Creating Positive Impact While Leading Through Change and Uncertainty – A Conversation with Laura Paglia, CEO of the Canadian Forum for Financial Markets

What does authentic leadership mean amid rapid change and digital noise? On this week’s episode of the Do Good to Leac Well podcast, I speak with Laura Paglia, CEO of the Canadian Forum for Financial Markets, who draws from her experience leading Canada’s top financial markets think tank and decades in private practice to answer this question. Her answers challenge the myth that ethics are just slogans, showing how integrity and transparency must guide every decision, even with the toughest choices.

We also explore how to bring together diverse perspectives and contentious viewpoints, leveraging empathy without sacrificing progress and accountability. She also shares how she keeps herself and her team resilient by focusing on controllable outcomes. We also have a candid discussion about the impacts and opportunities of AI ranging from increased efficiency to navigating job disruption. Laura emphasizes the importance of maintaining our critical thinking and curiosity, even as technology transforms the informational and decision-making landscape.

The conversation closes with an empowering message focused on the importance of stepping back, not personalizing setbacks, and always bringing your best self to work and life. This is the key to transformational growth and success. Tune in for an insightful journey from personal values to organizational change.

What You’ll Learn

- Lead by example: ethics and integrity must be lived, not just discussed.

- Authenticity builds trust and effectiveness.

- Mistakes are learning opportunities—be honest, be open.

- Empathy, resilience, and perspective help navigate tough conversations and uncertainty.

- Prepare for change (especially AI), but keep critical human insight at the forefront.

- Value merit and reciprocity: invest in the people who uplift your organization.

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – Welcome to the Podcast

(04:06) – What Are the Essential Leadership Qualities?

(05:42) - Authentic Leadership & Integrity

(10:03) - Building Ethical Cultures

(13:34) – How Honesty, Diplomacy & Directness Can Co-exist

(17:51) - Openness About Mistakes and Uncertainty

(23:08) - Navigating Diverse Perspectives and Conflict

(26:03) - Empathy in Leadership

(31:38) - Personal and Organizational Resilience

(38:31) - AI Impact & Adaptation

(42:41) - Leading Through AI Uncertainty

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Authenticity, Honesty, Ethics, Integrity, Organizational Culture, Communication, Transparency, Diplomacy, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Empathy, Resilience, Adaptability, Self-Awareness, Continuous Learning, Meritocracy, Reciprocity, Teamwork, Empowerment, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence), Change Management, Personal Growth, Work-Life Balance, CEO Success