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 and life with a renewed perspective. This episode explores the transformative power of coaching and the intricate dance between empathy, questioning, and personal growth.

As we unravel the elements of effective coaching, Robert and I dissect the nuanced art of asking great questions. Learn how to cultivate patience and reflection in decision-making, harness the power of a coaching mindset, and empower the people you care about most at work and at home to find their own solutions. Discover why embracing uncertainty and fostering intellectual humility are the hallmarks of exceptional coaching and leadership. If you’re grappling with imposter syndrome, this discussion offers unconventional insights, including strategies to forge a positive self-view while also recognizing the value and necessity of self-doubt.

Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we delve into the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations, highlighting the vital role of confidentiality. The conversation also presents strengths-based and resilience-building strategies, providing a roadmap for fostering well-being and performance.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a burgeoning or experienced leader, or simply passionate about personal development, this episode promises to leave you with profound insights and actionable knowledge to elevate your coaching skills and enrich your leadership journey.

What You’ll Learn

- Provocative reflections on the ‘conventional wisdom’ of coaching

- The role of intellectual humility in coaching and leadership

- The art of asking the right questions

- The balance of empathy in coaching

- Strategies to combat imposter syndrome

- Navigating the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations

- Why you hold the key to building personal resilience

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Positive Psychology and Coaching Insights

(09:10) - Elevating our Coaching Practices

(16:36) – Effective Coaching and Asking the Right Questions

(30:08) - Navigating Misconceptions About Empathy and Happiness

(41:24) - Strengths-Based Interventions

(45:12) - Ethical Considerations in Coaching

(51:16) – The Future of Positive Psychology

Topics Mentioned:

Coaching, Leadership, Personal Growth, Positive Psychology, Intellectual Humility, Empathy, Resilience, Effective Coaching, Coaching Practice, Coaching Mindset, Ethical Coaching, Strengths-Based Interventions, Reflection, Professional Development

More of Robert:

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a well-being researcher and is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and trainer. He has published over 70 academic articles and chapters on happiness and other positive topics. His research interests include wellbeing, hospitality, leadership, social support, culture, and education. He is also the author of 8 books including the New York Times Bestseller, The Upside of Your Dark Side (2014), and, most recently, Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice. Dr. Biswas-Diener is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on positive psychology coaching. He is an ICF-certified coach and has trained professionals in his techniques in 24 countries.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-biswas-diener-a860289/

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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 smooth ride. It is filled with setbacks and obstacles, which require more than perseverance to take us through. We must commit to learning the lessons that these experiences provide us. Rick opens up in a very personal way, even to his own surprise, to share some of his most difficult challenges, where he questioned himself and his vision. Rather than let these obstacles defeat him, Rick sees these inevitable moments as ones where we must ‘pay the dummy tax' so we can unlock the invaluable insights gained from those financial or emotional bruises. We also celebrate reframing setbacks into stepping stones, providing a roadmap for listeners to accelerate their growth by understanding and embracing the lessons in their own errors.

We close our conversation with a powerful discussion about how rejection isn't the end of the road; it's just a detour on the path to achievement. The art of turning a 'no' into a 'yes' is something Rick knows very well, as he has done this throughout his entrepreneurial journey, where, through persistence, he has turned an initial refusal into extraordinary opportunity. We explore the necessity of taming one's ego and fostering curiosity in leadership and business to strengthen connections and enhance personal development. This episode is a mix of motivational stories and practical insights, aimed at arming you with the mindset and tools required for overcoming obstacles and cultivating success.

What You’ll Learn:

- Scaling a business with integrity and innovation

- Employee engagement is at the heart of growing a successful company.

- How to make every team member an investor in your shared vision.

- Leveraging the 'dummy tax' we pay to overcome setbacks

- Turning rejections into golden opportunities

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction and Origin Story – From Start-Up to Publicly Traded Company

(13:52) - Personal Branding and Failure

(24:42) – No Is Not Forever – It Means Not Now

(35:48) - Cultivating Curiosity and Managing our Ego

Key Topics Discussed:

Mindset, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Successful Founder, Scaling A Business, Leading with Integrity, Tenacity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Personal Branding, Dealing with Failure/Rejection, Ego, Curiosity, Relationship-Building, Cybersecurity, Ethics, Digital Age, Learning from Mistakes.

