Lead From the Heart

    Ever wondered what truly drives peak performance at work? As research is now proving, the surprising secret lies in employee well-being. In this captivating episode, we’re joined by Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, professor of Economics and Behavioral Science at Oxford’s Saïd Business School, the Director of the Wellbeing Research Centre & an editor of the World Happiness Report. His remarkable study helps confirms the core belief of the Lead From The Heart philosophy: That there is a a direct correlation between how people feel at work & their personal productivity. The stunning take-away is that leaders who intentionally help support & elevate their employee’s well-being are rewarded with uncommonly high achievement. In this episode, we explore what inspired Jan to delve into the realm of employee well-being, & how it is differentiated from both employee wellness and employee engagement. We also dive into the major findings from his extensive & long-running research – including his two most important discoveries: (1) that the greatest driver of employee well-being is “belonging,” & (2) that addressing employees’ feelings has become crucial for highly effective leadership. Last December, on the cusp of finalizing my own upcoming book, I took a train ride from London to Oxford to meet Jan in person. Today, we pick up our conversation where we left off – which includes a focus on Jan’s new book, “Why Workplace Well-Being Matters.” If you’re interested in transforming your leadership approach – and consistently driving exceptional results, this conversation is a must-listen! The post Jan-Emmanuel De Neve: Transform Your Employees’ Performance by Prioritizing Their Well-Being appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    For our inaugural episode of our new season, we are thrilled to feature two truly extraordinary guests. It also marks a milestone for us as it’s the very first time we’ve recorded an episode where both the host and guests were together in the same room — in this case, at a recording studio at Chevron’s Northern California offices. In this special episode, you’re about to gain sage guidance and leadership insights from two of the world’s top Human Resources leaders: Kathleen Hogan (right) is the executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Microsoft. With her leadership, she influences the lives and careers of 220,000 global employees, ensuring Microsoft remains an exceptional place to work. Kathleen’s dedication to fostering a culture that attracts and inspires the world’s most passionate talent earned her the title of “HR Executive of the Year” by Human Resource Executive magazine in 2021 for her outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her academic accolades include a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and economics from Harvard University, and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Rhonda Morris (left) who you may recognize as the first voice you hear at the start of all our recent podcasts episode, just retired from her role as vice president and chief human resources officer at Chevron. A long-time listener and lover of our podcast, Rhonda committed Chevron to becoming our show’s formal sponsor. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from Boston University and worked tirelessly to create a workplace culture that fosters the “Lead From The Heart” values. In this must-listen episode, Kathleen and Rhonda share their extraordinary stories, impactful strategies, and visionary insights that can inspire and inform your own journey in the world of Human Resources and leadership. Listen in to hear from two of the industry’s most influential voices and take away valuable lessons that can elevate your professional and personal growth. The post Kathleen Hogan & Rhonda Morris: Two Of The World’s HR Giants Together appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

Ethan Kross, a renowned psychologist and University of Michigan professor, returns to discuss his upcoming book, 'Shift.' He delves into the crucial role emotions play in leadership, revealing how they can inform decision-making rather than obstruct it. Listeners gain insights on debunking myths about emotional avoidance and discover practical tools for emotional resilience. Kross shares innovative tips for enhancing emotional intelligence and stresses the importance of building stronger team dynamics through effective emotional management.

  The Financial Times just named Columbia University professor Michael Morriss’ new book, Tribal: How The Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together, one of the “Best Business Books of the Year” (2024). When we hear the word “tribalism,” it often carries a negative connotation. It gets blamed for everything from political polarization to workplace discrimination. We commonly believe tribalism is a societal divider & therefore a harmful influence on society. But, as we discuss in this episode, Morris redefines tribalism not as a flaw but as a crucial part of human nature that can be harnessed for positive change. He believes our tribal instincts are humanity’s secret weapon. In his book, he writes that humans are unique in forming tribes, & that we are fueled by three psychological instincts: The Peer Instinct: tribe members conform to group norms. The Hero Instinct: tribe members emulate respected members. The Ancestor Instinct: tribe members follow traditions. Morris says these instincts enable us to collaborate, share knowledge & build on past achievements. Teams and organizations are shaped by these instincts – they subtly influence our thoughts & actions – & when tribal “leaders” recognize & leverage these instincts, they’re able to enhance the tribe’s performance, bridge divided & drive cultural change. A central theme of Morris’ book is belonging. He explains how our need to belong (a theme we routinely & purposely explore on this podcast) motivates our identities & behaviors. And he provides insights into how we can foster inclusivity & community. It’s when leaders embrace their employee’s tribal nature that they can cultivate environments where people feel valued & connected. As you’ll hear, Morris’s perspective offers a hopeful view, suggesting that by understanding our tribal instincts, we can turn a potential source of division into a powerful force for unity and progress. By fostering a sense of belonging, leaders can unlock the secrets of our psychology and effectively manage our misunderstood superpower. Michael Morris is truly brilliant and you’ll be massively impressed by how he connects wide-ranging ideas in real time. The post Michael Morriss: How To Harness Our Tribal Instincts To Cultivate Team Belonging appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

