Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Craig Dowden
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

If you're passionate about mastering self-leadership, you're in the right place. I've dedicated my career to understanding the science and practice of positive leadership. I Integrate evidence-based principles from the fields of positive psychology with those in leadership and organizational excellence that will help you develop real-life solutions to solve your greatest challenges. Each week I'll bring world-class content with industry experts to help you use positive leadership to build a peak performance culture.

  1. Leadership Lessons from Philanthropy: Glen Galaich’s Insights on Letting Go to Do Real Good

    18 June

    Leadership Lessons from Philanthropy: Glen Galaich’s Insights on Letting Go to Do Real Good

    In this spirited episode, the challenges and paradoxes of modern leadership are brought to the forefront, grounded in the world of philanthropy. My guest this week, Glen Galaich, author of the provocative book Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short and CEO of the Stupski Foundation, invites listeners to reconsider the myths surrounding control, generosity, and decision-making. He makes the compelling case about how organizational norms, incentives, and personal ego can unintentionally limit positive impact, even in the most purpose-driven organizations. During out discussion, we reflect on tough questions: What’s the real difference between intentions and measurable outcomes? How do process, relationships, and results shape lasting change? Through first-hand stories and data, this episode reveals how well-meaning leaders too often mistake intention for impact and how letting go of control, building clear processes, and inviting feedback can dramatically enhance outcomes. For executives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone invested in meaningful change, this episode offers actionable advice: embrace self-awareness, question inherited processes, and trust the people closest to the work. It’s a call to action for listeners to examine their own patterns and to move beyond good intentions to do good by leading well. What You’ll Learn - The importance of letting go of control for greater impact. - Rethinking thoughtful giving. - Process, results, relationships: The leadership triad. - The temptation of control when doing good. - The power of systems, incentives, and leadership norms. - Lead with empathy across difference. - The critical role of self-awareness: Feedback as a gift. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – Welcome to the Show and Guest Introduction (00:03:13) - The Motivation Behind "Control" (00:10:00) - Control, Psychological Safety, and Power in Leadership (00:14:29) - Process, Results, Relationships: The Leadership Triad (00:17:38) - Misconceptions and Accountability in Leadership (00:22:04) - The Temptation of Control When Doing Good (00:30:02) - Leading with Empathy Across Differences (00:34:14) - Systems, Incentives, and Leadership Norms (00:38:16) - The Critical Role of Self-Awareness (00:42:59) - Leading Through Uncertainty (00:47:33) - Key Mindset Shifts: Moving from Intention to Impact KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Philanthropy, Thoughtful Giving, Community Engagement, Control Mindset, Process in Organizations, Psychological Safety, Accountability, Feedback, Ego in Leadership, Power Dynamics, Self Awareness, Organizational Culture, Social Impact, Norms and Incentives, Empathy, Letting Go, Impact versus Intention, CEO Success

    51 min
  2. What Defines a Great Leader Today? Global Insights from Allison Howell (CEO, Hogan Assessments

    11 June

    What Defines a Great Leader Today? Global Insights from Allison Howell (CEO, Hogan Assessments

    How do you bridge the divide between how leaders show up and what teams truly want? On this week’s episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with Allison Howell, CEO of Hogan Assessments, to discuss their Leadership Divide Global Report, which draws on the responses from 9,794 employees across 25 countries. The findings challenge the conventional myths about what makes a great leader, and why charisma and ambition are not enough. Allison Howell pulls back the curtain on “emergent” versus “effective” leadership, sharing why the traits that get people promoted often undermine team success. We also dive into one of the other key findings; why the attributes executives display don’t match what employees crave, with nearly zero overlap. Critical leadership qualities such as cultivating trust, integrity, and humility, build both teams and organizations up, no matter the cultural context. She also shares concrete examples of the most common derailers in Hogan’s research: behaviors that fast-track promotions but quietly undermine trust and morale. Allison also offers a candid look at strategic self-awareness, the value of global perspective, and practical ways any organization can move from bias to balanced judgment. If you’re a leader, or an aspiring one, this episode delivers the research and real-world tactics you need to inspire true followership and foster organizational excellence in an era of rapid change. What You’ll Learn - The uncomfortable truth about reputation versus identity (and which one actually runs your career). - Emergence versus effectiveness: why the leaders who get promoted aren't the ones teams need. - Why your greatest strength can also become a derailer. - The global trust crisis and the surprising place leaders are best positioned to rebuild it. - Accountability: why employees are saying "you first." - Personality is climate, behavior is weather; what that means for your ability to change. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – What is Leadership? (03:57) - Reputation Versus Identity in Leadership Assessment (06:45) - The Leadership Divide: Key Findings and Surprises (10:49) - Leadership Emergence vs. Leadership Effectiveness (13:08) - Behaviors That Get Leaders Promoted (But Hurt Teams) (20:20) - Closing the Leadership Gap: Individual and Organizational Solutions (28:06) - Balancing Ambition, Confidence, and Humility (34:59) - Can Leadership Skills Be Developed? (38:10) - The Current Context of Leadership Expectations (45:52) - Cultural Differences in Leadership Preferences KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Hogan Assessments, Personality Assessment, Team Performance, Reputation vs Identity, Emergent Leadership, Leadership Gap, Charismatic Leadership, Strategic Self-Awareness, Leadership Development, Accountability, Integrity, Trust in Leadership, Communication Skills, Humility, Emotional Self-Regulation, Dark Side of Personality, 360 feedback, Global Leadership Trends, Data-Driven Selection, Cross-Cultural Leadership Differences, CEO Success

