Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Craig discusses his key learnings from the North American Business Summit that he recently attended. The summit brought together CEOs and business leaders from Canada, the US, and Mexico to discuss pressing issues in North American businesses. First, it is essential to test our assumptions in today's fast-paced world. As things change rapidly, it is important to evaluate our beliefs and hypotheses to determine their validity and whether they serve us well. Continuous learning is crucial to update our thinking and remain open to new information and experiences. Second, instead of taking an either-or approach, it is beneficial to look for opportunities that balance and integrate different priorities. This mindset allows for more compelling and valuable decision-making. Third, there is an increasing need to listen to oneself and be aware of physiological, emotional and psychological data. Listening to others and engaging in collaborative conversations is essential for understanding different perspectives and making informed decisions, especially in complex situations. The summit's overarching theme of "stronger together" highlights the significance of human connection and cooperation. Doing good and performing well are not competing priorities. Business leaders can achieve positive results while also making a positive impact on their communities. More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

When it comes to driving successful projects across the finish line, how can leaders ensure their team is motivated and equipped? In this episode, Clint Padgett answers this question and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. The three steps along the worry curve 2. How to make a plan that creates commitment and accountability 3. The difference between communication and conversation 4. How to work and hire effectively in a remote environment  5. The key ingredients of management by commitment Who is Clint? Clint Padgett is the CEO and President of Project Success Incorporated, where he helps leaders and their team implement repeatable, sustainable strategies to deliver high-stakes projects on time, on target. As a ForbesBooks featured author, his first book, The Project Success Method, offers a unique and effective methodology for planning, managing, and closing out projects on time and within budget. In his second book, How Teams Triumph: Managing By Commitment, he provides a blueprint for building strong foundations for cross-functional teams through conversation and commitment. Mentions: The Project Success Method: https://www.amazon.com/Project-Success-Method-Achieving-Performance/dp/0470455837 How Teams Triumph: Managing By Commitment: https://books.forbes.com/books/how-teams-triumph-managing-by-commitment/ Follow Clint: Website: https://projectsuccess.com/ Website: https://clintonmpadgett.com/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Communication is an invaluable skill to master as an inspiring leader. How do you better equip yourself to learn and grow this skillset? In this episode, Brian Mills answers this question and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. How onboarding is a two way street 2. Using data and market intelligence to communicate process change 3. How to structure an open forum conversation 4. Using a disc profile to learn to communicate 5. How to scenario plan in the current environment 6. Tell it all, tell it early communication style 7. What it takes to build resiliency in yourself and your organization 8. What is your say, do ratio? 9. Using the 360 method to identify your skill gaps Who is Brian? Brian Mills is the president of US Water Filters. Prior to joining USWF, he was the Chief Commercial Officer with Glen Dimplex Americas, where he led the commercial strategy on a turnaround objective in the North American market, resulting in 200% growth. Prior to Glen Duplex, Brian engineered the turnaround of the electrical enclosure division of Pentair for the Canadian market. He also held the Vice President of Business Development role for Can Water Group, the divestiture from Culligan International Company. Follow Brian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjmills/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

With the world in a constant state of flux, how do you manage change? You only have two options: be the recipient or be the cause. In this episode, Caroline Riseboro discusses these two options and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. Where should decisions be made within your organization? 2. The value of transparency 3. Grit is the most common trait of successful people 4. Sharing your experience is key to addressing loneliness and creating rapport within your team 5. How to set performance expectations 6. The soft skills that are invaluable for this new economy 7. As a leader, do you need to have all the answers? Who is Caroline? Caroline Riseboro currently serves as the President and CEO of Trillium Health Partners Foundation, one of the largest hospitals in Canada. In 2019, Caroline was awarded Canada’s most admired CEO in the broader public sector. Twice, she’s been named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women. She remains the youngest person in history to lead a major Canadian charity.  Follow Caroline: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/criseboro/?originalSubdomain=ca More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

