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

Closing the Confidence Gap: Leadership, Values, and Empowerment | Kelli Thompson

What if your internal conflicts are the very signals pointing you toward personal growth and success? Join me as I sit down with Kelli Thompson, a dynamic keynote speaker and women’s leadership coach, to discuss her latest book, Closing the Confidence Gap. This episode promises to equip you with strategies for overcoming societal "shoulds" and identifying the barriers that hinder your confidence, especially for women balancing an unpaid workload alongside professional responsibilities. Together,...

Jan 16, 202553 min

Embracing Authentic Leadership: Insights on Purpose, Adversity, and Global Impact | Bill George

Prepare for an eye-opening conversation as Bill George, celebrated Harvard faculty member and former CEO of Medtronic, joins the Do Good to Lead Well podcast to share his profound insights. With his latest bestseller, "True North for Emerging Leaders," Bill sheds light on the seismic shift from traditional, ego-centric leadership to a purpose-driven model. This episode unpacks the essence of authenticity and integrity, showcasing how modern leaders, from Satya Nadella to Mary Barra, are staying ...

Jan 09, 202553 min

From Start-up to Grown-up: Transformative Leadership and Team Building | Alisa Cohn

Renowned start-up coach and author Alyssa Cohn joins us to share powerful insights into the critical steps for transformative leadership. With her book "From Startup to Grownup" as a guide, Alyssa explores the essential growth that founders undergo as they evolve into effective leaders. She sheds light on often overlooked yet vital leadership skills, including managing budgets, leading productive meetings, and handling tough conversations. Her extensive experience with both startups and Fortune ...

Jan 02, 202544 min

F.A.I.L Forward to Succeed in 2025

Can failure be the secret ingredient to our success? As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's time to rethink how we perceive failure. Contrary to the traditional view of setbacks as purely negative, this episode unpacks the transformative concept of "failing well," inspired by Amy Edmondson's groundbreaking book, "The Right Kind of Wrong." We dissect failures into three categories: preventable, complex, and intelligent. Understanding these distinctions not only heightens our resilience but ...

Dec 26, 202421 min

Navigating Inclusive Leadership and Conscious Change | Dr. Jean Latting

Dr. Jean Latting, an esteemed figure in the realm of inclusive leadership, joins our latest episode with her profound journey from the segregated South to becoming a beacon of unity and understanding. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of thoughts and words, shaped by her family and the civil rights movements. Dr. Latting's experiences in a racially integrated boarding school informed her vision for successful multiculturalism, and her insights offer a compelling blueprint for ...

Dec 19, 202451 min

Ethical Leadership in Complex Times | Ann Skeet

In a world where corporate ethics are often tested, the latest episode of the "Do Good to Lead Well" podcast brings a timely discussion with Ann Skeet, the Senior Director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of leading with integrity amidst the challenges of today's corporate landscape. During our conversation, Ann discusses the need for a comprehensive approach to ethics education and highlights the need for s...

Dec 12, 202457 min

Retiring Well: Redefining Life Beyond the Office with Harvard Business School Professor | Teresa Amabile

Imagine stepping into retirement with confidence and excitement, rather than uncertainty and anxiety. That's exactly what we aim to achieve in this episode featuring Teresa Amabile, the distinguished Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Teresa shares her insights and groundbreaking research on the psychological and emotional dimensions of retiring, going beyond the traditional focus on health and wealth. Her new book, "Retiring: Creating a Life that ...

Dec 05, 202454 min

Mastering Your F.E.A.R.: Transforming Perceived Challenges into Real Opportunities for Growth

Unlock the secrets to mastering our fear and transform it from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. Join me, Craig Dowden, as we journey through the complex world of fear on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from Franklin D. Roosevelt's timeless insight that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," we explore how this powerful emotion can skew our perspectives and narrow our focus, often without merit. Discover startling research revealing how often our fears actually come to...

Nov 28, 202417 min

The Science and Practice of Positive Leadership | Mark Silverman

Listen into this special episode where I join The Rising Leader podcast with host Mark Silverman. I had the pleasure of welcoming Mark to the Do Good to Lead Well podcast and he decided to turn the tables on me. During our conversation, we explore the transformative impact of positive leadership in a VUCA world and challenge the misconception that doing good and achieving success are mutually exclusive. Together, we examine how intentional leadership practices can harmonize operational efficienc...

Nov 21, 202429 min

Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture | Eric Stone

Join us for an insightful exploration into the intricacies of workplace culture with Eric Stone, author of "Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture." Listen in as Eric reflects on navigating pivotal challenges like 9-11, offering practical strategies and a human-centric approach to transform organizational dynamics. His insights underscore the potential for innovative thinking in reshaping the way organizations operate. We discuss the critical role of one-on-one interactions in understanding motivation...