    47 min
  3. Why Empathy and Honest Communication Matter More Than Ever for AI-Driven Organizations with Joshua Gould

    4 June

    Why Empathy and Honest Communication Matter More Than Ever for AI-Driven Organizations with Joshua Gould

    What does great leadership look like when AI is moving faster than most organizations can keep up? To answer this important question, I spoke with Joshua Gould, the CEO of thebigword, a global language technology and services company, where he helped grow the business from $6M to over $100M in revenue. In 2021 he sold the business to a large US based PE firm and continued on as CEO, where he has led a $20m technology investment into AI and automation. This episode tackles the challenge of leading in an Ai-driven world, examining why level-headedness, prioritization, and empathy are more vital than ever. The discussion surfaces candid insights on how leaders can cut through tech-driven noise, return to first principles, and make decisions that truly serve their teams and customers. During our conversation, Joshua shares real-world examples that bring the risks and rewards of AI adoption to life, from transforming pricing and market share strategies to reshaping entire job roles. Josh does not shy away from hard truths, exploring the necessity of honest conversations even when the answers are unpredictable or uncomfortable. For leaders searching for actionable advice on how to steward organizational culture, empower employees, and future-proof their businesses, this episode offers a blueprint grounded in candor, resilience, and a commitment to doing good. What You’ll Learn - How to cultivate level-headedness amidst noise. - Prioritize ruthlessly: It’s the antidote to overwhelm. - Use technology to serve your values. - Building a culture of adaptation and co-creation. - Why the best leaders lean into transparency and courage, even when It’s scary. - Empathy remains irreplaceable in an Ai-driven world. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – Welcome to the Podcast (03:10) - Essential Leadership Qualities in the Age of AI (06:16) - Fundamentals Versus Hype: How to Make Sound Decisions (10:27) – Effectively Leading Through AI Advancement (12:39) - AI as a Pricing Weapon Rather Than a Productivity Tool (19:20) - Navigating Job Impact and Workforce Concerns with AI (24:09) - Courageous and Transparent Leadership in Disruption (29:29) - Leading Culture Change Amidst AI Fear and Resistance (34:38) - Grounding Adoption in Mission and Strategic Participation (41:00) - Preserving Critical Thinking and Avoiding AI Overreliance (48:03) - Empathy, Humanity, and Leadership in an AI Future KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology-Driven World, Level Headedness, Market Fundamentals, Fear-Based Decision Making, Prioritization, First Principles, Job Disruption, Upskilling, Employee Anxiety, Courageous Leadership, Transparency, Culture Change, AI adoption, Empathy, Critical Thinking, Executive Decision-Making, Value Creation, CEO Success

    54 min
  4. Incorruptible Leadership Lessons from Eric Ries: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great

    28 May

    Incorruptible Leadership Lessons from Eric Ries: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great

