Imperfect Leaders

The Milken Institute is a think (and action) tank - founded by legendary visionary Michael Milken - brings together brilliant people and world leaders to develop blueprints for tackling some of our planet's most critical problems including poverty, hunger, and chronic disease. Rich Ditizio is an incredible CEO who is responsible for leading this effort. He's the symphony conductor who works hard to create a psychologically safe space for creative talent to share radical ideas, challenge each others core assumptions, and work towards a common vision. Although much more soft-spoken, in many ways Rich reminds me of some of our past guests who lead creative and iconic organizations: IDEO, Cirque du Soleil, and Pixar. www.imperfectleaders.com

Mielle Organics - the hair care and beauty brand - is the fastest ever growing consumer startup in history of this industry - and was recently acquired by ⁠Procter & Gamble⁠ in a truly historic transaction that made headlines across the country. Yet their founders - ⁠Monique and Melvin Rodriguez⁠ - had to overcome serious challenges most entrepreneurs can't even imagine. First of all the co-founders are African American, and faced a litany of nasty bias and rejection early in their journey. And if that weren’t enough the co-founders are also married and full time parents. Where did they find the time? The energy? The resilience? The faith to overcome so many obstacles on their path to excellence? Their authentic story will be an inspiration to a future generation of entrepreneurs and leaders - from all corners of life - seeking to understand how love and faith conquers all - even in cut-throat, Corporate America. www.imperfectleaders.com

What matters more to winning - superstar talent or the organization's system and culture? According to today's guest - Dave Ulrich - a world-class thought leader at the University of Michigan Business School - talent matters, but team work matters even more. The same rules apply in business and in sports - from Amazon to the Denver Nuggets. For example, why does world NBA champ Nikola Jokic prefer passing than scoring? Because, in Jokic's own words, when he passes the ball, two people are happy - one person gets the assist and the other gets the points. In today's episode, Professor Ulrich helps us understand what CEOs - and rising star leaders in any organization - can learn about leadership from transcendent talent - like Jokic, Michael Jordan, and Steph Curry - each of whom made the tough but necessary transition from individual contributor to team leader. www.imperfectleaders.com

Superstars don't just emerge out of thin air. Every single one of them - including GOATs like Tom Brady and Michael Phelps- must overcome serious personal obstacles. And this usually happens early in life – in the pivotal teenage years. It might surprise you that Brady nearly gave up on football while still in college. But then he met someone special. Today's guest - ⁠Greg Harden⁠ - is perhaps the greatest of all time in his profession - a performance coach and trusted mentor that helps talent reach their full potential - not only as athletes, but as human beings and great leaders. Harden has just released a book that's destined to become a best seller – “Staying Sane in an Insane World.” And if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a trusted coach and mentor, Greg shares the very personal story of the crucible moments that helped shape his core values and purpose in life. ⁠www.imperfectleaders.com ⁠, ⁠Jeffrey Cohn⁠

When the world's most innovative organizations need a little inspiration, they turn to IDEO. IDEO is the most iconic design studio in the world. Clients are far-ranging and global - from hot, new startups to ground-breaking school systems to entire nations - and of course iconic brands including Coca-Cola, Ford, Ikea. And yes, they actually helped Apple create the very first mouse. If that weren't enough, one of IDEO's founders helped design the modern, fold down screen laptop computer that the entire world uses today. For nearly 20 years Tim Brown - today's guest - was the CEO and orchestra conductor at IDEO - leading an incredibly diverse and creative team to unimaginable heights. Brown recently stepped down as CEO, making room for a new generation of talent and to focus on thought leadership. His best-selling book - "Change By Design" has influenced innovators across the globe - and should be required reading for all students of innovation and leadership, alongside our other distinguished podcast guests including: Roger Martin a best-selling author; Ed Catmull, Co-Founder of Pixar; and Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson. Although he would probably never admit it - Tim Brown is without a doubt - the ultimate innovator's whisperer. www.imperfectleaders.com, Jeffrey Cohn

