Connected Leadership with Peter Boyd

In this episode of Tools on the Go—a Connected Leadership series of short episodes designed to equip you with powerful leadership tools in just a few minutes—Peter Boyd dives into the Johari Window. Developed in the 1950s by two psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, the Johari Window is a four-quadrant model that helps us increase self-awareness (of you and your team), strengthen trust with others, and build more connected relationships To learn more about this tool and further your leadership skills, find the Connected Leadership course on Coursera or find us on YouTube.

In this episode of Tools on the Go—a Connected Leadership series of short episodes designed to equip you with powerful leadership tools in just a few minutes—Peter Boyd walks through the Ladder of Inference. The Ladder of Inference is a model created by organizational psychologist Chris Argyris – and subsequently built upon by Senge, Ross and others – that describes how quickly we can move from observing reality to taking action. For a more in-depth introduction on how to grow your leadership using this tool, head to the Connected Leadership course on Coursera or find us on YouTube.

As a researcher, author, and keynote speaker specializing in leadership and purpose, Zach Mercurio explores a question within everyday workplace interactions: Do people know that they matter? Drawing from years of research on purposeful leadership and human motivation, Zach reveals how small, interpersonal leadership behaviors—listening deeply, noticing effort, and showing genuine care—can transform performance, well-being, and trust. From the science of mattering to practical strategies leaders can apply immediately, Zach reframes leadership not as authority, but as the daily work of helping others feel significant, valued, and seen. This episode offers powerful insight into leading with purpose, building cultures of belonging, and unlocking human potential by helping people know they truly matter.

Kola Masha, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Babban Gona, shares insights from his journey from music and TV to engineering and social entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of disciplined leadership in doubling smallholder farmers' incomes through holistic support. Kola highlights the role of AI in enhancing education and health services, as well as how patience and delegation are crucial for scalable impact. With a focus on comprehensive systems that strengthen food security and mobility, his vision redefines leadership and purpose-driven business.

In this engaging discussion, Pat Mitchell, a trailblazing media executive and advocate for women's leadership, reflects on her remarkable career. She shares how her grandmother's wisdom and experiences in conflict zones shaped her forward-moving mindset. Pat emphasizes the importance of 'dangerous leadership'—speaking up and showing up in challenging times. She also discusses her work with Project Dandelion, supporting women-led climate solutions, and advocates for authentic female leadership styles. Her passion for mentorship and inclusivity shines through, inspiring future generations.

Innovation strategist and entrepreneur John Duffield shares an extraordinary journey through two open-heart surgeries—an experience that reshaped his understanding of purpose, leadership, and the future of patient care. Merging his technical expertise with personal experience in the healthcare system, John works to redefine the patient journey and how technology can support patients during their most critical moments. He tells stories of his own; using AI to translate complex diagnoses into metaphors his children could understand and developing models to ease the fear and uncertainty leading up to surgery. This episode dives into resilience the unexpected ways purpose reveals itself — in critical moments when a sudden health crisis becomes a catalyst for personal transformation.

Franziska Weiss, a Munich-based business coach, transformed her life at 40 after a lengthy career in corporate PR. She discusses embracing individuality as a 'sparkling domino' to inspire others and the importance of aligning team values for collaboration. Franziska shares her journey from the automotive industry to coaching, emphasizing personal fulfillment and authentic leadership. She explores the concept of organizational systems through an iceberg metaphor, revealing hidden complexities and advocating for trust and connection to drive meaningful change.

In this inspiring episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Peter Boyd sits down with Brian Petula a lawyer, entrepreneur, EMT, and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections officer, who shares his powerful journey from rural roots to a purpose-driven life of service. A former student of the Connected Leadership course, Brian reflects on how the course shaped his leadership style, the importance of living with purpose, and his frontline experience transforming lives in corrections. This conversation is a deep dive into authentic leadership, system change, and human potential.

Laura Sievert Hesseltine is the Executive Director of Arts Quincy, the oldest arts council in the U.S., where she champions community engagement and cultural transformation. With a background in corporate marketing and a passion for creativity, Laura shares her journey from leading large-scale retail marketing campaigns to revitalizing the arts sector in rural Illinois. She discusses the power of the arts in shaping communities, the importance of making culture accessible to all, and how she applies business principles to nonprofit leadership. Laura also reflects on connected leadership, continuous learning, and how small, intentional steps can drive meaningful change.

Jigar Shah, Director of the Loan Programs Office at the U.S. Department of Energy and founder of SunEdison, shares his journey in clean energy finance. He discusses the importance of aligning capital with sustainable technology and the challenges in commercializing renewable energy solutions. Jigar emphasizes the evolution of leadership from individual excellence to team success, advocating for servant leadership and collaboration. He also highlights the rising trend of stable investments on the East Coast and the critical role of effective communication in achieving impactful climate goals.