Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Despite its popularity and promise, unfortunately, there are numerous misconceptions about the definition and practice of psychological safety. Inspired by Amy Edmondson's recent article in Harvard Business Review, I dive into the real meaning of psychological safety—it's about cultivating a space where open debates and the free exchange of ideas thrive, not an environment in which conflict or critical feedback is avoided. ...

Dianna Fioravanti, the trailblazing president of Kuehne + Nagel Canada, joins us to unveil her transformative "REAL" leadership model—Resiliency, Empathy, Authenticity, and Legacy. As the first female President in her organization, Dianna shares her journey of breaking barriers, achieving gender parity on her executive team, and leveraging self-leadership in a post-COVID world. Get ready to be inspired as she details her ...

Have you ever been caught in a conversation where you felt unheard or misunderstood? On this episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I'm exploring the transformative power of effective listening. With insights from Stephen Covey's timeless principle of seeking first to understand, and a revealing study from Zenger Folkman in Harvard Business Review, I uncover the real markers of great listening. It's not just about...

Join me for an engaging conversation with Siri Chilazi, a senior researcher at the Women in Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School, as we explore the crucial topic of fairness in the workplace. Together, we discuss the thoughtful process behind the title of her bestselling book, Make Work Fair, which emphasizes actionable steps to align workplace dynamics with fairness. Siri's expertise as a behavioral scientist provid...

Can you be likeable and a badass at the same time? Bestselling author and award-winning professor Alison Fragale answers this question with a resounding “Yes!” Join us in this engaging conversation as we uncover the scientific secrets of blending respect with approachability. Alison shares insights from her groundbreaking book, "Likeable Badass," where she combines her expertise in management consulting and organizational psycholog...

What if the key to future success lies in your ability to harness past challenges? This solo episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast dives into the essence of resilience and leadership through the transformative power of reflection. I introduce a game-changing three-step reflection exercise designed to reveal your inherent strengths and available resources. By asking yourself strategic questions about past challenges, you can b...

Paula Davis, a bestselling author and workplace stress expert, unveils the secrets to thriving in high-pressure environments. Her journey from the courtroom to applied positive psychology brings unique insights into fostering resilience and well-being at work. Paula's latest book, "Lead Well: Five Mindsets to Engage, Retain and Inspire Your Team," serves as a toolkit for leaders striving to combat stress and disengage...

Jeff Wetzler, co-CEO of Transcend and former Chief Learning Officer at Teach for America, joins us to share his journey in unlocking human potential through the power of inquiry. With a rich background in transforming educational landscapes, Jeff discusses his book "Ask: Tap into the Hidden Wisdom of the People Around You." Our conversation explores how leaders can use powerful questioningtechniques to uncover hidden insights withi...

In my latest solo episode for the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, and inspired by my own vacation, I explore the transformative power of taking time off. Evidence tells us that vacations provide us with numerous benefits, including igniting our creativity, enhancing your job performance, and even lowering the risk of heart problems. We'll also discuss why so many of us, despite knowing these benefits, let our vacation days go unu...

On this week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I speak with Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, to discuss the critical qualities of effective leadership in today's ever-changing world. Listen in as Jay-Ann shares her insights on the importance of agility, transparency, and curiosity. She emphasizes the role of empathy as a foundation for understanding diverse perspectives and making informed decisions. Jay-Ann also ...

Dr. John Hillen, a distinguished CEO of a publicly traded company and former US Assistant Secretary of State, shares his insights on strategic leadership that you won't want to miss. With his latest book, "The Strategy Dialogues," Dr. Hillen demystifies the art of strategy through engaging conversations, making it approachable for everyone.

As we unpack the attributes that differentiate a visionary leader from the...

On this episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I speak with Jim Estill, the innovative CEO of Danby Appliances, who started his entrepreneurial journey from the trunk of his car, driven by a personal need and a passion for technology. Jim’s story is not just about building a business; it's about the transformative power of pursuing what truly excites you. We unravel Jim's insights into leadership, where authenticity and growth ar...

Discover how to revolutionize your organization by embedding inclusion into its very DNA. Explore the foundations of Amri's groundbreaking book, "Reconstructing Inclusion," which challenges the norms of traditional DEI approaches. Through his experiences at Novartis, Amri shares how organizations can cultivate environments where everyone thrives by aligning skills and capabilities with their purpose.

Addressing the...

What happens when an organization fails to define its core values, allowing them to become mere decorative words on a wall rather than the guiding principles they are meant to be? Join me as I draw inspiration from my recent conversation with Garry Ridge, the Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of the iconic WD-40 Company. 

While the terms are often used interchangeably, I talk about the crucial distinction between values and beliefs a...

Tune in to discover the power of authentic leadership and transformative corporate culture with Garry Ridge, the highly esteemed Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company. Ever wondered how some leaders turn failure into a stepping stone for success? This episode will equip you with the tools to redefine setbacks as valuable "learning moments" and nurture a positive, growth-oriented workplace culture. We promise you'll walk ...

Unlock the secrets to purpose-driven leadership and sustainability with our special guest, Selwyn Crittenden, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Canada. Imagine a world where businesses thrive by aligning with core values such as doing more with less, promoting inclusivity, and taking bold steps towards climate action. In this episode, Selwyn shares how IKEA stays true to these principles, integrating sustainable practice...

What if the name you were born with became a barrier to your dream job? Jahanzaib Ansari faced this exact challenge and used his personal story of overcoming discrimination to fuel his passion to create a hiring process that partners with giants like IBM and Deloitte to ensure fairer hiring practices. Through his eyes, you’ll uncover the journey of leading an innovative company in Canada, navigating the hurdles of growth, and using...

What if the key to navigating today's whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty lies in four universal qualities? As we journey through Gallup's Global Leadership Report, we unpack what followers worldwide are desperately seeking from their leaders. This episode shines a spotlight on how authentic leadership can serve as an anchor in turbulent times, and why empathy and compassion are becoming non-negotiable in an increasingly AI-...

Rebecca Kacaba, CEO of DealMaker, joins us on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, sharing her captivating journey from a corporate attorney to a trailblazing entrepreneur reshaping North America's tech landscape. Her transition from law to entrepreneurship is driven by a desire to tackle the financing hurdles startup founders face. Rebecca's story is rich with lessons in empathy, resilience, and persistence, and how being min...