Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

What’re the three most important skills a leader can possess? How can you prompt your organization to destigmatize failure? How do you embrace your imposter syndrome? In this episode, Heather Tulk answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. 3 traits of every successful leader and how to apply them 2. The scarcest asset all leaders possess 3. The secret to destigmatizing failure within your organization 4. Premortem vs postmortem visualization 5. The absence of fear as an authentic leader 6. The 3 P’s of contributing to your community: People, Planet and Profits 7. You're not there yet, but you're already enough mentality Who is Heather Tulk? Heather is an experienced CEO and Board Director accomplished in P&L management, business transformation, digital businesses, and leading through disruption. Heather recently joined Telus Business Solutions as their President of Commercial and Public Sector. Heather has received a number of industry awards, including being named to the Canada Diversity 50, Canada's Most Powerful Women's Top 100 through the Women's Executive Network and Canada's Top 40 under 40. Heather passionately believes in helping make communities better than we found them, and is involved in several causes for mental health, youth diversity and inclusion.  Follow Heather: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathertulk/?originalSubdomain=ca More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Surprise! The podcast is one year old. To celebrate, we decided to do something a little different today. In episode 50, Craig posted a sneak peak into his CEO Mastermind forum where Dr. Robert Waldinger spoke about his long running scientific study into human happiness. In this episode, Craig recaps his favorite findings from the past year of interviewing some of the most successful CEOs in the world. What You’ll Learn: 1. Approach life like a scientist: Embrace scientific investigation, update hypotheses daily, and be open to the possibility of being wrong. 2. Integrity and values-based leadership: Rank order values to handle conflicts, lead with authenticity, and communicate values openly. 3. Humility and vulnerability: These traits are not weaknesses but strengths in effective leadership. Constantly learn, unlearn, and relearn. 4. The power of reframing: View problems as opportunities, be mindful of mindset and thought patterns, and be open to different perspectives. 5. People-first philosophy: Successful leadership revolves around building strong relationships, understanding and engaging with people effectively. 6. Relationships are crucial: They are foundational to personal and professional fulfillment and play a significant role in overall wellbeing and happiness. Mentions: Ozan Varol - Author of "Think Like a Rocket Scientist" Ed Hess - Author of "Hyper Learning Humility is the New Smart" and "Own Your Work Journey" Daniel Pink - Author Gary Ridge - Former CEO and Chairman of WD 40 Company Iggy Domagalsk i- CEO of Wage X Kevin Ford - CEO of the Cailan Group Alim Somani - Managing Director of Hatch Digital Howard Behar - Starbucks executive who championed the people-first philosophy Doug Conant - Former CEO of Campbell Soup Company Kim Furlong - CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCAC) Omar Salahmey - Former CEO of Bonfire Interactive, current co-founder and COO of CYA Michael Garrity - CEO of FinanceIt Kathryn Temblay - CEO of Altus Recruitment and Altus Technology Tracey Folks Hansen - CEO of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Yousry Bissada - CEO of Home Capital Group Dr. Robert Waldinger - Leading the longest scientific study out of Harvard into human happiness More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

