaders and professionals to rethink how presence is built—in everyday moments, not just high-stakes situations. Listeners will walk away with accessible, evidence-based tools to unlock their own “superpowers” and show up with confidence, clarity, and unforgettable impact.What You’ll Learn- Reframe presence: From myth to mindset.- Presence is built in small moments, not just big ones.- Embrace and leverage your “presence superpowers”—Even as an introvert.- Turn nerves into fuel: Taming the anxiety monster.- Upgrade your virtual presence with T.E.A. (Tech, Energy, Aesthetics).- Design meetings for inclusion and impact.- How to redefine your LinkedIn presence.- Reframe imposter syndrome as growth data.Podcast Timestamps – What is Unforgettable Presence? – Presence as a Learnable Skill – Developing Presence as an Introvert - Managing Public Speaking Anxiety – Common Misconceptions About Presence - Presentation & Meeting Presence: Preparation and Impact - Building Strong Virtual Presence in Remote/Hybrid Work - Leading and Facilitating Engaging Meetings - Power of Language: Minimizing vs. Empowering Communication - Building LinkedIn Presence for Career Impact - Presence as a Junior Team Member - Maintaining Presence in High-Pressure Situations - Overcoming Imposter SyndromeKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Unforgettable Presence, Executive Presence, Introverts, Public Speaking, LinkedIn Strategies, Virtual Presence, Remote Work, Hybrid Meetings, Presentation Skills, Minimizing Language, Feedback Techniques, Communication, Imposter Syndrome, Psychological Safety, Meeting Facilitation, Personal Branding, Career Advancement, Storytelling, AI in Communication, Inclusive Leadership, CEO Success
- Apr 2, 202647 min
From Playing It Safe to Crushing It: Dianna Fioravanti on Flipping the Switch in Leadership and in Life
How do you move from playing it safe to truly amplifying your impact? In this week’s energetic episode, I welcome back Dianna Fioravanti, President of Kuhne + Nagel Canada and bestselling author of "Flip the Switch," for a candid exploration of what it takes to silence self-doubt and step into authentic leadership. Dianna draws on her own setbacks and triumphs, revealing how even high performers can get stuck in fear or overthinking. Our conversation unveils her 6P model (person, purpose, passion, playbook, perseverance, partnership) as a roadmap for overcoming hesitation and achieving lasting transformation—not by becoming someone else, but by becoming more fully yourself. The stories and questions are deeply practical, designed to help listeners stop waiting for permission and start owning their voice. If you’re looking for tools to foster self-trust, design a meaningful legacy, and build resilience, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how to flip your own internal switch and how to help those around you do the same. What You’ll Learn - Start with self-leadership. - Discover your purpose and passion — Learn the difference between what gives you direction and what fuels your energy. - Create your playbook to move from insight to consistent action, especially when life gets tough. - Cultivate perseverance so you can bounce back and keep moving forward. - Give yourself (and others) permission to move - Build partnerships and your “inner cabinet”—trusted allies who support, push, and celebrate you along the way. Podcast Timestamps – What Does It Mean to Flip the Switch? – Overcoming Inner Barriers - The R.E.A.L. Model of Leadership – The 6P Model - Distinguishing Passion and Purpose - The Role of Core Values in Self-Leadership - Sustaining Passion and Rebounding from Setbacks - The Importance of a Personal Playbook - Giving Yourself Permission and Owning Your Voice - Self-Assessment and Identifying Your Switches - Building Partnerships and Your Inner Cabinet - One Switch Listeners Can Flip Today KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Self-Leadership, Courage, Purpose, Organizational Culture, People-First Leadership, Personal Growth, Overcoming Fear, Avoiding Overthinking, Dealing with Perfectionism, Sustained Motivation, The Power of a Playbook, Core Values, Introspection, Passion, Resilience, Empathy, Authenticity, Legacy, Psychological Safety, Vulnerability, Partnership, CEO Success
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About Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden
If you're passionate about mastering self-leadership, you're in the right place. I've dedicated my career to understanding the science and practice of positive leadership. I integrate evidence-based principles from the fields of positive psychology with those in leadership and organizational excellence that will help you develop real-life solutions to solve your greatest challenges. Each week I'll bring world-class content with industry experts to help you use positive leadership to build a peak performance culture.
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