    This week on the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I sit down with bestselling author Eric Ries for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, mission, and the growing crisis of short-term thinking in business. Eric first transformed the entrepreneurial world with The Lean Startup. In his latest book, Incorruptible, he tackles a new challenge: why so many organizations lose sight of their purpose, compromise their values, and drift away from the very mission that made them successful in the first place. Together, we explore why many traditional business “best practices” are no longer serving leaders, employees, or society — and what it takes to build organizations that can withstand the pressures of short-term performance, protect trust, and stay anchored in their values over time. Through powerful stories, real-world examples, and surprising data, listeners learn how organizations can defend their mission, outlast competitors, and resist the economic “gravity” that pulls so many companies into compromise. From redefining profit as human flourishing to making trust and love into competitive advantages, the episode offers a blueprint for building companies that not only succeed financially, but endure. Whether you’re a founder determined to preserve your mission, or an executive seeking to build a culture of integrity, this episode is packed with practical guidance and inspiration. Tune in to discover what it truly means to become an incorruptible force for the good of your business and the good of humanity. What You’ll Learn - The perils of “best practices.” - Corruption isn’t just a crime – It’s losing your purpose. - How the moral logic of capitalism has been lost. - Redefining profit: Maximizing human flourishing. - Mission (not money) makes companies endure. - Trust and love are competitive advantages. - Governance isn’t boring. It’s your organization’s DNA. - Does growth kill mission? The risk is real. The reality does not have to be. - You can build incorruptible companies: An evidence-based business case. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - A Special Topic and Guest (01:49) - From the Lean Start-up to Incorruptible (04:07) - Defining and Diagnosing Corruption (08:32) - The Moral Logic of Capitalism and Value Creation (13:03) - Redefining Profit and Human Flourishing (19:15) - Mission Drift and Protecting Organizational Purpose (22:01) - Outliers: Exceptional Companies and New Best Practices (25:29) - Financial Gravity, Longevity, and Employee Ownership (30:00) - Trust as Organizational Currency (34:23) - The Long Term Stock Exchange and Long-Termism (35:20) - Love, People-First Leadership, and Real Competitive Advantage (41:23) - Governance, Board Dynamics, and Creating Incorruptible Organizations (44:46) - Lessons from Case Studies: Zita Cobb and Beyond (49:16) - Closing Reflections and Practical Resources KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Incorruptible, Integrity, Do Good to Lead Well, Long Term Thinking, Effective Governance, Market Reform, Lean Startup Method, Company Culture, Avoiding Short Term Thinking, Corruption, Capitalism, Value Creation, Shareholder Primacy, Business Ethics, Corporate Mission, Profit Redefinition, Human Flourishing, Stakeholder Alignment, Organizational Trust, Financial Gravity, Mission Controlled Companies, Organizational Character, CEO Success

    52 min
  5. The Power of ATP (Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity) – A Conversation with an Award-Winning CEO of an $800 Million Business

    21 May

    The Power of ATP (Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity) – A Conversation with an Award-Winning CEO of an $800 Million Business

    On this week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I am joined by Kevin Ford, the former CEO of Calian, whose track record as a transformational CEO sets the stage for a candid exploration of what really drives lasting personal and business success. We start by asking the question: Are authenticity and transparency more critical than ever in the age of AI? Our answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ We continue the conversation by exploring how the ATP trifecta—authenticity, transparency, and positivity—became the defining factor behind Kevin’s award-winning tenure as CEO. Our discussion moves beyond buzzwords, tackling real questions: How do you lead authentically even when you don’t have all the answers? How does transparency foster trust and spark breakthrough thinking? And why does a leader’s positive energy ripple through teams, especially in uncertain times? Packed with fresh perspectives and memorable stories, this conversation is essential listening for leaders and aspiring leaders looking to create thriving, rather than surviving, cultures. If you want to future-proof your leadership, build high-trust organizations, and learn how positivity can become your secret competitive edge, listen in to learn the tools and strategies that bring the ATP model to life for you. What You’ll Learn - The Power of Authentic Leadership. - Transparency as a Catalyst for Engagement. - Positivity as the Secret Sauce. - Building Trust in an Ai-Driven world. - Embracing Vulnerability for Growth. - Practical Ways to Become an ATP Leader. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - Setting the Stage (02:38) - Defining ATP: Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity (03:13) - Personal Reflections on Legacy and Feedback (04:19) - Maintaining Core Values Amidst Public Company Pressures (05:16) - Exploring Authenticity: What It Means and Why It Matters (08:57) - Trust as a Foundation: Authenticity and Transparency in Practice (10:02) - Transparency: Challenges and Benefits for Modern Leaders (11:18) - The Power of ‘Thinking Out Loud’ (14:16) - The Downside of Command-and-Control Leadership (15:37) - Positivity as Secret Sauce: Leading Through Uncertainty (16:58) - Controlling How You Show Up: Practical Positivity (18:06) - Avoiding Negativity: Energy and Team Dynamics (21:30) - Community Call-to-Action: Living and Leading ATP KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Authenticity, Transparency, Positivity, Leading Through AI/Disruption, Business Growth, Engaged Culture, Acquisitions, Public Company, Building Trust, ‘Think Out Loud’ Sessions, Workplace Culture, Personal Reflection, Legacy, Growth Mindset, Reframing, Employee Feedback, Positive Mindset, Resilience, Human Connection, Psychological Safety, Self-Awareness, CEO Success