How can reframing challenges as opportunities help you achieve your goals? How can you develop an organizational culture that will flourish through tough times? In this episode, Omar Salaymeh answers this question and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Learning on the job will teach you skills you didn’t know you needed (or could have) 2. What Omar learned about himself on his way to becoming CEO 3. Focus is the most important skill needed to scale 4. The importance of removing obstacles from your employees’ wellbeing 5. Surveying your team members and adjusting accordingly 6. Being vulnerable with employees 7. Developing your reframing muscle to get you through challenges 8. Why you MUST share the impact you’re having Who is Omar? Omar Salaymeh was the CEO of Bonfire Interactive, joining the company in its early days and working, initially as the Chief Product Officer. He was also awarded the Office of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, due to his work with refugees through the Jumpstart Refugee Talent Initiative - which he co-founded in 2016. As CEO, Omar grew Bonfire through a focus on culture and people. Follow Omar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-salaymeh-78ab5a26/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What makes for a happy life, a fulfilling life? A good life? In celebration of the podcast’s one year anniversary, I'm very excited to share with you a special CEO Mastermind. In this conversation, Dr. Waldinger summarizes the key results from his extraordinary research. You'll also hear from top CEOs in this private session who ask compelling questions around applying these key insights to their personal and professional lives. What You’ll Learn: 1. The key to happiness 2. The foundation to being interpersonal 3. Does money buy happiness? 4. Nature vs nurture 5. How does culture relate to happiness? 6. An approach to starting out as a new CEO 7. Successfully transitioning into the work from home environment Who is Dr. Robert Waldinger? Dr. Robert Waldinger is the New York Times best selling author and Director of Harvard Study of Adult Development, who is leading the longest running longitudinal study tracking the lives of the same individuals from adolescence into their 90s. His research focuses on what truly makes people thrive, emphasizing the importance of relationships for overall well-being. As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Robert helps individuals work through emotional distress and psychological obstacles using psychodynamic therapy, which explores unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences that impact mental well-being and the ability to adapt to new situations and relationships. Dr. Robert's overall goal is to support individuals in finding clarity amidst the chaos of daily life and cultivating a sense of inner harmony that extends beyond meditation, emphasizing the integration of psychological well-being, relationships, and spiritual growth in the pursuit of a good life. Mentions: The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/books Follow Dr. Robert Waldinger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-waldinger-90012169/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Why should you put social good at the center of your organization? How do you choose the right mentors? In this episode, Tracy Folkes Hanson answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why you should put social good at the forefront of your career 2. How to measure your social good 3. How to explore you “why” deeper than ever 4. “We have to live by our values in order to deliver them.” 5. Taking care of your mental health will help you increase your impact 6. Ongoing learning, from a variety of mentors, will help you lead 7. How to find the mentors you need 8. Employing tech to create a healthy culture Who is Tracy? Tracy Folkes Hanson has been the president and CEO of Canadian Society of Association Executive since 2017. Prior to this, she has held senior positions in organizations such as the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, MasterCard International, Kinark Child & Family Services, and The Arthritis Society. In 2010, Tracy was elected to the Whitby Town Council. All of this experience allows her to bring her all to her position at the CSAE where she focuses on positive engagement in leadership. Follow Tracy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyfolkeshanson/  More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Not surprisingly, when you talk to most leaders, there is a profound reluctance to show vulnerability. Leaders are afraid vulnerability will be perceived as weakness or undermine their confidence. So, what is the role of vulnerability in strong leadership? In this episode, Craig answers this question and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Vulnerability is courage, not weakness 2. The Beautiful Mess Effect 3. What is construal level theory and how does it apply to leadership? 4. Tips for demonstrating vulnerability including getting comfortable saying I don’t know, admitting mistakes openly and seeking feedback and advice from others 5. Vulnerability encourages openness, fostering an environment of accountability Mentions: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419 More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Ever wondered how a major crisis could be turned into an extraordinary success story? Tune into this highly engaging conversation with Yousry Bissada, CEO of Home Capital Group. Yousry candidly shares his extraordinary journey of managing a company amidst a significant financial and reputational crisis. Yousry opens up about his people-first approach to rebuilding trust and morale within the company and how he was able to not only retain employees, but also inspire them to become champions of change. He also sheds light on the power of situational leadership and the need to adapt to people and situations. He also highlights how he successfully promoted a culture of innovation by encouraging a 'Yes first' attitude. We also explored the crucial role of failure stone as a stepping stone to growth and how to reframe setbacks to infuse optimism and hope. This discussion is filled with inspirational and practical advice on leadership, resilience, and crisis management, beneficial to anyone seeking to navigate turbulent waters. Tune in now and reap the benefits of Yousry’s journey. What You’ll Learn: • Effective crisis management and how to navigate a turnaround • It’s all about the people: Developing a people-first leadership style • The importance of transparency and communication • Adapting your leadership style • Fostering innovation • Lessons in resilience Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) Navigating the Stormy Seas of an Extraordinary Crisis (12:05) Rebuilding Trust and Rallying Around Values (26:57) The Importance of Honest Communication and Transparency (38:24) The Power of Situational Leadership (46:53) Lessons in Leadership and Resilience (51:20) Treat People Like Adults More of Yousry: Yousry Bissada is the President and CEO of Home Capital Group. The company was undergoing many challenges when he took over as CEO in 2017. Home Capital was facing a reputational risk issue, with a panic stirred up by the press. Recently, Yousry was featured in The Globe and Mail’s story: How Yousry Bissada pulled Home Capital back from the brink - then sold it for a bundle. With more than 30 years of financial services experience, he’s been CFO of Firstline Trust, VP of Servicing Operations at CIBC Mortgages, SVP of Real Estate Secure Lending Product at TD Canada Trust, CEO of Filogix, and much more. Beyond working in leadership roles at these companies, he’s also served in numerous roles on the boards of companies in the mortgage industry. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousry-bissada-72b2a327/  Mentions: How Yousry Bissada pulled Home Capital back from the brink - then sold it for a bundle: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-yousry-bissada-home-capital-group/  Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Crisis Management, Building Trust, Core Values, Values-Based Leadership, Effective Communication, Transparency, Adaptability, Innovation, Resilience, Optimism, Hope, Flexibility, Active Listening, Reframing, Failing, Growing, CEO Success More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

It’s important to be able to assess any situation as a leader, but how do you mitigate risk? What are some exclusions to some of the time tested principles we all adhere by? In this episode, Scott Tessier answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. A framework for open communication between multiple stakeholders 2. What to prioritize in a time of crisis 3. Why you should make yourself visible as a leader 4. How to avoid working from home becoming living at work 5. Why is it important to put your oxygen mask on first? 6. When does the Golden Rule not apply? 7. What is the color coded check-in? 8. Time off can actually boost your productivity, but do you trust in those around you to do so 9. Prepare the next level of leaders in your company by creating opportunity for failure Who is Scott? Scott Tessier has served as CEO of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) since 2013. Before joining the C-NLOPB, he was an advisor in the petroleum industry on legislative and regulatory matters in Alberta. Prior to that, Scott served in senior positions with regulatory mandates during a public service career that spanned twelve years at Fisheries and Oceans Canada and three years in the Health and Northern Economic Development portfolios. Scott’s extensive career got started with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and the St. John’s Harbour Atlantic Coastal Action Program. Follow Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-tessier-5b50961/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

