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

Chief Awareness Officer - The Key Ingredient for a Successful CEO? (Part 1 of a 4-Part Series) | Kevin Ford, CEO of the Year of Calian

A question we routinely ask in this podcast series is “What does it take to be a highly effective leader?” Join me as I deeply explore this question with Kevin Ford, CEO of Calian over a special 4-part series. In particular, Kevin and I unpack an idea that profoundly resonates with each of us; the Chief Awareness Officer. We both agree that awareness is the most foundational and critical element of leadership excellence, especially when it comes to the Corner Office. In this opening episode, Kev...

Jul 04, 202426 min

Do Good to Lead Well at 100! Lessons in Leadership from our Top Guests

Today is a very special day in the Do Good to Lead Well universe! The podcast officially turns 100. It is hard to imagine how far we have traveled together in a very short time. It is impossible to do justice to the amazing conversations we have shared together. To mark this very special occasion, I curated some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking insights shared by the CEOs, bestselling authors, and TED speakers I have spoken with over the past 2 years. I picked the clips that attendees...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 17 min

Redefining Strength in Leadership: Curiosity and Collaboration | Justine Hendricks

Do you think that asking for help is a leadership superpower? Join us as we sit down with Justine Hendricks, President and CEO of FCC, to answer this thought-provoking question and many others over the course of our discussion. We start by examining the importance of curiosity, particularly for CEOs who must navigate complex crises and uncharted territories. Justine shares her thoughts on maintaining an open mind and understanding different perspectives before jumping to solutions. Additionally,...

Jun 20, 202450 min

Fostering Organizational Well-being: Promoting Empathy, Purpose, and Mental Health | Dr. Lisa Calder

What if the secret to successful leadership lies not in expertise but in empathy and purpose? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Lisa Calder, CEO of the Canadian Medical Protective Association, to uncover what it truly takes to lead with impact in today's fast-paced world. Dr. Calder, who brings a wealth of experience from her background as an emergency physician, shares her unique insights on synthesizing dynamic information and leveraging generalist skills to build and optimize expert teams, all ...

Jun 13, 202453 min

Mastering Remote and Hybrid Work from Stanford Professor and Global Thought Leader | Nick Bloom

Is the traditional office becoming a thing of the past? In this episode, we sit down with Nick Bloom, Stanford professor and LinkedIn’s Top Voice on Remote Work, to uncover the transformative shifts in our work models that accelerated throughout the pandemic. With two decades of research behind him, Nick provides an in-depth look at how technology has revolutionized remote and hybrid work environments. We explore the rising popularity of hybrid work models, the slowdown of the return-to-office m...

Jun 06, 202455 min

To Speak or Not to Speak? That is the Question

Have you ever started down a conversational pathway and wish you could turn around and exit stage right? Despite our good intentions, we can find ourselves knee-deep in a complex and challenging situation. Our ‘Speak-First, Think-Later’ culture amplifies the potential risk. Join me in this month’s solo episode as I unveil a simple yet powerful three-step process, borrowed from an unlikely source—the comedian Craig Ferguson. We probe the depths of when to speak, what to share, and who should deli...

May 30, 202416 min

Think Faster, Talk Smarter: An Engaging Conversation with Stanford Professor | Matt Abrahams

Welcome back to the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, where the art and science of communication takes center stage. Join us as we engage with Stanford professor and communication maestro, Matt Abrahams, discussing the secrets unveiled in his best-selling book "Think Faster, Talk Smarter." From the power of open-ended questions to the finesse required for a graceful exit from a conversation, we cover it all and ensure that you walk away with skills that transcend the ordinary, transforming every int...

May 23, 202456 min

Mastering our Minds: Strategies for Quieting Inner Chatter | Ethan Kross

Ever wrestled with the relentless voice in your head that magnifies every slip-up and whispers doubts at the worst possible moments? I had the privilege of sitting down with Ethan Kross, an acclaimed authority on controlling the conscious mind and the inner mechanisms that govern our self-talk. Together, we dissect the phenomenon of ‘chatter’, those pesky negative thought loops that can ambush our emotional equilibrium. With a blend of personal insights and evidence-based strategies, this episod...

May 16, 202451 min

From Tow Truck Driver to the Corner Office (Part 2): Building an Award-Winning Corporate Culture Starts with Values and Purpose | Dan Turner

Ever wonder what it takes to create a company culture that not only endures but thrives? Unlock the secrets as Dan Turner, the visionary CEO of Xperigo, pulls back the curtain on fostering a workplace where Mondays are the new Fridays. Throughout our enlightening conversation, Dan shares the ins and outs of nurturing core values that resonate at every level of the organization. He takes us on a tour from the early days of shaping Xperigo’s cultural identity to the present, where recognition syst...

May 09, 202439 min

From Tow Truck Driver to the Corner Office (Part 1): Inspiring Insights From An Award-Winning CEO | Dan Turner

This is the inspiring story of Dan Turner, CEO of Xperigo, a company that has been recognized multiple times as being one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. In the first part of this special two- part series, we unpack Dan’s improbable journey from tow truck driver to CEO. It shines a light on the grit, gumption, and the audacious goals that can lead any determined individual from the roadside to the corner office. Dan opens up about the role models that sparked his ambition and the co...