      We live in a world where early achievements are celebrated, but what if some of your greatest successes were to come later in life? On this truly provocative episode, we sit down with the brilliant Henry Oliver, author of “Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life.” Our conversation is packed with uncommon insights that will challenge your perspectives on career success, personal growth — & surprisingly, networking! In our fast-paced society, we often feel pressured to reach the top quickly, making us overlook the value of continuous growth & evolution. Henry’s book, “Second Act,” shifts this narrative, celebrating those who achieved remarkable success in the second half of their lives. Henry argues that as we live longer, healthier & more productive lives, the potential to become a late bloomer is within all of us. In this episode, we delve into the mindset of late bloomers. Henry emphasizes the importance of preparing for the unknown, the unexpected, & the unstated. This isn’t just about having a plan, but about being open to where our journey might lead over the next 10, 20, or even 30 years. He introduces the concept of an “Odyssean education” — the value of intentionally placing ourselves in new contexts & environments in order to broaden our understanding & develop unique skills, rather than sticking to what we already know. Henry’s book has not gone unnoticed. It has received a glowing review from the Wall Street Journal, which highlighted key insights that resonate deeply with readers. What motivates someone to study late bloomers? For Henry, it’s about uncovering the lessons we can all learn from these extraordinary individuals. He shares the driving forces behind his research, the inspiration from famous late bloomers, & what he hopes readers will gain from his work. We discuss the life stories of several world-famous late bloomers & how their preparedness for luck played a significant role in their success. Steve Jobs, the man who made Apple a global phenomenon – in his second go-round as CEO – is just one example of how late bloomers can seize opportunities in ways that early achievers might not. With a rich background & years of meticulous research, Henry offers exceptional insights that are bound to inspire you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a new direction in their career, or simply wanting to understand the power & potential of their blooming later in life. The post Henry Oliver: The Essential Guide to Late Blooming Success appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    Mitch Warner is the Managing Partner of the Arbinger Institute, an organization renowned for its groundbreaking work in leadership & organizational transformation. The Arbinger Institute has just released the fourth edition of its classic book, “Leadership and Self-Deception: The Secret to Transforming Relationships and Unleashing Results.” First published in 2000, “Leadership & Self-Deception” has become one of the top five leadership books of all time.  Over the years, this influential book has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. The book delves into how self-deception clouds our vision, leading us to blame others rather than acknowledging our own faults & contributions to problems. It offers profound insights into how we can overcome these persistent lies that plague our relationships and hinder organizational results. In the summer of 2024, Arbinger produced a significantly revised & updated fourth edition of this enduring classic. This new edition includes updated stories, a broader cast of characters & practical guides to help readers apply the concepts to modern workplace challenges. Through an engaging narrative, the book reveals how we blind ourselves to our true motivations & unwittingly sabotage our efforts to achieve success & rebuild broken relationships. Join us as we explore the timeless principles of “Leadership and Self-Deception” and discover how they can transform your personal and professional life. The post Mitch Warner: Leadership & Self-Deception appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    In this episode, we delve into the pervasive issue of burnout & dissatisfaction in modern work cultures & explore how rethinking workplace operations can enhance employee well-being. Our guest, Brigid Schulte, author of the bestseller “Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life,” provides uncommonly researched perspectives on this topic. Brigid critiques the extreme work expectations set by figures like Elon Musk, who advocates for grueling work hours & dismisses remote work as “morally wrong.” And, we’re all familiar with companies like Dell & Amazon who’ve recently decided to eliminate hybrid work schedules, pushing employees back to the office full-time. A former journalist with The Washington Post & a New York Times bestselling author, Brigid argues these approaches are counterproductive, & highlights the historical shift from work that supported well-being to today’s relentless demands. Her research suggests innovative solutions such as the four-day workweek & flexible work hours, showcasing CEOs who foster humane working conditions. Her book emphasizes that our work patterns need a significant overhaul, asserting that we are only limited by our imagination & the narratives we create about work. With endorsements from thought leaders like Adam Grant, who praises her meticulous research, Brigid offers a compelling vision for a future where work can be both fulfilling and joyful. Join us as Brigid challenges the status quo & presents practical strategies for transforming our work lives. The post Brigid Schulte: Why Work Isn’t Working & How We Can Fix It appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    We have the distinct honor of hosting a true visionary in human resources and organizational culture, Laszlo Bock. His name is synonymous with innovation, empathy, and transformative leadership. His journey is a testament to leading with both the mind and the heart, a philosophy that has revolutionized the workplaces he has touched. Laszlo earned a BA from Pomona College and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. He honed his skills at General Electric and McKinsey before his tenure at Google as the Senior Vice President of People Operations, which catapulted him into the global spotlight. At Google, he instituted a workplace culture that astonished everyone. Extravagant perks like free shuttle buses with Wi-Fi, free food, and slides between floors were just the beginning. These investments contributed to Google’s success, which saw record stock performance in its first 20 years. Under Laszlo’s leadership, Google was named the Best Company to Work for over 30 times globally and received more than 100 awards as a top employer. His innovative HR approaches emphasized data-driven decision-making, transparency, and employee well-being. In 2010, at age 38, he was named Human Resources Executive of the Year by HR Resources Magazine. In 2015, he published his New York Times bestseller, “Work Rules! Insights From Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live And Lead.” Two years later, Laszlo left Google and co-founded Humu, a company that combines technology and human-centric leadership to deliver “nudges” to workplace managers. Humu describes nudges as short, science-backed suggestions—bite-sized actions to support teams and improve work. For the curious, this concept was developed by University of Chicago scholars Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. Having recently sold Humu, Laszlo has just created a Transformative Chief Human Resources Leadership Program at the Haas Business School at UC Berkeley. His program aims to equip the next generation of HR leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate modern workplaces, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the field. Laszlo Bock’s career is a masterclass in leading with both the mind and the heart. His ability to blend analytical rigor with genuine care for people has set a new standard for leadership today. As we dive into our conversation, we will explore the principles that have guided his journey, the lessons he has learned, and his vision for the future of work. Not to be missed. The post Laszlo Bock On The Future Of Work, HR & Leadership appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