    21 min
  6. How Do I Make the Best Decisions When the Pressure Is On? Lessons From a 30-Year Senior Military Leader

    7 May

    How Do I Make the Best Decisions When the Pressure Is On? Lessons From a 30-Year Senior Military Leader

    How do leaders stay steady in the storm of tough choices? This week, I sit down with Jack Briggs, a retired major general with a 30-year career in the military who is also a highly seasoned, for a masterclass in pressure-tested decision making. The episode debunks the myth that high-stakes choices are unique to the military or boardroom. Instead, Jack argues, “pressure is pressure,” whether the risk is reputational, operational, or personal. The discussion highlights the three traits of the best decision makers: anchoring decisions in firm principles, seeking help with humility, and making the call… decisively, not reactively. Listeners will come away with four essential questions to use in any crisis and learn why reframing “crises” into a set of solvable problems is vital for calm, effective leadership. This conversation is a must for anyone seeking practical, repeatable strategies to lead well, even when the stakes—and the anxieties—are high. What You’ll Learn - Anchor your decisions in principles. - Lead with humility and build your team. - Distinguish between problems and crises. - The power of a structured decision framework. - Be decisive and own the outcome. - Focus on your sphere of influence. Podcast Timestamps 03:18 Jack's origin story: from the Thunderbirds to the Air Force Academy 05:37 When leadership first appeared: Boy Scouts, the leadership laboratory, and the Eagle Scout 07:37 The Air Force Academy as a leadership lab: authority vs. responsibility 10:42 Being the snowplow: how to delegate without abandoning accountability 14:11 Leadership is a science and an art: training the recipe, then adapting it 16:41 Combat to boardroom: why pressure is pressure regardless of context 19:19 Defending North America: leading at continental scale 21:28 The three characteristics of the best decision makers 23:24 The archer analogy: principles, input, decisiveness 26:45 What leaders get wrong: fighting the fight they wish they had 28:06 Mob rule, Moses, and principled decision-making 32:11 Crisis vs. problem: why language matters under pressure 33:10 Snowstorms and problem buckets: a real-world example 35:26 The four questions for high-stress decisions 40:01 Checklists that work: laminate it and they will keep it 43:18 Humility plus decisiveness: being disagree-able 45:36 Choosing the least worst option and owning it 48:35 Final thoughts: stop chasing outcomes, start leading in your three feet KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Decision Making, Decision Making Under Pressure, Humility, Air Force Career, Military Leadership, Air Force Academy, Leadership Lab, Principles-Based Decisions, Delegating Authority, Crisis Management, Operational Risk, Financial Risk, Reputational Risk, Pressure in Leadership, Crisis vs Problem, Crisis Communication, CEO Success

