12 Geniuses Podcast

Joey Torkildson, host of The Grind Podcast, interviews 12 Geniuses CEO Don MacPherson about the first quarter of 2019. They discuss what 12 Geniuses followed, where Don traveled over the last three months, what was learned, who was interviewed, and what Q2 of 2019 will look like.The two friends cover technology advancements in the areas of AI, robotics, wearables, and virtual reality. They discuss the limitations government has when it comes to climate change and the importance of innovation in solving the world’s biggest problems. Don shares his experience speaking and meeting students at Yale University and the challenges of traveling to France with two young children.Finally, Joey and Don discuss what is ahead for the 12 Geniuses podcast. New interviews on the topics of the cannabis industry, climate change and corporate sustainability, and creativity and innovation are coming soon. They also talk about the upcoming “12 Geniuses Leadership Moments” - three minute profiles of historic leaders - that will be released as mini-podcasts over the summer.

The world is better than ever. We have access to life-saving medical technology, sanitation, and technological advancements in energy and other resources. Despite these developments, there are still parts of the world challenged by natural disasters, diseases, and war. Fortunately for many of the people facing these challenges, there are organizations like Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières) that provide assistance and heroes who leave the comfort of their careers, families, and the lives they have created in order to save lives and give hope to strangers a world away.Nearly a decade ago, Catherine Carr had the nagging feeling there was more to life than the way she was living. It’s a feeling many people feel after a couple decades of adulthood and work experience. Most people don’t heed it though. Catherine is not most people. She wanted more meaning in her work and Doctors Without Borders was the answer. She applied, was hired, and sent to Kenya on a six-month assignment.That one-time assignment turned into more than nine years with Catherine being stationed in 13 countries. In this interview, she shares her experiences working for Doctors Without Borders and the lessons she learned in the field that can be applied in business. Catherine also talks about overcoming the fear she felt as she embarked on her personal reinvention.Anyone interested in expanding their own comfort zone, cultural adaptation, and pursuing a greater sense of meaning from work will find this interview with Catherine Carr interesting.Catherine is currently on a four-month assignment in South Sudan.

Each day more than 10,000 Baby Boomers reach age 65. Traditionally, turning 65 meant senior discounts, occasionally socializing with friends over a game of bridge, and trips south for warmer weather. Today, retirement is being redefined. Nearly 60% of employees over 60 plan to continue working, but on their terms. As economist, journalist, and retirement expert Chris Farrell explains in this episode, taking on a job after retirement can have great health benefits and improve quality of life.Many people who reach traditional retirement age are reinventing themselves because they know they still have a great deal to contribute to society. Others continue to work because the extra income is helping them live the kind of life they want. This has significant implications for organizations that are interested in engaging and retaining their most experienced people. Shifting careers later in life may seem daunting, but with the right tools and advice, changing careers is possible.Another topic Chris addresses in this interview is FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Many young people, particularly in well-paid technology jobs, are choosing to amass large sums of money and opt out of the workforce in their 40s, or even 30s. Chris shares his thoughts on what that means to organizations that lose these people and the prospects for someone who ends their career prematurely.Chris Farrell has studied retirement and the shifts in our aging workforce extensively. An author of five books including Unretirement and Purpose and a Paycheck, Chris is an expert on how we can find happiness, health, and security in our later years.

The world today is better than ever and one of the foundational reasons for this is because of access to energy. We have gas to power our cars and planes, electricity to run our appliances, natural gas, and other sources to control the heat in our homes. Dubai and Las Vegas don’t exist without cheap energy to power them.Conversations surrounding energy sources, energy consumption, and ways to use energy efficiently have been on the rise. Alternative sources to coal have emerged with solar, wind, and hydroelectric as front runners. As America strives to optimize energy use, innovations such as battery storage, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence will be disruptive.In this interview, Lauren Azar draws on her 25 years of experience working in the energy sector. She talks about why coal is not a viable, long-term source of energy, how new technologies will make energy consumption cheaper, and where America’s energy is most vulnerable from security threats. Lauren also candidly discusses how to get more girls and young women involved in energy and other STEM careers.Over the course of her career, Lauren Azar has worked at the federal government level as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Energy, at the state government level as Commissioner at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, and in the private sector as an attorney representing utilities and utility customers.