May 02, 202451 min

Mastering Your Emotions: Affective Labeling

Today Craig shares valuable insights on mastering our emotions. Emphasizing the importance of understanding emotions as data points, the conversation reveals how emotions, both positive and negative, play a crucial role in our lives by providing essential information about our state of well-being. Craig introduces the concept of 'Affective Labeling' as a powerful strategy for emotionally engaging challenges. He references a study from UCLA involving participants with a phobia of spiders to demon...

Apr 25, 202418 min

Mastering Coaching and Leadership: Insights from Positive Psychology Expert | Robert Biswas-Diener

Have you ever been interested in the field of positive psychology and coaching? Tune into this engaging episode for a captivating journey on the subject with Robert Biswas-Diener, a globally recognized thought leader and researcher. Listen in as Robert shares his extraordinary path, one paved by a childhood shaped by his parents who were top psychologists, to becoming a pioneer in coaching research and practice. His insights challenge us to reconsider our assumptions and approach leadership and ...

Apr 18, 202454 min

Cultivating a Winning Mindset in Leadership and in Life | Rick Jordan

What does it really take to scale your business and leadership while staying true to your culture and values? Cybersecurity expert and CEO of ReachOut Technology, Rick Jordan, joins me, Craig Dowden, to tackle this complex question. Together, we dive deep into Rick's story to understand how a potent mix of leadership, branding and tenacity catapulted his company from a fledgling startup into a publicly traded company without a single penny of outside funding. The road to success is not a smooth ...

Apr 11, 202443 min

The Power of Radical Humility | Urs Koenig

Do you think that humility is a superpower or kryptonite for executives? If you’re like most people, you likely believe the former; being humble will undermine your effectiveness as people will perceive you as weak. I had the privilege to speak with Urs Koenig, the bestselling author of Radical Humility: Be A Badass Boss and a Good Human. We explored how humility is not just a feel-good quality for leaders. It is foundational to drive exceptional performance; for themselves and for their teams/o...

Apr 04, 202454 min

AMPP-lify Your Listening – An Essential Skill for Business and Life

Have you ever felt like you’re speaking, but nobody is truly listening? This month on Do Good to Lead Well, I bring you the secrets to amplifying your listening skills, inspired by the wisdom shared in the bestselling book, ‘Crucial Conversations’ by Kerry Patterson and their colleagues. As we wave goodbye to March and gear up to tackle the rest of the year, there’s no better skill to polish than the art of active listening. In this episode, we unpack the AMPP model (yes, that is not a spelling ...

Mar 28, 202415 min

Navigating Canada’s Economic Future with the CEO of the Business Council of Canada | Goldy Hyder

In this special episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Goldy Hyder, the dynamic CEO of the Business Council of Canada, for a riveting exploration of the complexities shaping the Canadian business and leadership landscape. Listen in as Goldy highlights Canada’s fortunate position, endowed with natural resources and strategic trade relationships, against the stark challenges confronting our nation today. From the necessity of driving economic growth to navigating the energy t...

Mar 21, 202456 min

Harnessing the Transformative Power of Compassion in Business and Leadership | David Katz

Please join me as I welcome David Katz, founder and CEO of Plastic Bank, as we embark on a poignant exploration of how adversity can shape a vision for a better world. During our conversation, David shares the genesis of his social enterprise that’s turning the tide on ocean plastic and poverty. His initiative, which transforms plastic waste into a form of currency, not only cleans up the environment but also offers essential resources to those in need. In this deeply personal episode, David ope...

Mar 14, 202448 min

Becoming Coachable: A Crucial Skill for Maximizing Our Potential | Scott Osman & Jacquelyn Lane

Have you ever looked in the mirror and your reflection does not match how others see you in the world? Have you been in situations where your intentions do not match your impact and it negatively affects your success and relationships? In this engaging episode, bestselling authors Scott Osman and Jacquelyn Lane join me to discuss the essence of coachability. They also discuss the personal pathways that led them to embrace coaching for self-improvement. Our conversation unveils the profound impac...

Mar 07, 202452 min

Venting - A Double-Edged Sword in Personal Growth and Communication

Ever felt that rush of release after venting your frustrations, only to be engulfed by the same fiery emotions moments later? Although it may come as a surprise, this episode reveals the double-edged sword that is venting. In fact, your well-intended cathartic release might be doing more harm than good, intensifying feelings of anger and perpetuating a victim mentality. Far from being the pressure valve we often consider it to be, unleashing our grievances often fans the flames of negativity. Ve...

Feb 29, 202417 min

Say “Yes!” to Risks and Enjoy the Journey | Alison Simpson

The crackle of a starting pistol and the first determined steps into a marathon might seem worlds apart from executive boardrooms, but my guest, Allison Simpson, bridges that gap with a vigor that's as relentless as her running stride. Across 63 marathons and the vast expanse of the Sahara, Allison has mastered the art of endurance, a skill she translates to her role as President and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association. Our conversation reveals how the tenacity required for long-distance r...