More of Rick:

Rick Jordan is a tenacious problem-solver with a passion for hard work and Scotch whiskey. From building his first computer at age 10 to writing Best Buy's B2B sales playbook, Rick's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of solutions. Raised in the Chicago suburbs, he learned the value of human connection and resilience from his family's struggles. After his father's passing, Rick became the head of the household, working at McDonald's and later at RadioShack, where he earned $30,000 in commissions by spotting system security issues. Today, Rick is the founder of ReachOut, a cybersecurity-focused MSP recognized for its excellence and innovation. As a sought-after speaker and podcast host, Rick continues to inspire and empower entrepreneurs worldwide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrickjordan/

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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 teams/organizations.

Based on his extensive experience consulting with global companies, we unpack how humility allows us to grow and expand. Contrary to popular belief, Urs shares how humility takes great strength to practice. We also explore several key strategies we can use at an individual, team, and organizational level.

Key Takeaways:

• Common misconceptions about humility.

• Why humility is such an important skill for our personal and professional lives.

• How feedback is the engine that drives peak performance.

• How to create psychological safety in our conversations.

• How to prime conversations for constructive outcomes, even in conflict

  
  

Timestamps

(0:00) - Introduction

(4:55) - The Inspiration Behind Radical Humility

(7:48) – What is Humility?

(10:23) – Why Are There Successful Jerks?

(14:29) – Asking for Feedback Takes Strength

(24:49) – Failure As A Driver for Success

(47:50) – The Power of Psychological Safety

Topics Mentioned:

Humility, Humble Leadership, Meaningful Connection, Asking Questions, Do Good to Lead Well, Asking for Feedback, Curiosity, Psychological Safety, Leadership Success, 360-Feedback

More of Urs:

Urs Koenig is a distinguished figure with a 35-year career spanning UN peacekeeping, NATO command, bestselling authorship, executive coaching, and academia. His keynote speeches emphasize Radical Humility, a vital yet often overlooked leadership trait, offering actionable strategies to drive engagement, self-awareness, and psychological safety within organizations. Urs's practical approach and rich experiences empower leaders to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and unlock their team's full potential for sustainable success in today's fast-paced world.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urs-koenig-ab3828/

Mentions: Fail Well by Amy Edmonson

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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 spelling mistake), and how it can transform the way you connect with others, solve problems, and foster positive team dynamics.

In our lives, both personal and professional, the simple yet profound act of listening holds the key to unlocking vast pools of knowledge. I’ll guide you through crafting open-ended questions that invite expansive and enlightening dialogue, steering clear of those that lead to dead-end ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

You’ll also discover the power of mirroring, a simple yet profound technique that reflects understanding and empathy. You have likely seen it work wonders with infants, and I’ll show you how it can have the same impact on adults in any setting. No guests this time around, just you and me exploring the profound impact of deep listening and how it can lead to more meaningful interactions and outcomes. These strategies are not just theoretical—they’re backed by compelling research and real-world application, ready for you to apply in your daily interactions. Join me on this journey to elevate not only how you listen but how you can make the people you care about feel heard.

What You’ll Learn

- Why active listening is so important and why so few of us do it effectively.

- The art of strategic questioning and how it deepens relationships and accesses new insights.

- How to employ mirroring to build rapport and show understanding.

- How paraphrasing is the ultimate fail-safe tool to demonstrate active listening.

- How to prime conversations for constructive outcomes, even in conflict

Podcast Timestamps

(0:00) - Introduction to the Episode

(2:30) - The Importance of Active Listening and an Overview of the AMPP Model

(5:12) – The Power of Asking Open-Ended Questions

(8:57) - Mirroring in Conversations

(14:29) - The Art of Paraphrasing

(19:45) - Priming the Conversation

(21:55) - Conclusion

Key Topics Discussed

Active Listening, Engaging Conversation, Meaningful Connection, Communication, Open-ended Questions, Mirroring, Ask Questions, Managing Relationships, Curiosity, Rapport, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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 energy transition and fortifying cybersecurity, Goldy provides an unvarnished look at the factors crucial to preserving Canada’s esteemed place on the global stage.