We are all the narrators of our own lives. How are the stories we’re telling ourselves affecting our ability to frame an effective response? Can we increase our learning agility? In this episode, Craig answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. The two key benefits of taking a vacation 2. With every bit of knowledge at our fingertips, reassessing, relearning and curating information are the skills to mastering our learning agility 3. The stories we tell ourselves can limit our ability to frame an effective response 4. The concept of pronoia and how can you leverage it Mentions: Ed Hess Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quiet-your-ego-and-become-a-better-listener-ed-hess/id1634491338?i=1000608732845 Sally Helgesen Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-an-inclusive-workplace-sally-helgesen/id1634491338?i=1000609762920 Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change: https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-Learning-How-Adapt-Speed-Change/dp/1523089245 Humility is the New Smart: Rethinking Excellence: https://www.amazon.com/Humility-New-Smart-Rethinking-Excellence-ebook/dp/B01LX9DDUE How Women Rise: http://www.howwomenrise.com/ Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308 More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sally Helgeson, the world's foremost authority on women's leadership and the brilliant mind behind the book "Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace." Discover how an unexpected encounter at a construction conference illuminated the urgent need for practical strategies to foster inclusion, and how Sally's extensive research has crafted actionable methods for building inclusive relationships, teams, and workplaces. Throughout this episode, we explore the various narratives that shape our professional interactions, particularly when triggered by feelings of invisibility. Using real-world examples, we discuss the importance of identifying and addressing specific triggers to prevent negative emotions from hindering constructive action. We also emphasize the value of peer support and informal coaching in reframing negative perceptions into learning opportunities. By examining the balance of contributions in discussions about inclusion and equity, we highlight the significance of seeking feedback and consulting colleagues to avoid miscommunication and foster positive development. Sally's expertise further guides us through the challenges of navigating bias and fairness in the workplace. She shares practical advice on learning from those who self-promote effectively and turning potentially toxic situations into collaborative professional relationships. Additionally, we tackle the pitfalls of unconscious bias training and the "authenticity trap," advocating for a focus on observable actions and behaviors that lead to meaningful change. To round off the conversation, we discuss the importance of self-awareness and the nuanced use of humor in professional settings. Don't miss this compelling episode filled with valuable insights and strategies to enhance inclusive leadership. What You’ll Learn: • Discover the motivations behind Sally's latest book and her mission to provide practical steps for inclusive leadership. • Learn how to address your triggers and transform negative emotions into constructive actions. • The critical role of self-promotion in navigating your career. • Explore the limitations of unconscious bias training and the pitfalls of the "authenticity trap." • Understand the role of self-awareness and humor in professional settings. Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) – An Introduction to Rising Together (11:17) - Navigating Triggers and Negative Self-Narratives (18:28) - Building Inclusive Environments (29:22) - Navigating Bias in Organizations (39:01) - Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism (48:51) – The Do’s and Don’ts of Humor in the Workplace Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Women's Leadership, Inclusive Workplace, Women in Male-Dominated Sectors, Inclusive Relationships, Triggers, Negative Narratives, Informal Coaching, Peer Support, Overcoming Barriers, The Art of Self-Promotion, Discrimination, Toxic Situations, Unconscious Bias Training, Authenticity Trap, Authenticity, Marginalization, Self-Awareness, Humor, Powerlessness. More of Sally Helgesen? Sally Helgesen is recognized in Forbes as the world's premier expert on women's leadership. Her distinguished career spans over 30 years as an internationally best-selling author, speaker, and leadership coach. She has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame and ranked number 3 among the world's thought leaders by Global Gurus. Sally's latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace, soared to Amazon’s number one best seller in its first week and offers practical ways to build more inclusive relationships, teams, and workplaces. Sally's remarkable success with How Women Rise, co-authored with legendary executive coach Marshall Goldsmith, examines the behaviors that most commonly hinder women's success as they advance in their careers. Sally's other notable works include The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership, a classic in its field and continuously in print since 1990, and The Web of Inclusion: A New Architecture for Building Great Organizations, which has been cited in The Wall Street Journal as one of the best books on leadership of all time. The latter work is also credited with bringing the language of inclusion into business. Website: https://sallyhelgesen.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyhelgesen/ Mentions: Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace: https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Together-Divides-Inclusive-Workplace/dp/0306828308 More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