Nov 14, 202452 min

From Baseball to Boardroom: The Learn-It-All Leader | Damon Lembi

Join me for a captivating conversation with Damon Lembi, the CEO of LearnIt and the best-selling author of "The Learn-It-All Leader." Damon takes us on his incredible journey from the baseball field to the boardroom, sharing how a twist of fate redirected his aspirations towards transformative leadership. Drawing inspiration from iconic coaches and lessons in business learned from his father, Damon reveals the leadership strategies that have shaped his career and how they relate to the core them...

Nov 07, 202455 min

Mastering Boundaries and Conflict Resolution: The Power of a Positive No

Can saying "no" actually strengthen your relationships? Explore this intriguing possibility in this solo episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Drawing from William Ury's enlightening book, "The Power of a Positive No," we uncover the hidden power behind the word "no" and navigate the common, maladaptive responses it elicits—accommodation, attacking, and avoiding. Using this book as our compass, we’ll discuss Ury’s powerful and practical three-step approach to saying a positive no. Using r...

Oct 31, 202424 min

Leading Yourself, Your Team, and Your Leaders | Mark Silverman

Mark Silverman discusses the inspiration behind his book, The Rising Leader Handbook , and delves into the key themes of his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes that all leaders are continually "rising." Our conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, leading oneself, and navigating organizational dynamics, such as leading up, leading peers, and becoming a trusted advisor. Mark shares insights on his coaching methods, including using 360 feedback and personality tests like the Ennea...

Oct 24, 202449 min

Leaders Leap: Navigating Disruption, Ego, and Innovation | Steve Dennis

Steve Dennis, a strategic advisor and author of "Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption," joins us to share his insights on the keys to successful leadership in a rapidly changing world. Our conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and thriving amidst uncertainty, providing listeners with actionable takeaways to enhance their leadership journey. One of the key themes we explore is the challenge of ego in leadership. Through personal sto...

Oct 17, 202454 min

Designing a Thriving Future: Embracing Imperfection and Innovation with Stanford Professor | Carissa Carter

What if you could harness the power of design thinking to not only shape products but also the future of leadership and innovation? Join us on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast as we sit down with Carissa Carter, the brilliant designer and academic director at Stanford's D School. Carissa shares her groundbreaking insights from her latest book, "Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future," diving into concepts like "runaway design" and the vital role individual agency plays in cr...

Oct 10, 202452 min

How to Lead with Emotional Power | Dr. Julia DiGangi

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Julia DiGangi, a renowned neuropsychologist and author of "Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power." Dr. DiGangi shares her extensive experience working with high-profile leaders and organizations, offering a unique perspective on the intricate connection between the brain and behavior, especially under stress. Listen in as we unpack the pivotal role of emotional power in leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership o...

Oct 03, 202452 min

Bridging Political Divides for Prosperity | Honourable Anne McLellan and Honourable Lisa Raitt

What if leaders from opposite sides of the political aisle could come together to chart a path for a better economic future? In this illuminating episode, we sit down with the Honorable Anne McClellan and the Honorable Lisa Raitt, co-chairs of the Coalition for a Better Future, to explore their inspiring bipartisan efforts aimed at rejuvenating Canada's economy. You'll hear about the coalition's origins, its mission rooted in the global call to "build back better," and how these two formidable l...

Sep 25, 202455 min

Beyond Resilience: Leveraging the Power of Anti-Fragility | Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright

Join us in this engaging episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast as we welcome Dr. Nick Holton and Dr. Adam Wright, co-founders of the Anti-Fragile Academy. Listen in as we explore the concept of anti-fragility, which goes beyond mental resilience, enabling individuals to thrive through chaos and volatility. Dr. Holton and Dr. Wright share their expert insights on human potential and the application of cutting-edge science to help individuals and organizations achieve peak performance and ov...

Sep 19, 202453 min

Cracking the Productivity Code with the Chief Economist of the Conference Board of Canada | Pedro Antunes

How can Canada crack the productivity code to secure a prosperous future? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Pedro Antunes, the Chief Economist for the Conference Board of Canada, as he unpacks the pivotal role productivity plays in shaping our nation's economic landscape. He scrutinizes why GDP per hour worked is a crucial metric for income generation and long-term growth, and why enhancing private sector productivity is essential for maintaining robust public services like healthcar...

Sep 12, 202448 min

The Genesis of Positive and Inclusive Leadership with CEO of Hyundai Canada | Don Romano

In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, we sit down with Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Canada, to unpack his revolutionary approach to leadership that reshaped the entire company's culture. Don shares his compelling journey from battling challenging customer and dealer relations to fostering a thriving environment where trust, inclusivity, and open dialogue are the cornerstones of success. Through captivating stories and key experiences, Don illustrates the power...

Sep 05, 202454 min

Beyond the Catch: Leadership Lessons from a Salmon Fishing Retreat

This month, I reflect on a unique and transformative experience that took me out of my comfort zone: a salmon fishing retreat on a remote river in my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Joined by five incredible individuals— Andrew, Enrique, Geoff, Mark, and Pete —we embraced the opportunity to disconnect from our usual routines and engage deeply with one another. Despite the low water levels limiting our fishing time, we made the most of our days by engaging in profound conversations th...