For nearly two decades America has been in “Winter” – a time of stagnation, conflict, and disruption. During this time, we’ve asked ourselves “who are we and what do we stand for?” We’ve grown contentious politically, racially, across generations, and about the best way to proceed into the future. Many now wonder how American society will find stability and cohesiveness in the years to come.In this interview, Rebecca Ryan explains the changes our nation is going through and how these changes can be harnessed for a positive future. Rebecca explains the concepts of “Winter” and “Spring” as well as the “browning” and “graying” of America. She also shares her insights about how America will respond to these changes and how you too can practice futuring.Rebecca has spent her career consulting with large and small organizations to prepare them for the changes to come. Rebecca has authored a book, "ReGENERATION: A Manifesto for America’s Next Leaders," detailing these changes and how we can ready ourselves to remain relevant and competitive in the world to come.

In this special edition podcast, Devon McGrath interviews 12 Geniuses CEO Don MacPherson. Don shares what he learned in 2018 and where the focus of the podcast and company will be in the new year.While reviewing 2018, Don and Devon talk about learning Arabic, the art and science of podcasting, fatherhood, entrepreneurship, futurist camp, technologies that are changing the way we live and work, the threat of technology addiction, and why change is so difficult. Then they shift their focus to what is on the horizon for 12 Geniuses in 2019. They discuss changing demographics and an aging population, cryptocurrency, the ethics of gene editing, global governmental cooperation, the economic opportunity of cannabis, prison reform, and immigration reform.

In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson interviews Jim Geckler, CEO of the Harmony Foundation in Estes Park, Colorado. Jim bravely and candidly shares his transformative journey from battling active addiction to leading a renowned treatment center, offering invaluable insights into leadership, change, and emotional intelligence. Key Lessons for Global Business Leaders:Embracing Personal Transformation: Jim's narrative underscores the power of personal change, illustrating how overcoming significant personal challenges can lead to profound professional growth.Leading with Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Jim’s experiences highlight the importance of understanding and compassion in leadership, emphasizing that emotional intelligence is crucial in guiding teams through disruption and change.How addiction is a powerful barrier for reaching one’s potential: Jim journey from rock bottom to becoming an executive illustrates how devastatingly powerful addiction is in preventing people from performing at their highest levels.Guidance for spotting people at risk: By fostering an environment that prioritizes support and trust, Jim demonstrates how leaders can cultivate resilience and adaptability within their organizations.Advice for dealing with employees or family members struggling with addiction : Lies, slipping grades, late assignments, and abnormal behavior are a few of the warning signs that Jim says are important signals that someone might be struggling or on the precipice of addiction. It’s important these signs are addressed and not ignored. About 20 million people in the United States have substance abuse problems and 72,000 Americans lost their lives from drug overdoses in 2017. The chances are you have a family member, a friend, a work colleague, or neighbor who struggles with addiction.This episode offers a profound exploration of how personal adversity can inform and enhance leadership capabilities, providing global business leaders with actionable insights into managing change, fostering emotional intelligence, and leading with courage in the face of disruption.

