Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden - podcast cover

Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Craig Dowdenwww.craigdowden.com
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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Episodes

Thriving In Uncertainty by Unlocking the Power of Questions with Elizabeth Weingarten

Elizabeth Weingarten, a journalist and applied behavioral scientist, shares her journey through the labyrinth of life's uncertainties in our latest episode. As she faced personal challenges in her marriage and career, she found solace and guidance not in conventional advice, but in the words of Rainer Maria Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet." Elizabeth's new book, "How to Fall in Love with Questions," is a testament to the power of thoughtful inquiry in an uncertain world. She unveils how embraci...

Aug 14, 202554 min

Leading with Heart and Purpose with Jason Tham

Jason Tham, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Nulogy, joins the Do Good to Lead Well podcast to share his insights into effective leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Authenticity, relatability, and a compelling purpose are not just buzzwords for Jason—they're the foundation of a resilient leadership style that thrives on change. As we navigate complexities in fields like supply chain management, Jason emphasizes the critical role of adaptability and agility. His personal TEDx talk a...

Aug 07, 202549 min

Why We Ask AI What We Won’t Ask Each Other

What if the most honest conversations people are having… aren’t with each other, but with artificial intelligence? In this eye-opening episode, Craig dives into recent Harvard Business Review research revealing the top 10 use cases for AI—and the findings are both fascinating and deeply human. The #1 reason people are turning to AI? Therapy. Not spreadsheets. Not task management. Therapy. Closely followed by “organizing my life” and “finding purpose.” This shift points to something powerful: peo...

Jul 31, 202511 min

Unveiling Leadership Blind Spots: Martin Dubin on Self-Awareness, Identity, and Authenticity

This week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast I am joined by Martin Dubin, a seasoned clinical psychologist and business coach. We discuss his recently released book, "Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader." Martin's rich experience with 360-degree feedback highlights how a leader's strengths can sometimes inadvertently become weaknesses and why a heightened self-awareness is key in maintaining a balanced approach. We also tackle the complex web of unconscious biases and ...

Jul 24, 202552 min

The Ai-Driven Leader with Bestselling Author Geoff Woods

Join us for a compelling conversation with Geoff Woods, the visionary founder of AI Leadership and the bestselling author of The Ai-Driven Leader, as we discuss how to unleash the power of artificial intelligence in your leadership and your life. This episode promises to transform your understanding of AI, not as a magic bullet but as a thought partner that enhances your strategic thinking and decision-making. Geoff shares invaluable insights from his tenure at Jindal Steel and Power, emphasizin...

Jul 17, 202554 min

Exploring the Science and Practice of Meaningful Work with Wes Adams and Tamara Myles

Welcome to another enriching edition of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast series, where we explore the power of meaningful work and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. In this episode, I am thrilled to be joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Miles, the authors of "Meaningful Work". A serendipitous encounter evolved into extensive research and collaboration, gaining endorsements from global thought leaders like Adam Grant. Listen in as we challenge the common misconceptions about me...

Jul 10, 202557 min

Leading with Cultural Intelligence: Insights from Bestselling Author David Livermore

How can cultural intelligence reshape the way leaders connect with diverse teams and foster inclusivity? This week I am joined by David Livermore, the renowned global thought leader and author of “Leading with Cultural Intelligence, the bestselling book on the topic. As we navigate the nuances of cultural intelligence, we explore its application across various cultural contexts and the importance of the four core capabilities: drive, knowledge, strategy, and action. Learn how traditional leaders...

Jul 03, 202558 min

Staying True to the Promise and Power of Psychological Safety

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. Discover how focusing on challenging concepts, not individuals, can foste...

Jun 26, 202530 min

Keeping it R.E.A.L.: A success strategy in leadership and in life w/ Dianna Fioravanti (President, Kuehne + Nagel Canada)

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 strategies for flipping the switch from a fixed mindset to a proactive, gro...

Jun 19, 202557 min

The Scientific Secrets of Great Listening

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 nodding silently; it's about engaging mindfully, channeling curiosity throug...

Jun 12, 202524 min

A Deep Dive into Fairness at Work with Bestselling Author Siri Chilazi

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 provides valuable insights into how organizations can align their practices...

Jun 05, 20251 hr

How to Become A Likeable Badass

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 psychology to help individuals—especially women—master the art of influenc...