    50 min

  7. 30 Apr

    Why (Senior) Leaders Struggle to Get Feedback and How to Change That

    Why do (senior) executives so rarely hear what they need to improve? I explore this critical leadership blind spot, inspired by a recent article in Fast Company by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and global thought leader on psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Relying on thought-provoking research amplified by real-world case examples, this episode exposes the invisible barriers that often keep leaders in the dark and offers a toolkit for reversing the trend. From the dangers of hierarchical silence to the psychology of honest feedback, I review practical strategies we can all use including asking focused questions, acknowledging our own blind spots, and separating our immediate reactions from thoughtful reflection. The importance of acting on feedback, no matter how small, is a simple, yet frequently overlooked opportunity. I also share the powerful example of Alan Mulally, one of the most celebrated and respected CEOs of all-time, to highlight how we can transform our cultures from focusing on fear to unleashing our individual and collective potential. For leaders who are hungry to boost their impact and foster psychological safety, this episode is full of actionable advice on creating an environment where candor thrives and teams and leaders at every level can truly grow. What You’ll Learn - The benefits of feedback. - What is feedback? - Ask for specifics, not generalities - The power of specific questions. - Reward courage – It’s scary to offer someone feedback. - Act on feedback and communicate your changes. Podcast Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 01:37 Today's Topic: The Feedback Gap for Senior Leaders 04:04 What Feedback Really Is: The Zenger Folkman Definition 05:47 Why Senior Leaders Struggle to Receive Honest Feedback 08:11 Strategy 1: Ask for Disconfirming Data, Not General Impressions 10:31 Asking Specific, Targeted Feedback Questions 12:40 Strategy 2: Separate Ingestion from Reaction 14:57 Strategy 3: Focus on Patterns, Not One Data Point 17:18 Strategy 4: Act on One Small Piece of Feedback First 19:40 The Alan Mulally and Ford Turnaround Story 22:01 Red Lights Are Gems: Closing Thoughts KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson, 360 feedback, Self-Awareness, Hierarchy, Power Differential, Leadership Development, Constructive Feedback, Actionable Feedback, Behavioral Change, Barriers to Feedback, Receiving Feedback, Accountability, Alan Mulally, Ford Turnaround, Transparent Leadership, CEO Success Source: Why senior leaders get less feedback—and how to change that - Fast Company

    23 min
  8. Embracing Authenticity at Work with Chief Heart Officer and Bestselling Author, Claude Silver

    23 Apr

    Embracing Authenticity at Work with Chief Heart Officer and Bestselling Author, Claude Silver

    What does authenticity at work truly mean and why is it worth the effort? On this week’s episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer from VaynerMedia, about the messy, courageous path to being yourself, even when it feels risky. Together, we deconstruct major myths around vulnerability in the workplace, offering evidence and stories that show how authenticity drives not just well-being, but tangible results: lower turnover, greater innovation, and a sense of collective purpose. Inspired by Claude’s honest approach, our live listeners pose powerful questions that highlight common daily struggles such as hesitating to speak up, managing boundaries, and leading authentically under pressure. Claude brings empathy and actionable insight, emphasizing that psychological safety isn’t a luxury, but the backbone of sustainable performance. She also meets tough questions about hybrid work, digital disconnection, and the demands of high expectations with practical advice for human connection, even screen-to-screen. Whether you’re looking to find your voice at work or creating an environment where others share more of themselves at the office, this conversation offers a blueprint for creating impact through authenticity, empathy, and everyday courage. What You’ll Learn - Authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything—it means showing up as you and taking up space. - Leaders aren’t expected to have all the answers; the magic happens when we guide, listen, and connect. - Empathy and accountability are not at odds. When people feel seen and valued, results follow. - Protect your energy and set boundaries; you cannot pour from an empty cup. - In challenging times, focus on what you can impact and be gentle with yourself. Podcast Timestamps 00:57 Welcome and introduction to Claude Silver 03:06 Origin story: Why Claude wrote Be Yourself at Work 04:48 The Chief Heart Officer role explained 07:01 Authenticity at work: Dipping your toe in 09:20 The cost of hiding who you are 12:19 The ROI of psychological safety and human-centered culture 15:42 Authenticity in high-performance transformation environments 18:24 Cultivating self-awareness: Where to start 21:26 Getting curious about your emotions 23:44 The biggest misconception about authenticity 26:06 Leaders don't need all the answers 28:38 Empathy vs. accountability: They're not opposites 33:17 Speaking up in meetings and overcoming imposter syndrome 36:12 Having difficult conversations with courage 39:41 Connection in a virtual and hybrid world 44:11 Cameras on: Why it matters 46:52 When your face comes across as intense 48:46 Staying grounded when the world feels heavy 52:41 Boundaries: The recovering codependent's guide 56:09 Closing message: Text three people today KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Authenticity at Work, Psychological Safety, Workplace Culture, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Vulnerability, Maintaining Boundaries, People-Centered Leadership, Hybrid Work, Chief Heart Officer, Organizational Values, Imposter Syndrome, Emotional Intelligence, Collaboration, Belonging, Workplace Diversity, CEO Success

    58 min
See All (202)

About

If you're passionate about mastering self-leadership, you're in the right place. I've dedicated my career to understanding the science and practice of positive leadership. I Integrate evidence-based principles from the fields of positive psychology with those in leadership and organizational excellence that will help you develop real-life solutions to solve your greatest challenges. Each week I'll bring world-class content with industry experts to help you use positive leadership to build a peak performance culture.

Information

You Might Also Like