We then shift our focus to the power of unity as we talk about the Coalition for a Better Future, where diverse voices converge to influence government policy on pressing issues, including long-term economic strategies and the fight against inequality to curb the rise of populism. We share stories of how past crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated the remarkable potential for public and private sectors to come together in times of need, setting a precedent for future success.

Rounding out our conversation, we talk about the indispensable qualities that define today’s visionary leaders. From fostering diversity and innovation to embracing authenticity, the episode showcases how senior leaders have a transformative impact on both individual success and the collective well-being of society.

What You’ll Learn

- The dual nature of Canada’s current economic situation and how CEOs are tackling imminent threats to our prosperity.

- Why we need to “Elevate the Debate” to drive sustainable and meaningful dialogue to tackles

the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

- The role of the Coalition for a Better Future in influencing government policy towards a cohesive long-term growth strategy.

- The significance of CEO engagement in fostering diversity, inclusion and innovation.

- The importance of authentic leadership in shaping a prosperous and less polarized society.

Bio

As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Canada (BCC), Goldy

Hyder represents Canadian business leaders across the country and around the world. The BCC is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose membership is comprised of more than 170 chief executives and entrepreneurs of Canada’s leading and largest companies. Mr. Hyder works directly with these leaders to develop and promote sensible public policy solutions in support of economic growth, including in the areas of the energy transition, innovation and industrial policy, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and trade diversification. Mr. Hyder is a regular commentator in Canadian media on business, politics and leadership. He is also the host of the “Speaking of Business” podcast, which features interviews with Canadian innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldy-hyder-56813721/

Mentions: Coalition for a Better Future: https://www.canadacoalition.ca/

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian business

(14:08) - Building a Coalition for the Future

(26:22) - Encouraging Civil Discourse and Positive Leadership

(32:07) - CEO Engagement in Diversity, Inclusion and Innovation

(41:29) - The Importance of Authentic Leadership

(46:44) - Embracing Lessons from our Past to Drive A Successful Future

Key Topics Discussed

Business Council of Canada, Economic Growth, Cybersecurity, Coalition for a Better Future, Energy Transition, Innovation, Diversity and Inclusion, Authentic Leadership, Strategic Unity, Government Policy, Public-Private Sector Synergy, Corporate Social Responsibility.

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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, David opens up about his transformative experiences—witnessing domestic violence, coping with the loss of a child — and how they brought him a profound sense of compassion and gratitude. He thoughtfully discusses the immense freedom that comes with embracing life’s improbabilities and the importance of being present and intentional. Our conversation invites listeners to consider our life’s challenges as catalysts for growth, with a reminder that our very existence is an extraordinary gift.

We then pivot our focus to the workplace, often a hub of untapped potential, where David challenges us to reimagine it as a sanctuary for self-actualization and authenticity. He also touches on the importance of reframing failure as a vital learning step in our journey to success and how each setback can serve as the groundwork for new beginnings.

Lastly, we tackle the crucial role of self-love and authenticity in both personal development and the workplace. By fostering a culture that prioritizes self-actualization, we unlock the full potential of our teams and ourselves. We delve into the essence of adopting a yes, and; mindset to innovation and collaboration, and how small acts of acceptance make a world of difference.

What You’ll learn

- Insights on compassionate leadership for positive change.

- The importance of cultivating gratitude and courage amidst challenges

- Tips for creating a workplace that fosters self-actualization and authenticity.

- How to overcome our fear of failure and embrace creativity and learning.

- The revolutionary power of love as a verb in business and life.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Compassionate Leadership for Positive Change

(15:09) – The Transformative Power of Reflecting on Our Life’s Journey

(27:23) - Creating a Culture of Self-Actualization

(33:18) - Overcoming Failure and Embracing Growth

(39:05) – Love as a Verb in Business and in Life

More of David:

David Katz is the Founder and CEO of Plastic Bank - an internationally recognized solution to ocean plastic. His idea has enlivened an opportunity for the world to collect and exchange plastic as a currency. Today, his social enterprise is a global network of over 500 collection communities with more than 36,000 members transcending poverty by saving the ocean from plastic. David’s leadership has helped guide global partners like SC Johnson, Henkel, and more to stop billions of plastic bottles before they reach the ocean.

