Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

Scott J. Allen

Practical Wisdom for Leaders is your fast-paced, forward-thinking guide to leadership. Join host Scott J. Allen as he engages with remarkable guests—from former world leaders and nonprofit innovators to renowned professors, CEOs, and authors. Each episode offers timely insights and actionable tips designed to help you lead with impact, grow personally and professionally, and make a meaningful difference in your corner of the world.

  1. 3D AGO

    Courageous Followership with Ira Chaleff

    Send a text Ira Chaleff is an author, speaker, and executive coach in the greater Washington, DC, area. His extensive experience with the US federal government includes directing and chairing the nonpartisan Congressional Management Foundation, where he is now Chair Emeritus.  Ira co-authored the original handbook for newly elected Members of Congress, now in its fifteenth edition, and has facilitated over a hundred retreats for congressional offices. He has led and participated in Democracy strengthening programs in Asia and West Africa and consulted for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Eastern Europe. He has been an adjunct faculty member at the Federal Executive Institute and a visiting leadership scholar at Churchill College, Cambridge University in England. Ira served two terms on the Board of Directors of the International Leadership Association and is the founder of its Followership Community. Ira speaks on courageous followership and intelligent disobedience at a wide variety of institutions, including the US Department of State, the US Naval Academy, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the European Commission of the EU, and many others. Quotes From This Episode “Sometimes it’s courageous to conform. Discernment matters as much as courage.”“Followers are as responsible for bringing out the best in leaders as leaders are for bringing out the best in followers.”“If followership education only teaches compliance, should we be surprised when adults conform to poor leadership?”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Book: The Courageous Follower by ChaleffBook: Intelligent Disobedience by ChaleffBook: To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers by ChaleffAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    35 min
  2. FEB 4

    Are You Grounded or Not? with Paul Crick

    Send us a text Paul Crick is grounded in, and informed by, the principles, wisdom and practice of the martial art of Aikido, which he applies as a powerful discipline for mastering his craft as a seasoned, transformational coach. Through this lens, he supports leaders and teams to carve out their own distinctive path to success. With over two decades of hard-earned personal and professional experience working internationally as a consultant and coach, Paul specialises in enabling clients to navigate uncertainty and periods of intense transition and growth, amplifying clarity, confidence and impact at moments that matter most. Developing leaders and teams from the inside out, and helping people work together more effectively at scale, are areas where he consistently excels. Paul’s international corporate consulting experience spans the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He has worked with senior leaders on organisational transformation programmes across Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies, public sector institutions and voluntary organisations. Paul’s coaching philosophy is grounded in GRACE, providing a confidential, judgement-free space in which individuals and teams can explore, think and grow. As an accredited coach, he blends an eclectic mix of evidence-based tools and practical psychology to support lasting transformational change. Quotes From Developing Leaders and Leadership “If you’re not grounded in your body, if you haven’t got that alignment between mind, body, and your physiology, then it becomes difficult to create and stand up for something.”“Acceptance is facing up to the reality of what’s coming at you and figuring out how to redirect that energy in a way that restores harmony.”“Find the practice that works for you. Grounding can look very different for different people.”“When your actions, presence, and values align, that’s coherence.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Newsletter: GRACEWorks on SubstackPaul's Media KitFree Masterclass: GRACE Under PressureAudio: 5-Minute Clip on the 'G' of the GRACE FrameworkAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hop ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    40 min
  3. JAN 28

    The Forgotten Skills Behind True Leadership with Peter Weiss

    Send us a text Peter Weiss is a leadership mentor, former CEO, and founder of MindKaizen. He works with senior leaders operating under high pressure and complexity, helping them strengthen their inner operating system so they can meet today’s demands with clarity and stability. His work focuses on staying grounded under pressure, acting in line with personal values, and protecting the relationships that matter most. Originally from Germany, and with a background in bioengineering and an MBA, Peter spent decades leading and transforming organizations across Asia. He founded and led the Kaizen Institute Thailand and later turned around and successfully sold a manufacturing business. Peter is the creator of the ShinKaizen program, which blends ancient contemplative disciplines with applied neuroscience to develop the inner skills required for whole and effective leadership. He lives on a self-sufficient homestead in rural Thailand and works globally with executives, founders, and leadership teams. A Quote This Episode “Many leaders believe Kaizen is something you delegate. That belief is the problem. Tools never changed a culture. What changes culture is how leaders show up when things get tough."Resources Mentioned in This Episode Book: Well-Being and Personal Growth by Bruno A. Cayoun Book: The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan HaidtAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    31 min
  4. JAN 21

    The Four Components of Leadership with Dr. Toby Newstead

    Send us a text Dr. Toby Newstead is a respected leadership scholar and practitioner at the University of Tasmania, located in lutruwita on the lands of the palawa and pakana people. With a background in corporate change, leadership development, and professional communications, she brings practical expertise to her academic, coaching, and consulting work. An internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Newstead specializes in virtues-based leadership development, leadership ethics, and leadership in the volunteer sector. Her research appears in top journals. In 2023, she published a book titled Leadership and Virtues: Understanding and Practicing Good Leadership. Dr. Newstead is an established executive leadership coach and deeply engaged with industry and community. She regularly delivers impactful workshops, keynotes, and facilitation sessions. Dr Newstead’s research, teaching, coaching and facilitation has local and international impact, shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow. Quotes From This Episode “We cannot develop other people; we can only facilitate their learning and assess if they learned.”“Leadership involves relationships, influence, shared purpose, and collective effort. That’s the stuff that has to be there.”“Leadership isn’t the answer to everything; there are times when management or command responses are what the situation calls for.”“Followership isn’t an afterthought; you don’t have leadership without both leaders leading and followers following.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Poem - The Blind Men and the ElephantBook - Learning in AdulthoodAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in so ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    37 min
  5. JAN 14

