How do top leaders close impossible deals and get buy-in from the toughest stakeholders? James Sebenius, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard and co-founder of Harvard’s Negotiation Program, has been involved with the world’s most successful negotiation cases. In today’s episode, he reveals the top strategies that make great negotiators. Drawing from icons like Bob Iger, Jim Baker, and Henry Kissinger, James shares the keys to negotiation that every leader needs: when to use...

Vulnerability might seem like a weakness, but in leadership, it’s a true superpower. In today's Leadership Spark, we dive into the spectrum of vulnerability, showing how it’s far from one-size-fits-all. We’ll explore the five 'superhero' types of vulnerable leaders and help you pinpoint your unique style for building trust and connection. Discover how understanding and embracing your vulnerability type can reshape the way you lead and elevate the impact you have on those around you.   ...

What does it take to turn any team into a high-performing powerhouse? Keith Ferazzi, Founder, Chair, & CEO at Ferrazzi Greenlight, knows it's all about ditching the traditional leadership model and mastering the new "teamship" concept. Keith is a Best-Selling Author of many books, including "Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship", as well as Founder, Chair, & CEO at Ferrazzi Greenlight. In this episode, we dig into building a “challenge culture,” a strategy that...

I’ve spent years researching and speaking with HR leaders, and one thing is clear—employee experience is the game-changer. Companies have historically focused on "utility" and "productivity," but now we're shifting towards experience—creating environments where employees want to show up, not just need to. In today's Leadership Spark, I dive deep into how companies can move beyond superficial perks and create a workplace where employees feel like they’ve bought into an experience, not just a...

How do you keep your team engaged, motivated, and prepared for the future while managing day-to-day demands? In this episode, Amy Gilliland, President of General Dynamics Information Technology, shares practical strategies for building strong, future-ready teams in today’s fast-paced environment. She talks about why on-the-job training is crucial for leadership development, how regular career conversations help boost engagement and retention, and why creating a company with a soul is...

Many companies seem perfect on paper, only to find yourself discouraged, disengaged, and ready to leave once you work. Culture and experience shape our work more than job titles or company names ever could. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll look into what truly makes or breaks the employee experience. I break down the Employee Experience Equation: culture, technology, and physical space—three elements any organization can control to build an environment where employees thrive. We’ll cover...

Every leader faces moments of high pressure and uncertainty—but how you lead your team through those moments is what sets the great apart from the good. In today’s episode, Rich Diviney, Retired Navy SEAL and Founder of “The Attributes,” reveals the hidden attributes that drive high performance and why they’re more important than skills when it comes to leadership. We’ll explore why 90% of people fail SEAL training and what that teaches us about thriving under pressure, the role of...

Many companies seem perfect on paper, only to find yourself discouraged, disengaged, and ready to leave once you work. Culture and experience shape our work more than job titles or company names ever could. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll look into what truly makes or breaks the employee experience. I break down the Employee Experience Equation: culture, technology, and physical space—three elements any organization can control to build an environment where employees thrive. We’ll cover...

Every business leader is faced with the challenge of adapting to change in today’s fast-moving world, but creating a solid, long-term strategy is often easier said than done. In today’s episode, Seth Godin, an influential entrepreneur, author of 22 books, and one of the world’s most popular bloggers, breaks down what most leaders get wrong about strategy—confusing it with tactics. He explains why strategy is a long-term philosophy, not a step-by-step plan, and how major change agents like AI,...

What’s the ROI of vulnerability at work? It’s big—personally and professionally. In today’s Leadership Spark, I explore why being a vulnerable leader pays off. We’ll break down the concept of Mismatch Theory—why the “tough boss” style of the past doesn’t cut it today and why leaders who don’t evolve may get left behind. Vulnerability—when done right—not only boosts your team’s trust and engagement but also directly contributes to business success. Yet, less than 11% of employees view...

During times of rapid growth and disruption, aligning teams and sustaining a strong culture can be daunting, but Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood, has successfully led his company to unicorn status by focusing on these essentials. In this episode, we dive into his leadership strategies, exploring why team mobilization is central to a CEO’s role and how effective communication fosters alignment. Diego reveals how iFood’s non-negotiable culture supports an entrepreneurial mindset, values radical...

How does vulnerability fit into leadership? Being vulnerable as a leader is tricky, but there’s a clear difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability. In today’s Leadership Spark, I share how my own journey with panic attacks reshaped my understanding of vulnerability. Through interviews with executives, I found that while vulnerability in personal life is crucial, in the workplace it’s a different story. Many executives ask if they should project unwavering confidence,...