As the magnetic force behind Wajax, Iggy Domogalski joins us to unravel the threads of positive leadership and their undeniable influence on his corporate culture. Bringing with him a storied career that weaves through executive roles and philanthropic endeavors, Iggy imparts the must-have leadership skills that allow today's movers and shakers to not only adapt to change but to lead it. Our dialogue spans the spectrum from strategic vision to the art of inspiration, all anchored by real-world examples. Our conversation with Iggy takes an intimate turn when we contemplate the interplay of luck, gratitude, and mentorship in shaping one's career path. He shares stories of pivotal moments and celebrates the enduring support that companies can offer during life-altering events, reinforcing the importance of a compassionate workplace. The discourse on personal growth doesn't end there; we also delve into strategies for fostering innovation. Hear how one of Wajax's products exemplifies the importance of aligning purpose with performance and gain insights into the delicate balance of integrating AI technology in the workplace without losing the human touch. We round out our discussion by peering into the future, deconstructing how AI and machine learning are reshaping the workplace, and emphasizing the undiminished value of empathy amidst these technological strides. Iggy's perspectives on leading a company through acquisitions and the transition to hybrid work environments stand as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of contemporary leaders. This episode isn't just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in the evolving landscape of leadership that is sure to leave you equipped and inspired to navigate your own professional journey. What You’ll Learn: • Iggy’s career success and philanthropic impact. • The role of luck, mentorship, and gratitude in shaping our professional journeys. • Embracing innovation and nurturing a 'say-do' ratio that resonates with action. • The crafting and communication of organizational values that genuinely represent company culture. • How AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the workplace without diminishing the value of empathy. • The agility required to lead through acquisitions and transitions to hybrid work environments. • Iggy's personal experience transitioning to the role of CEO. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – Wajax: Anchored in Positive Leadership (11:12) - The Power of Luck and Gratitude (16:51) - Fostering Innovation Through Listening  (23:49) - Crafting and Communicating Organizational Values (31:18) – The A.I. and Remote Work Revolution (38:45) – Navigating Company Acquisitions (44:05) - Transitioning to CEO Role Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Adaptability, Strategic Vision, Inspiration, Mentorship, Core Values, Driving Innovation, Leading with Purpose, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Workplace Dynamics, Empathy, Resilience, Hybrid Work Environments, Mergers and Acquisitions, CEO Success More of Iggy: Iggy Domagalski is the CEO of Wajax, one of Canada's longest standing industrial services providers. Iggy served as the CEO of Tundra Process Solutions Limited when he was approached for a buyout of his company by Wajax. In addition to his professional achievements, Iggy is actively involved in fundraising and has served on the boards of organizations such as the Learning Disabilities Association and the Kids Cancer Care Foundation. He has received notable accolades, including being named one of Canada's "Top 40 Under 40" and one of the country's "50 Most Inspirational Entrepreneurs." Iggy's impact is further recognized by an award named in his honor, given annually by a student body since 2004. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iggydomagalski/?originalSubdomain=ca More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

How do you establish a positive work culture? Where does an organization’s values arise from? In this episode, Garry answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. The Petri dish analogy of growing culture at your company 2. Addressing toxic behavior from high performers 3. Five lessons from tribal communities 4. Identifying if you’re an accidental soul sucking CEO 5. Replacing your managers with coaches 6. Defining your organization’s values and distributing authority 7. The three most important words to learn in your life are I don’t know 8. Flying through turbulence as the captain of the plane 9. What constitutes accountability and how to command it as a leader 10. Taking the Maniac Pledge Who is Garry Ridge? Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus at the WD-40 Company. Under his leadership, WD-40 Company grew their market cap from $250 million to nearly $2.5 billion. He's also a bestselling author and adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture and the master of science and executive leadership. He further delves into these principles in his three books: The Unexpected Learning Moment: Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture through Lockdown 2020, Tribe Culture: How it Shaped WD-40 Company, and the co-authored, Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A. He's been named one of the top 10 most admired CEOs in the world by Inc. Magazine. Simon Sinek has called him Igniter of the Year, Global Gurus in 2021. Now, Garry is busy writing a new book called Any Dumb Ass Can Do It. Mentions: Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A: https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-2 Tribe Culture: How it Shaped WD-40 Company: https://www.amazon.com/TRIBE-CULTURE-Shaped-WD-40-Company-ebook/dp/B08DJBZKDP/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-3 The Unexpected Learning Moment: Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture through Lockdown 2020: https://www.amazon.com/UNEXPECTED-LEARNING-MOMENT-Thriving-Lockdown-ebook/dp/B09649CDTM/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-4 Follow Garry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/