Episodes
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....
Published 06/20/24
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,...
Published 06/13/24
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...
Published 06/06/24
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...
Published 05/30/24
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...
Published 05/23/24
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...
Published 05/16/24
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...
Published 05/09/24
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...
Published 05/02/24
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...
Published 04/25/24
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...
Published 04/18/24
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...
Published 04/11/24
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...
Published 04/04/24
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...
Published 03/28/24
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...
Published 03/21/24
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,...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/07/24
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....
Published 02/29/24
How do I deal with questions to which I have no good answers? Which risks do I say yes to (and when to decline)? In this episode, Alison Simpson answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. What is adversity training?  2. 3 things every leader needs in order to succeed. 3. How to say “I don’t know” in a way that inspires confidence and teaches you something. 4. How to apply the mirror test to your decision making. 5. Simple ways to improve your listening skills. 6....
Published 02/22/24
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...
Published 02/15/24
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....
Published 02/08/24
How can I change my leadership style to “trust and inspire” when I’ve been trained to “command and control? How can I be a leader, even though I’m not in a leadership position? In this episode, Stephen answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: We need to TRUST and INSPIRE, rather than command and control. What makes an inspired workforce better than an engaged one.  Manage things, lead people. What indicators will show your team is inspired - rather than just...
Published 02/01/24
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: The history of the relationship and some of the ongoing challenges and consequences, including...
Published 01/25/24
Can self-compassion help motivate me to be better? What role does self-compassion play in the workplace? In this episode, Kristin Neff answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: The difference between self-esteem and self-compassion. The elements that make up self-compassion. The benefits of self-compassion on your mental health. How self-compassion can actually allow you to take responsibility and grow. How self-compassion will make you a better leader. How...
Published 01/18/24
Can self-compassion help motivate me to be better? What role does self-compassion play in the workplace? In this episode, Kristin Neff answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: The difference between self-esteem and self-compassion.The elements that make up self-compassion.The benefits of self-compassion on your mental health.How self-compassion can actually allow you to take responsibility and grow.How self-compassion will make you a better leader.How self-talk and journaling can...
Published 01/18/24
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: Why you should have an abundance mindset. How it all starts with loving and appreciating yourself. How we create our reality through our thoughts and feelings. Why you should let yourself live with childlike excitement and belief. How humility will lead you to success. Why you should ask,...
Published 01/11/24