Rey Flemings - the founder and CEO of an app called Myria - the world's most exclusive concierge service - is on a quest to change the world. Myria's ultra-wealthy clients - nearly all of whom are in the top .003% - come to Flemings with a wide range of requests, from relatively easy ones - like a front row seat to a Beyonce concert, box seats at the Super Bowl, or a personal invitation to the annual Met Gala in New York. Or sometimes they have nearly impossible requests - like helping clients secure an elusive O1 Visa during a government shutdown, or providing security detail in a country that frowns upon that sort of things. And sometimes clients have off-the-charts existential requests - which Rey particularly loves - like partnering to enhance their personal legacies, figuring out how to lead happier lives, or the ultimate dream, helping them find true love. Helping clients solve these challenges are all part of the human condition, and a big part of Rey's job. Myria's mission aligns completely with Flemings' core values and authentic leadership style. No matter how you slice it - Flemings has found a unique niche - and the company he founded is destined to make a positive impact in the world. www.imperfectleaders.com

Every once in a while I'm stupid enough to get into an argument with my wife. Even when I win the battle (rarely), I lose the war (always). This paradox made me think about the art of influence. How do you persuade people in a way that both sides feel they've won? I turned to the world's preeminent thought leader on the topic - Professor Robert Cialdini - who wrote a book called Influence, The Psychology of Persuasion - that has sold more than five million copies around the world. Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett loved the book so much they actually gave Cialdini a share of their stock - Berkshire Hathaway - which is now worth nearly 1/2 a million dollars. When asked about the gift, Munger replied, "The principles in your book have made our firm a lot of money over the years. You deserve a gift." After listening to today's episode, let us know if you agree with Charlie Munger? Do Professor Cialdini's principles resonate with you? www.imperfectleaders.com

What do Oprah Winfrey, Drew Barrymore, and Scarlett Johansson have in common with today's guest - Jason Karp? Every one of them is passionate about changing the way people eat - especially in the United States. And, they've all helped build some of the country's most amazing food brands including - True Food Kitchen, Snow Days, Cosmic Bliss, and Grove Collaborative. Today, Jason is an incredible entrepreneur and philanthropist. Yet, his life has never been easy. Many times during his life, Jason has looked straight into the abyss - felt completely alone and deeply ashamed - and somehow used nothing but personal intellect and tenacity to emerge even stronger from his trauma. It's the definition of a hero's journey. In today's episode, Jason beautifully articulates his personal 'crucible' moments that helped shape his core values, personal mission, and leadership style. www.imperfectleaders.com

Ed Catmull is an enigma. There's a good chance you wouldn't recognize him if he were standing right next to you. Yet, he's the creative genius and co-founder of Pixar - a totally unique organization that has completely changed the way many of us think about movies, culture, and even what it means to be a human being. Catmull usually avoids the spotlight. In reality, he would rather work - behind the scenes - to build a fertile culture in which others can grow and succeed. In which others can reach their full creative potential. And, in which others can satisfy basic - if not contradictory human needs - like expressing individual ideas while simultaneously collaborating with others to build it into something much more profound. Who could ever forget these iconic Pixar characters?: Tom Hanks in Toy Story Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks in Finding Nemo Samuel L. Jackson in The Incredibles Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a Bug's Life Should we take the time to listen to Catmull's advice? Well, many others have over the past few decades, including visionaries like Steve Jobs and George Lucas; creative geniuses like Brad Bird and Pete Docter; business icons like Bob Iger; and even top thought leaders (and former guests on our podcast), Professors Amy Edmondson, Linda Hill, and Roger Martin. Trust us...Ed is worth a listen! www.imperfectleaders.com

Greg Sands, founder and partner at Costanoa Ventures, built a founder-focused, operator-oriented VC firm. He talks about fear of failure, finding belonging, launching Costanoa, and why concentrated, hands-on investing works. He also describes building empathetic culture, developing founders’ sales and judgment, and leading authentically with humility and curiosity.