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 mindful of their mindset, emotions, and behaviors. Personal and professional growth cannot happen in a feedback vacuum. On the contrary, feedback is the fuel that drives the engine of maximizing our potential. Kevin opens up about the humbling yet enlightening experiences of receiving candid feedback from trusted supervisors and colleagues. We highlight the value of formal feedback processes like 360 reviews and the role of supportive networks in nurturing self-awareness. As we round off the discussion, we explore the transformative potential of AI, including how tools like ChatGPT could revolutionize corporate behavior and decision-making processes. Kevin and I stress the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies as vital elements of effective modern leadership. Join us as we conclude this thought-provoking series about the importance of becoming a Chief Awareness Officer and the secrets to getting there. What You’ll Learn: • Effective Leadership Begins and Ends with Understanding and Managing Our Mindset, Emotions, and Behaviors. • Proactively Seeking Feedback is a Game-Changer for Executive Development. • Beware of the Power of Emotional Contagion. • Fostering A Culture of Feedback. • The Promise of A.I. for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. • Where Do We Go From Here? The Future of the Chief Awareness Officer. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - The Power of Self-Leadership (10:03) - The Importance of Self-Awareness (15:11) - The Ripple Effects of Self-Awareness (27:50) – Feedback: The Fuel That Drives the Engine of Personal and Professional Growth (32:19) - Creating a Culture of Awareness (37:41) – The Future of A.I. in Organizations and Leadership (47:48) – A Final Word on this Special Series More of Kevin Ford: Kevin is the President and CEO of Calian Group, a solutions company with services in health, IT, systems engineering, and more. Leading the company since 2015, Kevin focuses on teamwork, integrity, and commitment. As you’ll hear in this series of episodes, he’s aware of how he works with others, affects them, and can improve himself. Kevin is also proud to shine a light on how we can improve our leadership by improving ourselves. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ford-5426948  Key Topics Discussed: CEO Mindset, Chief Awareness Officer, Self-Awareness, Positive Leadership, Receiving Feedback, Emotional Contagion, Feedback Culture, Effective Decision-Making, Organizational Culture, Continuous Learning, Mindset, Emotions, Behaviors, Personal Growth, Professional Growth, 360 Reviews, Mentors, Social Network, Authenticity, Team Dynamics, Curiosity, Information Channels More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/