    The idea of balancing the rational aspects of leadership with the intelligence of the heart and the wisdom of the soul is suddenly emerging as a legitimate best practice in organizations. At last, were moving away from traditional thinking — & knee-jerk assumptions — that caring about employees & giving them more power & agency, is a very bad way to drive performance. Kim & Erin Clark are the co-authors of the new bestseller, “Leading Through: Activating The Soul, Heart & Mind Of Leadership.” And while one could conjecture that the authors of a book with a title like this are spiritualists or people who don’t understand management, Kim happens to be the former Dean of the Harvard Business School — & Erin is a managing director of human capital at Deloitte Consulting! They have chops. They have massive credibility. Which makes it rather hard to refute what they both have to say. For as long as any of us can remember, workplace leadership has always been anchored on rationality, efficiency & control. Workers were treated as being easily replaceable, & managers were routinely taught to focus on productivity — not on employee engagement or well-being. As evidenced by Kim & Erin’s book, we’re at the onset of an era when traditional leadership philosophy gets tossed aside, and when a new, more informed and enlightened methodology becomes embraced. Their work is a testament to the power of integrating the heart, soul and mind into how we lead human beings in our workplaces. The profound insights they both share in this conversation are certain to inspire & challenge you to rethink what it means to lead in today’s world. The post Kim & Erin Clark: Leading With Mind, Heart & Soul appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

David Yeager, a developmental psychologist and author of "10 To 25: The Science of Motivating Young People," delves into the unique needs of Gen Z in the workforce. He presents a mentor mindset as a new leadership style that fosters respect and engagement. The conversation challenges misconceptions about young workers, emphasizing their desire for flexibility and work-life balance. Yeager also discusses the importance of constructive feedback and how organizations can empower young employees for mutual success.