In this episode, host Don MacPherson welcomes Doug Lennick, a distinguished authority in leadership and emotional intelligence. Their conversation delves into the intricate relationship between financial acumen and emotional competence, providing invaluable insights for leaders steering their organizations through today's dynamic and often disruptive business environment.The episode begins by addressing a pressing concern: America's financial well-being. With over $13 trillion in household debt reported at the end of 2017, including more than $800 billion in credit card debt, financial instability is a significant issue. Alarmingly, one in five Americans lacks any emergency savings, and 30% don't have even $500 set aside for unforeseen expenses. This financial anxiety permeates the workplace, with half of all U.S. employees feeling anxious or fearful about their financial situation. Such stress can lead to detrimental outcomes, including increased likelihood of theft and disengagement within organizations. Doug Lennick, with a career dedicated to developing leaders across various industries, offers strategies to navigate these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of aligning financial decisions with core values, a theme explored in his book, "Leveraging Your Financial Intelligence: At the Intersection of Money, Health, and Happiness." Throughout the discussion, Doug provides practical advice on avoiding dangerous debt, creating a responsible financial framework, and leading effectively in a rapidly changing business world. Key Lessons:Embracing Change and Disruption: Doug underscores the necessity for leaders to adapt to change and view disruption as an opportunity rather than a threat. He discusses how technological advancements and economic shifts require leaders to be agile and forward-thinking, turning potential challenges into avenues for innovation and growth. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: The conversation highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Doug explains that self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation are essential skills for leaders to connect with their teams, foster a positive work environment, and make informed decisions. He shares techniques for developing these competencies to enhance leadership effectiveness. Demonstrating Courage in Decision-Making: Doug emphasizes the importance of courage in leadership, particularly when making difficult decisions amidst uncertainty. He encourages leaders to stand by their convictions, take calculated risks, and lead with integrity, even when faced with adversity. This courage not only drives organizations forward but also inspires teams to embrace challenges confidently. Aligning Actions with Core Values: Integrity emerges as a central theme, with Doug advising leaders to ensure their actions consistently reflect both personal and organizational values. He discusses how this alignment builds trust, enhances credibility, and serves as a guiding principle during times of change and disruption. By staying true to core values, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and maintain organizational cohesion. Balancing Financial and Emotional Competence: Doug delves into the interplay between financial intelligence and emotional competence, illustrating how leaders can achieve sustainable success by balancing these aspects. He provides insights into making financial decisions that not only benefit the organization but also promote the well-being of employees, thereby fostering a more committed and productive workforce. This episode is valuable resource for global business leaders aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities amidst the complexities of today's business landscape. Doug Lennick's expertise offers a roadmap for developing financial and emotional competence, empowering leaders to navigate change, embrace disruption, and lead with courage and integrity. By integrating these lessons, leaders can foster resilient organizations poised for long-term success.Doug Lennick has spent his career developing leaders in a wide variety of industries and exploring how people can make better financial decisions that align with their core values. Doug has authored numerous books including “Leveraging Your Financial Intelligence: At the Intersection of Money, Health and Happiness.”

Fear of failure holds many leaders back from embracing change and driving transformation. In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Ryan Estis, a leadership expert and keynote speaker, about how to overcome fear, take bold action, and thrive in disruptive times. In a rapidly evolving business landscape, courage is essential for navigating uncertainty, seizing opportunities, and fostering innovation. Ryan shares personal stories and research-backed strategies to help leaders reframe failure, build resilience, and lead with confidence.Ryan breaks down the psychology of fear and failure, offering practical strategies for leaders to navigate change and disruption with confidence. He discusses why embracing failure is key to growth, how to lead with courage in uncertain times, and what it takes to build a resilient, high-performing organization. This conversation equips global business leaders with the mindset and tools needed to turn challenges into opportunities and drive meaningful transformation.Key Lessons for Leaders:Reframing Failure as Growth – Learn how to shift your mindset to see failure as a stepping stone to success.Leading with Courage in Times of Change – Discover how bold leadership can drive transformation and innovation.Embracing Disruption – Understand how top leaders turn uncertainty into opportunity.Developing a Resilient Mindset – Gain strategies for overcoming setbacks and staying focused on long-term success.Building a Culture of Risk-Taking – Learn how to create an environment where employees feel empowered to innovate.

How can leaders leverage neuroscience to drive lasting change and transformation? In this episode of 12 Geniuses, host Don MacPherson speaks with Dr. Robert Eichinger, a leading expert in leadership development, to explore the connection between leadership, change management, and cognitive function. In a world of constant disruption, leaders must understand how the brain processes uncertainty, adapts to new trends, and embraces transformation. In this interview, Dr. Robert Eichinger breaks down the science behind leadership and transformation, offering practical advice on how business leaders can use brain-based insights to guide their teams through uncertainty. He explains why change is often met with resistance, how leaders can help employees reframe disruption as an opportunity, and what steps organizations can take to build resilience. The conversation also covers the increasing importance of emotional intelligence, strategies for fostering continuous learning, and key trends shaping the future of leadership development. Packed with actionable takeaways, this episode equips global business leaders with the tools they need to navigate an era of rapid change with confidence and clarity.Key Lessons for Leaders:How the Brain Responds to Change – Understand the neurological processes that drive resistance or acceptance of transformation.The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – Learn why self-awareness, empathy, and social intelligence are critical for managing disruption.Building a Culture of Adaptability – Discover strategies for creating an organization that embraces change and innovation.Leadership Strategies for Lasting Change – Gain insights into effective change management techniques based on cognitive science.The Future of Leadership Development – Explore emerging trends in leadership training and how neuroscience is shaping the next generation of leaders.Dr. Robert Eichinger has authored more than 100 articles and books on leadership, while coaching thousands of leaders from first-time managers to Fortune 500 CEOs. He was co-founder and CEO of Lominger International, which was sold to Korn Ferry, and started TalenTelligent in 2018.