No matter the organization, friction is inevitable...but the key is knowing how to navigate and harness it for better leadership. In today’s discussion I sit down with Bob Sutton, Stanford professor, organizational psychologist and best selling author of books including “The No A$$hole Rule” and “The Friction Project” as he dives into the world of ‘friction-fixer’ leadership. Drawing from his extensive research, Sutton shares how to distinguish between beneficial and detrimental friction,...

In a cancel culture world, how do you speak up and share what you’re thinking? Leaders are often scared to share their opinions, worried about losing their job, status, or credibility. In today’s leadership spark, Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, addresses these challenges. He talks about the importance of being true to yourself and making hard choices, even when it’s difficult. Ray shares his own story of starting from little and working...

In high-stakes environments like NASA, the margin for error is incredibly slim. Even minor mistakes can lead to substantial setbacks and costs, which is why Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s Former Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator, emphasizes the critical need for precision and careful management in space exploration. In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Thomas to discuss how NASA approaches making critical decisions, having a culture of open communication, and learning from...

Running a fully remote company while making sure you can deliver on short-term goals and long-term innovation is not an easy thing to do! In today’s discussion I sit down with Workleap Co-founder and CEO Simon De Baene who shares hard-earned lessons in leadership from 18 years of building a successful company. He dives into frameworks for maintaining innovation as the company grows, and the importance of delegating without losing control. Simon also offers a candid look at both his strengths...

Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve to be where you are or that you aren’t good enough? Imposter syndrome is something that most people in the world will experience at some point in their lives and, believe it or not, many aspiring leaders often doubt their abilities and suitability for higher roles, especially when they come from backgrounds that don’t typically align with those positions. In today’s Leadership Spark, Chano Fernandez, Former Co-CEO at Workday, shares the importance of...

Are you lucky or are you good? The smallest and seemingly most random decisions you make in your life can have a profound impact on your career success. Does this mean that we shouldn’t try to be the best at what we do? In today’s discussion I speak with Dr. Brian Klaas, a professor at the University of College London and best-selling author of “Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters.” In this episode, Klaas offers counterintuitive advice for embracing uncertainty and...

Imagine if you could feel calm and in control even during your most stressful moments at work. What if small shifts in how you process emotions allowed you to make better decisions and strengthen important relationships? NYT Best selling author and Psychologist Rick Hanson reveals how understanding your feelings through vulnerability is the overlooked key to resilience. Discover the science behind stress and anxiety, and learn why emotional awareness enhances well-being and performance under...

Is AI going to take your job? Yes! But is that really a bad thing and what does it mean for the future of work? Sweetgreen is an American fast-casual food chain with more than 220 locations and 6,000 employees. They are actively implementing technology in their restaurants to make the food, but are they losing people as a result? Jonathan Neman is the Co-Founder & CEO of Sweetgreen and in today’s episode we’re talking about balancing humanity with technology and people with profits....

Before Netflix, Facebook or Google even existed, a small group of entrepreneurs took a huge risk launching what would become the first major internet service.  In today’s Leadership Spark, Steve Case, Co-Founder of AOL and CEO of Revolution LLC, shares his journey of what it took to get America Online off the ground before people even heard of the Internet. While most people would think investing in internet companies in the 80’s was CRAZY RISKY, Steve had a vision that this new technology...

Do you practice having gratitude everyday? Positivity can powerfully alter your ability to connect with your team and slingshot your leadership to new bounds of resilience and success. In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Gordon 15x best-selling author, most popularly known for “The Power of Positive Leadership” with over 1,700 reviews on Amazon. Learn how to unite your organization in the face of adversity, build a strong company culture, and develop a connected and committed team. Tune into...

There’s a difference between getting feedback vs getting CANDID feedback, and that’s what leaders need more of. Not only that, but leaders need to make sure that ALL employees are able to provide that feedback and to challenge their leaders. This creates a culture where every voice, from every background, is not just heard but valued. In today’s leadership spark, I talk with Peyman Kargar, the Global Chairman and CEO of INFINITI. He shares valuable insights on leadership that inspires and...

Is working in the office dead? With the rise of remote work it appears that home offices becoming the new corporate hubs. But what does the data actually say? Dr. Nicholas Bloom from Stanford University has been studying the work from home trend from over 20 years and he has hard data that shows what has been going on and why. In today’s episode we are tackling the big questions around the rise of WFH: How does it affect productivity and innovation? What does it mean for the balance of power...

Are 360 reviews effective? If you’re skeptical, then you won’t want to miss this story from Frank Blake, the former CEO of The Home Depot. We’ll explore leadership lessons he learned, his approach to feedback, and his unconventional rise to CEO. Blake shared compelling tales, such as how he unexpectedly took the reins of one of the largest companies in the world after a last-minute call from the board. We also get his take on learning from the intense Jack Welch at GE early in his career. But...