    AI as Your Manager (and Leader) with Dr. David V. Day

    Send us a text Dr. David V. Day holds appointments as Professor of Psychological Science and Leadership and serves as the Academic Director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College in California (USA). He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and book chapters, many pertaining to the core topics of leadership and leadership development and is the author of the recent book titled “Developing Leaders and Leadership: Principles, Practices, and Processes.” David received the 2024 Eminent Scholar Award from the Network of Leadership Scholars at the Academy of Management and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Leadership Association. Quotes From This Episode “AI can absolutely substitute for management. Leadership is a different question.”“The future is not whether AI can lead. It’s when.”“Expert power increasingly favors AI. That changes everything.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode David Day on Google ScholarArticle: Fired by Bot at Amazon: ‘It’s You Against the Machine’Book: Everyone Culture by Kegan and AssociatesFilm: HerTED Talk: Ray Dalio Personality Assessment: PrinciplesYou Blog Post: Nick Cave's response on AI generated songwritingWebsite: LovoitcsAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    34 min
  6. JAN 7

    Schools Are Complex Adaptive Systems, Not Complicated Machines with Nick Hart

    Send us a text Nick Hart is the Principal at Horizon English School in Dubai, part of the Cognita global network of schools.  Nick holds an MBA in International Educational Leadership and has authored two books on educational leadership, focusing on its cultural and impact domains. A  Few Quotes From This Episode "Schools are complex adaptive systems, not complicated machines."“There is no such thing as a follower; everyone nudges the organization toward purpose.”“Feedback loops in schools might not show up for weeks, months, or even years.”“Leadership isn’t a hero up on the balcony, it’s about helping others hold ambiguity.”“Designing decision clarity early is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Book: Creating a Strong Culture and Positive Climate in Schools by HartBook: Impact: A five-part framework for making a difference in schools by HartArticle: DAC Model Article: DARE Model by McKinseyArticle: Elliott Jaques’ Levels of WorkLinkedIn: Richard ClaytonLinkedIn: Stefan NorrvallAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    32 min
  7. 12/24/2025

    Humans in the Loop with Dr. Karl Kuhnert

    Send us a text Karl W. Kuhnert, Ph.D. is Professor of the Practice of Organization and Management in the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Karl’s research focuses on how leaders cognitively, interpersonally, and emotionally develop over the life course.  Karl has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles, 13 book chapters and made over 100 conference presentations, and served on numerous editorial and review panels.  He teaches industrial and organizational psychology, leadership, organizational change, and professional ethics.  Karl has won numerous awards for teaching and research. Karl also regularly teaches leadership development in the Executive Ed. Programs at Emory, UCLA, HEC Paris, and UGA. He has served as a consultant with many large and small corporations, non-profit and government organizations including, United Parcel Service, The U.S. Dept. of Treasury, Siemens, The Jet Propulsion Lab, and Cox Automotive. A  Few Quotes From This Episode “Every time I have done this, it has freed up experts to do the work they actually want to do.”“Tacit knowledge is lived wisdom—it’s what makes an expert an expert.”“AI is a tool, it is not truth.”“We need to ask how judgments are made, not just whether AI can render them.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Book: Personal Knowledge by Michael PolanyiBook: The MAP: A Practical Guide to Leadership Development by Keith Eigel & Karl KuhnertArticle: Training Innovative AI to Provide Expert Guidance on Prescription Medications by KuhnertArticle: Teaching Leadership: Where Theory Bridges Practice by KuhnertAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    37 min
  8. 12/17/2025

    Bold Career Pivots with Misha Rubin

    Send us a text Misha Rubin is an executive “What’s Next” strategist who helps C-level leaders and high-achievers break income ceilings, land strategic leadership roles, and navigate bold career pivots while regaining meaning and momentum. Grounded in 15+ years as a Wall Street advisor and former EY Partner, he’s led $100M+ transformations and coached hundreds of executives to breakthroughs in compensation, clarity, and career strategy. His work is results-focused, built around executive positioning and decision-making, and supported by a proprietary tool that brings vision, clarity, and next-step confidence. A  Few Quotes From This Episode “We are CEOs of our careers and our lives, and somehow we tolerate not having a strategy for them.”“The slow lane is gone. If you are in a slow lane, that’s not a great place to be nowadays.”“You have to be nimble and bold to meet the needs of the future.”Resources Mentioned in This Episode Book: Loving What Is by Byron Katie The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum About The International Leadership Association (ILA) The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. About  Scott J. Allen WebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to Hosting The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. ♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast! ⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice. ➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech. 📜 Subscribe to my weekly newsletter featuring four hand-picked articles. 🌎 You can learn more about my work on my Website.

    42 min
4.9
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Practical Wisdom for Leaders is your fast-paced, forward-thinking guide to leadership. Join host Scott J. Allen as he engages with remarkable guests—from former world leaders and nonprofit innovators to renowned professors, CEOs, and authors. Each episode offers timely insights and actionable tips designed to help you lead with impact, grow personally and professionally, and make a meaningful difference in your corner of the world.

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