There's a stack of leadership books I continue to draw from all the time that not only shape how I think, but some that have really changed my mind in the past. They've influenced me in numerous way including when I wrote my book, "Best Team Ever."

Chapters:

00:32 The Opposable Mind by Roger Martin

01:33 The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

02:29 The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

03:34 What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

04:17 Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal

05:18 The No Asshole Rule by Robert Stutton

06:11 Radical Candor by Kim Scott

07:11 Good to Great by Jim Collins

08:19 Creativity Inc. by. Ed Catmull

09:18 The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

10:13 Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute

11:03 The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

12:24 Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

13:23 Best Team Ever by David Burkus

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

You’ve just been asked to lead a team…but it’s not really your team. It’s a mix of folks from different departments. Marketing. Sales. Legal. Each bringing their own priorities, habits, and maybe even a hidden agenda or two...Welcome to the world of cross-functional teams.

They’re supposed to help organizations move faster and collaborate better. But the reality? Most are dysfunctional. In this video, I’ll break down why that happens, and more importantly, what you can do about it. I’ll walk you through how to align goals, create clarity around roles, and build the kind of communication norms that keep things moving and keep people from defaulting back to their silos.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to a Cross-Functional Team!

00:42 Meet Dr. David Burkus

01:05 What’s the Real Problem Here?

02:41 Clarify Goals and Roles

03:44 Set Communication Norms

04:27 The Key Questions to Ask

05:10 Build Common Understanding and Practice Empathy

06:20 Build Psychological Safety

08:37 Set Checkpoints and Celebrate Wins

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

Can you keep your work friends now that you're the new boss? Now that you’re leading the same people you used to grab happy hour with…it's awkward, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. That shift from friend to boss can get messy if you’re not careful. I'll help you break down what actually changes when your work buddies become your direct reports and how to handle it without tanking your credibility or your friendships.

Chapters:

00:00 Can you be the boss and a friend at the same time?

01:02 Meet Dr. David Burkus

01:24 Don’t Be That Friend, or That Boss...

02:15 Address the New Identity Directly and Soon

03:14 Accept Your New Role, and Act Like It

04:55 Be Consistent to Avoid Favoritism

06:07 Re-evaluate Your Social Media Habits

//ABOUT DAVIDOne of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTERWant to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKINGLike what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus + Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

You poured time, energy, and passion into your new initiative…only to find it quietly fizzling out weeks later. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

The truth is, getting your team excited about a new process is easy—getting that change to stick is the hard part. In this video, I break down why so many great ideas fail to take root and what the research says actually makes them stick (and not stick). We’ll dive into the “improvement paradox,” explore why initiative fatigue and the, "Curse of Knowledge," sabotage your best efforts, and learn how to design your change message for real impact on your team.

Want your change initiatives to succeed? It starts here.

00:00 You're message isn't landing...feel familiar?

00:49 Meet Dr. David Burkus

01:10 Why Things Don’t Stick

03:47 Sometimes Our Ideas Cloud Our Vision

06:24 Find the Core and Make it Compact

07:02 Explain in Human Actions and Sensory Information

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

Leading a multicultural or global team isn’t just about managing projects—it’s about managing people who see the world differently.

Most leadership advice is built on Western ideals like autonomy and egalitarianism, but most of the world’s workforce comes from more collectivist, hierarchical cultures. This is where cultural intelligence can really be a game changer for managers.

I’ll break down what cultural intelligence (CQ) really means, why psychological safety looks different across cultures, and how to lead global teams more effectively. You’ll learn practical tips to build trust, reduce friction, and adapt your leadership style so every team member feels valued. Whether you’re managing a remote team, a hybrid team, or an international workforce, these strategies will help you unlock collaboration and drive high performance.

00:00 Teams spread out across the world need to work well.

01:08 Meet Dr. David Burkus

01:30 What is Cultural Intelligence?

02:03 David Livermore's Work on Cultural Intelligence

03:14 What Do People Get Wrong About Managing Across Cultures?

08:27 How Do I Break Through the Cultural Barriers?

09:57 The SPLIT Method

10:10 Tsedal Neeley's SPLIT Method

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

This isn’t just another tech rollout. It’s a mindset shift.

I’ll show you how to move beyond seeing AI as a threat or just a productivity tool, and instead see it for what it really is: a teammate. From simplifying the mundane to enhancing your strategic decisions, the right mindset unlocks AI’s real value for your team. Whether you’re leading a small group or scaling across an enterprise, this shift is essential. Let’s get you and your team ready to work smarter, together with AI.

00:00 The Wrong AI Questions

02:02 Move From Slower to Simpler

04:08 Use this prompt to get started.

04:38 Move From Simpler to Smarter

05:27 My favorite work prompt to use.

07:08 Build Smarter Team Habits

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

Don't let silence speak for you.

When a crisis hits, the instinct for most leaders is to project strength—to act like they’ve got it all figured out. But the truth is, certainty can cost you during a crisis. In this video, I unpack why adaptability is a far more powerful asset than rigid confidence. And I make the case for something that might surprise you: vulnerability. Not oversharing. Not self-doubt. But honest, intentional transparency. When leaders admit what they don’t know, and commit to learning out loud, it builds more trust, not less. Your team doesn’t need a hero. They need a leader they can follow through uncertainty.

00:00 Don't be fooled by the leadership cliches

01:21 I'm Dr. David Burkus

01:43 Embrace the Discomfort of Not Knowing

02:48 Rehearse for Change

04:30 Communicate Transparently and Promptly

06:12 Follow This Outline

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/podcast

We need to talk about the B players on your team.

No, not the rockstar A players. I'm breaking down why B players matter more than you think, and how to lead them well. We’ll cover why not everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder, how to keep these essential team members engaged, and how to avoid the Peter Principle trap (a org-psych classic) that’s plagued promotions for decades.

00:00 The B Players

00:48 Meet Dr. David Burkus

01:09 The Difference Between A Players and B Players

02:49 The Peter Principle

04:53 The Different Types of B Players

07:08 B Players Often Need Permission

08:19 Have a Clear Path for the B Players

//ABOUT DAVID

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders and teams do their best work ever.

He is the best-selling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages. His insights on leadership and teamwork have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, USAToday, Fast Company, the Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, CNN, the BBC, NPR, and CBS This Morning. Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked as one of the world’s top business thought leaders by Thinkers50. As a sought-after international speaker, his TED Talk has been viewed over 2 million times. He’s worked with leaders from organizations across all industries including Google, Stryker, Fidelity, Viacom, and even the US Naval Academy.

A former business school professor, Burkus holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate in strategic leadership from Regent University.

//NEWSLETTER

Want to build your best team ever? Join 25,000+ who receive these insights in my free newsletter: https://davidburkus.com/youtube

//SPEAKING

Like what you heard? Find more on David's speaking page (and find out about bringing him to your company or event) at https://davidburkus.com/keynote-speaker/

//CONNECT

+ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/

+ Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/davidburkus

+ Facebook: http://www.FB.com/DrDavidBurkus

+ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DavidBurkus