Leadership+ EXCLUSIVE: Emotional Intelligence is a crucial aspect of great leadership, but how do you actually practice it? A lack of proper tools can impede your ability to navigate through complex team dynamics and maintain a positive organizational climate. Dr. Travis Bradberry, Author of "Emotional Intelligence. 2.0" shares four vital tools to enhance emotional management, effectively respond to unforeseen challenges, resolve conflicts, and strengthen personal connections in your...

What’s more important for leadership, emotional intelligence or IQ? The right use of EQ can revolutionize your approach to decision-making, relationship building, leadership, and communication. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Travis Bradberry, best-selling author of "Emotional Intelligence. 2.0," as he reveals how emotional intelligence can be consciously developed and refined. We’ll explore why so many leaders struggle with EQ, what EQ is and why it’s important, and the four core EQ...

Should you really be hiring for “culture fit?” It turns out that doing this could actually keep you from finding your best people! My guest on today’s show explains why that’s the case and what leaders should really be looking for. On this Leadership Spark, I sit down with former Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille to get his perspective on attracting top performers. We discuss why solely assessing culture fit can cause you to miss great candidates, the importance of regularly reviewing your talent...

Leadership+ EXCLUSIVE: How often do you exercise your mind to stay at the top of your leadership game? Overlooking your mental fitness can impact your team’s ability to face future challenges with resilience and creativity. Michael Watkins, Author of “The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking” shares key daily habits that will elevate your strategic thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and prime your team for success. This episode is only available to Leadership+ Subscribers on Apple...

Is leadership like a game of chess? Imagine navigating the complex world of leadership with the precision and foresight of a chess grandmaster. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Watkins, author of ‘The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking,’ who draws parallels between the two realms. Learn how to sharpen your pattern recognition skills, boost mental agility, and develop visionary thinking to guide your team effectively. Tune into today’s episode to better understand the 6 disciplines...

Is hybrid work here to stay or are we all going to be working back in offices? The whole concept of hybrid work means that you spend some time in the office and some time working out of the office. But what’s the ideal mix? Why does hybrid work help employees? And what are some strategies that companies can use to make hybrid work a reality? Mark Dixon is the founder of the International Workplace Group and he joins me today to explore all things hybrid work related. Throughout our...

Look around you right now. Every piece of technology is powered by a microchip, but what happens if we lost access to those chips? Chris Miller, an expert in international history and “Chip War” author, joins us to discuss the strategic significance of semiconductor technology in shaping your world. Miller reveals how this critical yet often underestimated technology influences global economics, power structures, and policy-making. For leaders eager to leverage technology for their success,...

Today, we seem to be living and working in a perpetual state of crisis which is a huge challenge for leaders. How should leaders lead during times of crisis and chaos? In today’s fast-changing world, the way leaders guide their teams is more important than ever. Lorenzo Simonelli is the CEO of Baker Hughes, a 55,000 person energy company with offices in 120 counties. In today’s spark Lorenzo shares his insights and strategies for making tough decisions during crises like the 2008 financial...

Why do so many people struggle to reach their full potential? Hal Elrod, the best-selling author of ‘The Miracle Morning,’ unveils the secrets to leading with a positive mindset in the face of adversity. Drawing from his own remarkable experiences of overcoming life-threatening challenges, Hal inspires you as a leader to stay committed to your goals while remaining empathetic and accountable. He provides you with essential strategies to effectively handle challenging scenarios and leaders,...

How are you cultivating resilience within yourself and your team, especially in times of uncertainty and change? In a world where life can throw unexpected challenges our way, being adaptable and making thoughtful life decisions are like essential tools in our toolkit. In my chat with Ania Smith, the CEO of TaskRabbit, she shows us how these tools can help us create a remarkable path in our personal and professional lives. Her story, growing up as an immigrant, valuing education, and finding...

What separates good leaders from great ones? Jim Barr is the CEO of Bowflex Inc. and in today’s podcast he shares the importance of choosing the right mentors and teams over brand names and salaries, offering a new perspective on career advancement. Jim also shares the importance of adapting to consumer expectations and business trends to focus on long-term growth. This includes investing in digital transformation and dealing with potential headwinds that might come your way. Don't miss out...

People are turning down leadership roles, how come and are you one of them? In today’s Leadership Spark, I chat with Scott DeRue, the former Dean of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and current President of Equinox Fitness. We’re diving into Scott’s research, digging into the real-world challenges that CEOs are facing these days. It turns out that almost 40% to 50% of capable leaders are holding back because they’re wary of the risks that come with...