Feb 22, 202458 min

Truly Championing Diversity and Inclusion: A Timely Conversation About Anti-Racist Leadership

Could leadership rooted in empathy be the game-changer in today’s diverse, multi-generational workplaces? In this timely episode, I welcome the remarkable father-daughter team, James and Krista White, to explore the pressing topic of anti-racist leadership. In this enlightening discussion, the Whites share the powerful synergy behind their book, a fusion of CEO-level wisdom with a millennial’s fresh take on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The episode highlights how the journey towards a truly ...

Feb 15, 202449 min

Greatness is Made, Not Born - Mastering the Art of Learned Excellence | Eric Potterat, Ph.D. & Alan Eagle

Ever wondered how the greats of our time catapult themselves to the top of their fields? That's the burning question we tackle with the brilliant minds behind the recently released book, "Learned Excellence." Authors Eric Potterat (PhD) and Alan Eagle shed light on the idea that peak performance isn't solely a gift of nature, but a skill that can be learned and developed. Using a hardware-software metaphor, they highlight how our software is vitally important to truly maximize our potential. Dur...

Feb 08, 202448 min

Embracing Trust and Inspiration in Leadership | Stephen M.R. Covey

Unlock the transformative power of “Trust & Inspire” leadership with insights from New York Times bestselling author and global thought leader Stephen M. R. Covey. In the latest episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, we explore the seismic shift from the conventional command-and-control approach to one that empowers and elevates your team to new heights. With Covey's storied experience and unbridled passion for positive leadership, we dissect the critical need for leaders to embrace a ...

Feb 01, 202455 min

Gaslighting: A Personal Journey

Gaslighting was the word of the year in 2022. It is referenced often and shows up in our personal and professional lives. To start off the New Year, I decided to share my personal and difficult journey with gaslighting in a relationship that was very important to me. My hope in sharing my experience is to unpack the critical moments, emotions, and insights that emerged. Key Takeaways: 1. The history of the relationship and some of the ongoing challenges and consequences, including disengagement ...

Jan 25, 202421 min

Self-Compassion at Work, in Leadership, and Beyond | Dr. Kristin Neff

Have you ever considered that showing yourself kindness could be the key to overcoming life's hurdles? This week, I had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Kristin Neff, a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion research, and together we embarked on a conversation that promises to alter the way you confront personal and professional challenges. Through Dr. Neff's compelling personal narrative, we unearth the transformative power of self-compassion, demonstrating how it can shift our typical self-...

Jan 18, 202454 min

When Business is Love | Jan Ryde

What role does love play in business? How can I create an environment where I hire people for life? In this episode, Jan Ryde answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why you should have an abundance mindset. 2. How it all starts with loving and appreciating yourself. 3. How we create our reality through our thoughts and feelings. 4. Why you should let yourself live with childlike excitement and belief. 5. How humility will lead you to success. 6. Why you should ask, “What makes y...

Jan 11, 202445 min

Vulnerability, Ego, and Resilience as a Leader | Kathryn Tremblay

How can I be vulnerable, and still be a strong leader? How can I analyze the biases within myself and my organization? In this episode, Kathryn Tremblay answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. How to value everyone involved in your organization. 2. How resiliency is really just putting one foot in front of the other. 3. Why we must learn to be accountable for our strengths and our weaknesses. 4. How saying “I don’t know” and being curious will change your leadership. 5. How grati...

Jan 04, 202455 min

WOOP it Up to Achieve Your Goals in 2024

We’ve all been there. New Year’s comes around, we look at our resolutions, and we’re set on running a dozen Iron Man races. Research has shown that half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions. Despite the popularity of setting these goals, just 12% of people can say they’ve stuck to their resolutions one year on. So, what can we do to improve our chances in attaining the goals we embark on achieving? In this episode, Craig explores the WOOP method of visualizing wishes, obstacles, outcomes an...

Dec 28, 202322 min

The Upside of Uncertainty: A Timely Conversation with INSEAD Professor and Author | Nathan Furr

What if embracing uncertainty could actually be the key to maximizing your potential and unlocking your greatest successes? Join us as we explore this fascinating idea with Professor Nathan Furr from INSEAD, a leading authority in strategy and innovation. We dive deep into his latest book, "The Upside of Uncertainty," and explore how stepping into the unknown can drive transformation. Learn how to build your resilience to navigate uncertainty through the metaphor of the "first aid cross." We cov...

Dec 21, 202357 min

Effective Delegation and Feedback | Adam Bryant

What can be done to make a great team out of a variety of people? What makes listening the most important skill for the modern leader? In this episode, Adam answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why you must know what you want before jockeying for promotions. 2. The importance of simplifying complexity as a leader. 3. What listening has to do with leadership. 4. Delegation is a MUST. Learn to give things away and let go. 5. The best managers are coaches. 6. It’s great to be a w...

Dec 14, 202355 min
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