May 29, 202558 min

Learning from Past Stress to Build Future Resilience

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 build a personal resilience toolkit. This episode encourages liste...

May 22, 202518 min

Thriving Under Pressure: Paula Davis on Resilience, Recognition, and Workplace Well-Being

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 disengagement. We explore the delicate balance between workplace wellness and overall we...

May 15, 202554 min

Maximizing Human Potential Through the Transformative Power of Questions

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 within themselves and within their teams, fostering a collaborative an...

May 08, 202555 min

Why Taking Time Off Fuels Success

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 unused, contributing to stress and burnout. We’ll tackle the mental barr...

May 01, 202523 min

Exploring Trust and Resilience in Leadership with Jay-Ann Gilfoy

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 explores how fostering an abundance mindset within organizations can ...

Apr 24, 202552 min

Unlocking Strategic Leadership: Insights with Dr. John Hillen

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 rest, Dr. Hillen sheds light on how strategic thinkers see opportunities in challe...

Apr 17, 202558 min

Gratitude as a Leadership Superpower – A Conversation with Danby’s Jim Estill

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 are paramount, and explore how his commitmentto philanthropy—like sponsorin...

Apr 10, 202552 min

Reconstructing Inclusion: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations with Amri Johnson

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 elephant in the room, we tackle the current backlash against DEI efforts and expl...

Apr 03, 202556 min

Not All Values Are Created Equal

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 and use real-world scenarios where lack of clarity leads to confus...

Mar 27, 202521 min

Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: Lessons on How to Build World-Class Work Cultures with Bestselling Author and Chairman Emeritus of WD40 | Garry Ridge

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 away with actionable insights on fostering engagement, accountability and resil...

Mar 20, 202553 min

Leading on Purpose: Sustainability, AI, and Resilient Leadership at IKEA Canada | Selwyn Crittendon

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 practices like waste reduction and renewable energy into their daily oper...

Mar 13, 202556 min

Breaking Bias: Knockri’s CEO on AI Innovation & Ethical Leadership | Jahanzaib Ansari

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 artificial intelligence to champion equality and inclusion in th...

Mar 06, 202552 min

Leading Through Disruption – What Followers Need

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-driven world. Hope, identified as the most pressing need, is dissected th...

Feb 27, 202521 min

Empathy, Authenticity, and Positive Leadership: Amazing Journey from Attorney to Award-Winning Tech Innovator CEO | Rebecca Kacaba

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 mindful of our mindset can bring about transformative changes in our persona...

Feb 20, 202554 min

Unpacking the Five Critical Talents for Effective Leadership | Barry Conchie & Sarah Dalton

What if you could predict the success of leaders with precision in your organization? In our latest episode, we unlock the secrets behind effective leadership with our guests, Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton, the brilliant minds behind "The Five Talents That Really Matter." Barry and Sarah bring a wealth of experience in leadership assessment, dissecting the critical elements that define exceptional leaders and how these talents—setting direction, driving motivation, influencing others, building ...

Feb 13, 202556 min

Leadership Excellence in a Dynamic World | Omar Halabieh

What if you could harness the power of empathy and optimism to lead your team through the toughest challenges? Join us as we sit down with Omar Halabieh, Head of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, who shares his profound insights on fostering leadership qualities that resonate in today's ever-changing world. Our conversation sheds light on the essence of building genuine connections and maintaining a positive outlook, even when negativity looms large. Omar’s mission to empower and bring out ...

Feb 06, 202556 min

The Three Essential Questions the Best Leaders Ask Themselves

Discover how to master your world by first mastering yourself, as we explore the three essential questions every leader needs to address. This episode promises to transform your approach to leadership by offering practical advice on defining personal values and creating a shared vision with your team. Learn how understanding who you are forms the bedrock of trust and decision-making, which in turn fosters resilience and commitment, especially during challenging times. Join me as I reflect on the...

Jan 30, 202514 min

The Mindful Body: How Mindset and Health Can Transform Your Life | Ellen Langer

Can your thoughts truly influence your physical health? Listen as we unravel this intriguing question with pioneering psychologist and Harvard professor Ellen Langer, whose insights on mindfulness and mind-body unity challenge traditional beliefs. Ellen shares personal anecdotes and research from her book, "Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health," inviting us to reconsider how our mindset impacts well-being. From transforming cancer battles to redefining work as exercise, Ellen reveals...

Jan 23, 202555 min
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