David has been named one of the world’s most compassionate entrepreneurs. He is the recipient of the United Nations Lighthouse Award for Planetary Health, recipient of the Paris Climate Conference Sustainia Community Award, recipient of the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award, recipient of The Globe and Mail: Report on Business Magazine’s Changemakers Award, and named the Entrepreneur Organizations, Global Citizen. His humanitarian work has earned him international recognition. David has been featured in hundreds of international news and investigative articles, including BBC, CNN, Time Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Business Week, and National Geographic. David can be found at TED.com, is featured in award-winning documentaries and starred in an international reality television show.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/

Topics Discussed

Compassionate Leadership, Social Enterprise, Clean Oceans, Self-Discovery, Environmental Action, Entrepreneurial Innovation, Gratitude, Self-Actualization, Vulnerability, Reframing Failure, Love as a Verb, Personal Growth, Self-Love, Courage, Personal Healing, Unconditional Love, Acceptance, Self-Reflection

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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 profound impact that a culture of feedback, gratitude, and continuous improvement can have on leaders and their teams. We start by diving deep into what being coachable means and answer critical questions such as how we can select the best coach for our self-development journey.

We also explore the critical importance of feedback. In particular, Scott and Jacquelyn emphasize how saying thank you is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s arsenal when it comes to creating a feedback-rich environment. Rather than responding to or challenging the other person’s observation, expressing gratitude is a powerful reinforcing approach to continue receiving the feedback we need to be at our best. The art of receiving feedback becomes a dance, where each step is about maintaining balance between openness and critically reflecting on the insights shared by those around you.

When the rubber hits the road, accountability and intentional change are the vehicles driving leaders towards their goals. Sharing strategies for aligning daily actions with our core values, we look at how setbacks can be repositioned as growth opportunities, and every sunrise offers a new chance at success. Join us as we narrate transformational tales of leadership and the importance of stakeholder-centered coaching. Whether you’re at the helm of an organization or steering your personal career, this episode is filled with guidance on mastering the art of self-leadership through the impactful process of coaching.

What You’ll learn

1. Discover the secrets of becoming coachable and finding the right coach

2. How a culture of feedback combined with a spirit of gratitude can optimize your leadership style.

3. Uncover the balance between vulnerability and strength that is key to leadership excellence.

4. Equip yourself with strategies for eliciting constructive feedback and nurturing growth.

5. Understand the importance of accountability and intentional change in your daily practice.

6. Understand Backsliding and Progress in Leadership Development

7. The Concept of Flourishing Leadership

   
   

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Mastering Self Leadership Through Coaching

(11:02) - Choosing the Right Coach

(24:38) - Importance of Feedback and Gratitude

(32:17) - Accountability and Intentional Change

(38:15) - The Path to Flourishing Leadership

Topics Discussed

Self-leadership, Coachability, Personal Growth, Feedback, Continuous Improvement,

Accountability, Intentional Change, Core Values, Leadership Development, Coaching, 360

Assessments, Sustainable Change, Stakeholder-centered Coaching.

Follow Scott and Jacquelyn:

Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottosman/

Jacquelyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelyn-lane/

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

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. Venting in the echo chambers of social media can be a high-stakes game, and we dissect the reasons why it’s so risky compared to face-to-face interactions. We’ll guide you through the art of transforming the urge to vent into a strategy for empowerment, with a focus on intentionality and cultivating a mindset of curiosity. Your takeaways will include actionable advice for becoming a better communicator and listener, crucial skills for building stronger relationships and leading with empathy. So join us for an episode that’s not just about venting—it’s about transforming our approach to emotional challenges and becoming the leaders we aspire to be.

What You’ll learn

1. The dark side of venting and its effects on our well-being and those around us.

2. How to turn venting into a process of empowerment.

3. How to navigate the risks of venting through social media.

4. How to transition from a victim mentality to a growth and resilience mindset.

6. Evidence-based tips for how to manage our emotions more effectively.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:19) - The Negative Effects of Venting

(09:31) - Dangers of Social Media Venting

(15:43) - Effective Venting and Listening Dynamics

KEYWORDS

Venting, Emotional Intelligence, Managing Emotions, Emotional Contagion, Social Media,

Empowerment, Reframing, Listening, Mindset, Curiosity, Personal Growth, Resilience, Victim

Mentality, Effective Communication.

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/