Aug 29, 202417 min

Navigating the Future: The Ethical and Societal Impact of Generative A.I. | Jerry Kaplan

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Jerry Kaplan, a leading authority in artificial intelligence and a prolific entrepreneur, as we unpack the profound implications of generative A.I. Jerry, an adjunct lecturer at Stanford, dives into his motivations behind his latest book, "Generative Artificial Intelligence: What Everyone Needs to Know," stressing the necessity of understanding this fast-paced field. We dissect what generative A.I. is, the distinctions it holds from previous A.I. wave...

Aug 22, 202452 min

The Generous Leader | Joe Davis

Today, we are joined by Joe Davis, Managing Director and Senior Partner at the Boston Consulting Group, who has navigated his remarkable career from a humble start as a sales rep at Procter & Gamble to steering BCG North America through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe shares insights from his latest book, "The Generous Leader," and discusses how fostering positive cultures and championing people has shaped his leadership style, aligning perfectly with our "Do Good to Lead ...

Aug 15, 202452 min

Transforming People Development by Building a Culture of Continuous Learning | Catherine Allen

Is people development truly the key to business success and societal impact? Join us as we welcome Catherine Allen, co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of AO People Partners, who passionately argues that it is. Catherine sheds light on the transformative power of intentional people development while advocating for a paradigm shift where developing interpersonal skills, such as emotional intelligence, becomes a strategic priority, especially during challenging times. We break down the essential s...

Aug 08, 202448 min

Leading with Radical Respect and Radical Candor: Bestselling Author Shares What it Takes to Build a Peak Performance Culture | Kim Scott

Ever struggled with how to deliver effective feedback? Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as too much honesty? How can I share my truth without hurting the other person? If so, this episode is definitely for you. Join me as I speak with Kim Scott, the bestselling author of "Radical Candor" and "Radical Respect," to share her profound insights on effective interpersonal and workplace dynamics. We open the conversation by diving into the complexities of addressing implicit biases and ...

Aug 01, 202454 min

Great Leadership Starts with Great Self-Leadership

As we continue to experiment in the Do Good to Lead Well universe, for this month’s solo episode, I am happy to share a very engaging conversation I had as a featured guest on the Leader Chat podcast. We dig into both of my books (Do Good to Lead Well and A Time to Lead) to examine the science and practice of positive leadership. Leadership isn't just about guiding others—in fact, it starts with leading yourself. Drawing on wisdom from past guests of this podcast like Doug Conant, former CEO of ...

Jul 25, 202448 min

From Challenges to Triumphs: An Inspiring Conversation | Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor

What are the ingredients for truly successful leadership? Vera Quinn, President and CEO of Cydcor, joins us to dissect the qualities that set great leaders apart. From her journey in door-to-door sales to navigating the complexities of the Corner Office, Vera's experiences illuminate the themes of self-awareness, integrity, and resilience. She candidly discusses the importance of leaders being brutally honest about their strengths and weaknesses and shares how focusing on service and the develop...

Jul 18, 202451 min

Chief Awareness Officer – The Key Ingredient for a Successful CEO? (Part 4 of a 4-Part Series): Awareness of Our Mindset and Emotions – A Dynamic Duo for Leadership Excellence | Kevin Ford

What if your ability to lead effectively hinged on a deep understanding of yourself? In this final part of our special 4-part series, I dig deeper into this critical question with CEO of the Year award winner, Kevin Ford of Calian Group. Kevin shares insightful personal anecdotes about how self-awareness has shaped his leadership journey and impacted his organization. We discuss the modern workforce's demand for higher standards in interpersonal interactions and the necessity for leaders to be m...

Jul 12, 202448 min

Chief Awareness Officer – The Key Ingredient for a Successful CEO? (Part 3 of a 4-Part Series): Awareness of Our (Business) Environment – Navigating Challenges and Opportunities | Kevin Ford

How does an award-winning CEO manage the complexities of leading a rapidly evolving business landscape? Join us for part 3 of this special 4-part series where I speak with Kevin Ford, the dynamic CEO of Calian, as we unpack the multifaceted nature of business awareness. Kevin sheds light on the ever-changing nature of geographical markets and the unique conditions affecting publicly traded companies, stressing how crucial it is for leaders to stay informed amidst a constant influx of data. Trans...

Jul 11, 202433 min

Chief Awareness Officer – The Key Ingredient for a Successful CEO? (Part 2 of a 4-Part Series): Awareness of Our Physical Health – Often Overlooked, Vitally Important | Kevin Ford

While we cannot get far without our physical health, it is often overlooked in conversations about leadership excellence, especially when it comes to hard-driving executives. In many circles, it is almost seen as a badge of honor to push ourselves to the brink. However, scientific and anecdotal evidence strongly questions that assumption. Is there a healthier and more effective way? Join me for Part 2 of this engaging 4-part series as we welcome back Kevin Ford, CEO of Calian, to share his compe...

Jul 05, 202439 min
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