Did you know that those most eager to lead might actually be the worst at it? Have you ever worked with a leader who’s always eager to step up, but when they get the role, things fall apart? We often think that leadership is about willingness and eagerness, but recent research shows the opposite—leaders chosen for their desire to lead often perform worse than those randomly selected. In this episode, we break down these surprising insights with Professor David Deming at Harvard Kennedy...

Can you be strong by showing your weakness at work? Leadership isn’t just about being strong and visionary, nor is it simply about being vulnerable. It’s about balancing both. In today’s workplace, leaders are faced with a unique dilemma—should they lead with authority or with authenticity? You need to do both. In today’s Leadership Spark, I unpack the critical difference between being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability with insights from 140 CEOs I interviewed. We'll explore how...

People leaders are moving beyond traditional HR to shape the future of work and employee experience, and this community provides the resources and connections to do that effectively. Existing communities fall short: they’re expensive, focus on superficial discussions, and constantly upsell products. Future of Work Leaders fixes that. As a member, you shape the community, decide on topics, provide feedback, and interact directly with me, (Jacob Morgan) for insights... and it’s budget friendly!...

Every leader wants to make an impact in their organization, but running a giant like Sam’s Club requires next-level leadership. How do great leaders like Chris Nicholas balance the demands of leading an $84 billion business with a focus on people? As President and CEO of Sam’s Club, Chris’ approach to leadership is all about impact and purpose. Growing up in Hull, England, Chris learned the value of hard work early, and it’s shaped how he runs one of the largest retailers in the world...

Is leadership changing or staying the same? Leadership today is harder than ever, with rising pressure from all angles—public scrutiny, polarized workplaces, and a workforce that's losing interest in climbing the leadership ladder. If leadership is this tough, why should anyone step up? We need MORE leaders, NOT FEWER. In today's Leadership Spark, we dive deep into the challenges and evolving expectations of leadership in the modern world. Leaders often believe they’re performing well, but...

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the talk of recessions, inflation, and economic chaos, you’re not alone—but you don’t have to navigate it blind. Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Managing Director, Partner, and Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group, and co-author of "Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms," is here to help leaders cut through the noise. In this episode, Philipp explains why leaders should avoid the Master Model Mentality, which is the mistake of relying too heavily on...

Why do some companies consistently outshine their rivals, attract top talent, and spark innovation while others struggle? Many treat employee relationships like a simple transaction—initial excitement fades, and so does satisfaction. This leaves companies with disengaged teams and high turnover. In today’s Leadership Spark, we’ll explore how top companies have figured out the key to shifting from a transactional approach to one that treats employment as an enriching experience. Based on...

What’s it like to lead at the top of some of the world’s most iconic brands? Jeff Kindler, former CEO of Pfizer, has been there, done that. From handling high-pressure situations at GE under the legendary Jack Welch to leading massive change at Pfizer, Jeff has seen all the intense scrutiny and stress and was in the room when decisions were made that shaped entire industries. In this episode, he shares what he learned from handling public pressure, how he managed the clash of corporate...

The corner office, big bonuses, and calling the shots can’t sugarcoat what being a CEO is like. The reality is far more complex—and often more challenging—than it looks from the outside. What do you think is the hardest part about being at the top? In today’s Leadership Spark, I dive into the untold challenges CEOs face that nobody talks about. From the crushing loneliness of having fewer peers as you climb higher, to the overwhelming decision fatigue from making countless high-stakes...

It’s one thing to talk about being open and authentic, but how do you actually do it without losing your team’s respect and trust? This is a conversation I had with with Robert Glazer on his Elevate Podcast. In this episode, I explain the difference between just being vulnerable and leading with vulnerability. We explore why so many leaders today are struggling with decision-making and accountability, and how the post-pandemic era has challenged many leaders to redefine their roles. We’ll get...

Why do leaders neglect self-compassion? We often talk about leadership in terms of driving results, motivating teams, and making an impact. But one crucial aspect is often overlooked: self-compassion. Leaders are constantly focused on their external impact, yet managing their internal world is equally important. Without self-compassion, leaders risk burnout, poor decision-making, and strained relationships. How can you inspire and lead others when you're constantly battling your own inner...

The leadership landscape is shifting under our feet, and it’s leaving many leaders scrambling to keep up. I recently sat down with Professor Joe Fuller on the Harvard Business School Managing the Future of Work Podcast to dig into some of the biggest issues leaders face today. We covered everything from the ongoing debate over hybrid work to the rapid rise of AI, and how it’s changing the way we hire and lead, and the shifting expectations of employees in 2024. In our chat, we got into why...