As humans we’re constantly seeking confirmation of what we believe and affirmation of our ego. What possibilities would be unlocked if you became the best version of yourself? Is the journey to the best self ever complete? In this episode, Ed Hess answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. The skills to be a highly adaptive learner in the face of the current technological revolution 2. The biggest competition you’ll have going forward is you. How do you overcome the biases you have? 3. How to take ownership of your mind, emotions and behaviors 4. A mindful breath work meditation exercise that’ll quiet your ego, mind, body and emotions so you can better focus on listening and relating to others 5. Hacks to becoming a better listener Who is Ed? Ed Hess is a best selling author of 15 books, 160 practitioner articles, and 60 Darden business cases on topics related to business growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, including Hyper-Learning: How to Adapt to the Speed of Change and Own Your Work Journey: The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change. His work has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. Ed Hess is a Professor Emeritus of Business Administration and Batten Executive-in-Residence at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Darden School's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the Co-Director of the Darden School's Leading Growth and Change executive education program. Prior to his academic career, Ed was a successful entrepreneur and business executive. He co-founded and served as the CEO of The Martin Agency, one of the largest advertising agencies in the United States. He also served as the CEO of another successful advertising agency, and held senior marketing positions at two Fortune 500 companies. Mentions: Own Your Work Journey: The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change: https://www.amazon.com/OWN-YOUR-WORK-JOURNEY-Meaningful/dp/B0BW2SL7Q3 Follow Ed: Website: https://www.edhess.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-hess-41638b16/?locale=ms_MY More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Equifax Canada's President and CEO, Sue Hutchison, joins us to unravel the fabric of leadership in the face of adversity. Steering a corporate giant through the pandemic's upheaval and an integration to the cloud, Sue shares her profound insights on virtual onboarding, cultivating connections in a remote landscape, and the invaluable lessons learnt from a peek into the personal lives of her team. Her approach to nurturing a corporate culture underscores the importance of empathy and transparency in a leader's toolkit. Navigating a company through transformative times demands a unique blend of optimism and emotional intelligence, qualities that Sue embodies and advocates for. In our discussion, she emphasizes the art of celebrating team victories and the necessity of integrating diverse viewpoints for a well-rounded strategy. The intimate interplay between trustworthy leadership and the successful migration to new technological frontiers is a recurring theme—underscoring the power of adaptability and clear communication in the face of change. Our conversation takes a deeper dive into the impact of leadership on mental health and personal growth. Sue and I reflect on the critical bonds solidified during the global crisis and the revelation of life's fragility, which fuels our zest for authentic engagement and mindful living. This episode is an exploration of the human side of corporate leadership, touching on the influence of vulnerability, the commitment to diversity in hiring, and the ways we can draw strength from our networks during our most challenging times. Sue's journey is not just a testament to resilient leadership but an invitation to embrace the growth that comes with it. What You’ll Learn: • The challenges and opportunities of virtual leadership. • The role of empathy in successfully guiding large-scale transformation. • The interplay of personal and professional growth. • Impact of leadership on mental health.  • Diversity and inclusion in hiring. • Resilience and adaptability in leadership Podcast Timestamps: (00:00) - Leading Through Change (08:58) - Leadership Qualities for Successful Transformations (21:06) - Leadership, Mental Health, and Connection (35:38) - Leadership Impact and Personal Growth Key Topics Discussed: Positive Leadership, Equifax Canada, Adversity, Virtual Onboarding, Remote Work, Corporate Culture, Empathy, Transparency, Optimism, Emotional Intelligence, Celebrating Team Victories, Diverse Viewpoints, Adaptability, Clear Communication, Mental Health, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Diversity in Hiring, Authentic Engagement, Mindful Living, Resilient Leadership, Transformation, Building Trust, Stress Management, Personal Well-being, Workplace Dynamics, Vulnerability, Personal and Professional Networks, CEO Success More of Sue: In 2020, Sue Hutchison joined Equifax Canada as President and General Manager. With 30 years of experience in the financial services, credit and lending industries, Sue has held several senior leadership roles including those with MasterCard, Payments Canada, HSBC Bank, and Bank of America. She's also an active board member of Home Capital Group, has served as an advisory board member for Women in Payments, a board member for BC Women in Hospital Foundation, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. She now leads Equifax’s transformation from its tremendous legacy into a 100% cloud-based data insights and technology company.  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suehutchison/?originalSubdomain=ca More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

Both humility and authenticity involve a willingness to be vulnerable. A humble leader is willing to admit their mistakes and weaknesses, while an authentic leader is willing to be genuine and transparent with their team. Together, these traits are the key to building trust and fostering a culture of positivity and openness. What You’ll Learn: 1. The dichotomy behind enoughness when practicing humility 2. How to ask for and receive feedback 3. Alan Mulally’s definition of authentic leadership 4. How to provide a sense of calm in these ambiguous times 5. Encouraging vulnerability by creating psychological safety 6. The power behind the statement “I don’t know” Mentions: Humble: Free Yourself from the Traps of a Narcissistic World: https://www.darylvantongeren.com/books Daryl Van Tongeren - E31: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/leading-with-humility-from-ego-to-empathy-daryl-van/id1634491338?i=1000602431520 Duane Green - E34: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/learn-to-leverage-a-leaders-most-valuable-currency/id1634491338?i=1000605499896 More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

What’s the most valuable currency leaders can leverage? Does practicing authenticity make you a weak leader? In this episode, Duane Green answers these questions and more. What You’ll Learn: 1. How to align your values, beliefs and behaviors 2. Empathy and humility are the core characteristics of establishing yourself as an authentic leader 3. Trust is the most valuable currency leaders can leverage 4. How to create an environment in which your team feels safe voicing what they think, expressing how they feel and bringing their full selves to work 5. You’re faults and weaknesses can be used to create vulnerability 6. A framework for taking risks in your business 7. The little things we could do better as a society coming out of a global pandemic 8. Removing the stigma behind mental health Who is Duane? Now serving as President & CEO at Franklin Templeton Canada and Chair, Fiduciary Trust Canada, Duane was nominated for Wealth Professional’s CEO of the Year award in 2017 and received the CEO of the Year Award in 2020. In 2019, Duane received the University of Ottawa’s Recognition Award. He received the Women in Capital Markets Male Leadership Award in 2017, which recognized his efforts to support diversity and inclusion in Canada's financial services industry. Today, Duane focuses on overseeing the delivery of exceptional asset management capabilities to further help Canadians achieve their future financial success. Follow Duane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanewgreen/?originalSubdomain=ca More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/