The Good Leadership Podcast

Charles Good
  • 4.9 (15)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Unlike a typical interview show, The Good Leadership Podcast is a space to think together about what truly drives performance. Each episode explores big ideas from influential books, researchers, and practitioners, and examines what actually drives learning, decision-making, and achievement in the real world. And while many podcasts offer inspiration, this one goes a step further, pairing inspiration with ideas designed to transfer into how people think, decide, and perform when it matters most.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Some People Learn Skills Faster Than Everyone Else with Scott H. Young and Charles Good | TGLP #286

    In this conversation, Scott H. Young discusses the principles of effective learning and improvement, emphasizing the importance of structured practice, feedback, and observation. He explores the impact of cognitive load on learning efficiency and the role of AI in shaping future learning environments. The discussion highlights the balance between intuition and structured methods, advocating for a comprehensive approach to skill development that includes imitation as a necessary phase. Young provides practical strategies for managing cognitive load and enhancing learning outcomes, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace continuous improvement in their personal and professional lives.titles Unlocking the Secrets of LearningMastering the Art of ImprovementStruggling to learn is not a personal failure.Imitation is a phase of skill development.Continuous improvement requires adapting methods.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Learning 01:35 Scott Young's Journey into Learning 02:44 The Tetris Example: Learning and Improvement Factors 06:11 The Relevance of Learning in an AI World 08:45 The Importance of Structured Learning 11:10 Lessons from Ultra Learning 14:37 Expert Problem Solving: The Case of Andrew Wiles 18:09 Weak vs. Strong Methods in Problem Solving 25:04 Creativity: The Role of Imitation in Originality 25:26 The Evolution of Learning Methods 29:54 Understanding Cognitive Load Theory 33:35 Strategies for Effective Learning 35:53 Key Insights and Takeaways

    37 min

  2. FEB 23

    Outlearn to Outperform: Why Most Learning Collapses Under Pressure & How to Fix It with Charles Good | TGLP #285

    In this episode of The Good Leadership Podcast, Charles Good explores the challenges leaders face under pressure, emphasizing the reversion effect, where individuals revert to their most practiced habits instead of utilizing their skills. He discusses the science behind working memory and automatic habits, providing a three-step framework to help leaders prepare for high-stakes situations. The importance of debriefing after such moments is also highlighted as a means for continuous improvement and learning. TAKEAWAYS You lose big deals due to retrieval problems, not training gaps. Under pressure, leaders revert to their oldest habits. Working memory is limited and can be hijacked by stress. Skills need to be practiced in varied conditions to transfer effectively. Preloading decisions can reduce cognitive overload during pressure. Specific cues can trigger desired behaviors in high-stakes moments. Debriefing is crucial for learning from leadership experiences. Surprise in meetings indicates a failure in mental models. Identifying personal reversion behaviors can improve performance. Effective leaders build systems to manage pressure, not just rely on motivation. Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Reversion Effect 03:13 Cognitive Science and Leadership 04:06 The Role of Working Memory 05:52 Retrieval Architecture for Leaders 06:55 Three Steps to Prepare for Pressure 08:57 Managing High-Pressure Moments 10:24 The Importance of Debriefing 12:22 Building Learning Architecture 15:16 Key Insights and Takeaways

    16 min

  3. FEB 16

    Inside the Playbook of the Top 1% with Dr. Kumar Mehta and Charles Good | TGLP #284

    In this episode of the Good Leadership Podcast, host Charles Good engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Kumar Mehta about what it truly means to be exceptional in leadership and performance. They explore the systemic issues that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential, the importance of deliberate practice, and the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success. Dr. Mehta shares insights from his research on elite performers, emphasizing the significance of commitment devices, future orientation, and the necessity of a supportive environment. The discussion also touches on the stages of personal development and how to raise exceptional children by instilling a strong work ethic and the connection between effort and outcomes. TAKEAWAYS If your career keeps running on the same habits, it's a system problem. Being good enough is no longer enough in today's world. Exceptional performance is a system you can learn, not just a talent. Deliberate practice is essential for moving from good to exceptional. Future orientation helps in making better present choices. Commitment devices can help maintain focus and effort. Cross-pollination of ideas from different fields enhances creativity. Super elite performers often have a competitive upbringing and a chip on their shoulder. Mastery is about competing with your possible best, not just personal bests. Teaching children the link between effort and outcomes fosters a strong work ethic. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Path to Exceptional Leadership 00:42 The Distinction Between Hard Work and Deliberate Practice 03:50 The Importance of Structured Practice 06:22 The Power of Commitment and Plan A 09:35 Transferring Skills Across Disciplines 12:52 Cross-Pollination of Ideas for Growth 15:07 Harnessing Adversity for Motivation 18:21 Shifting from Outcome Focus to Mastery 19:54 Recognizing and Acting on Pivot Points 21:30 Stages of Growth: From Personal Best to Possible Best 24:00 Implementing Lessons from Elite Performers 25:37 Fostering a Strong Work Ethic in Children 27:18 Applying the Framework at Any Stage of Life 27:40 Key Insights and Takeaways

    29 min

  4. FEB 9

    The Leadership Challenge Hiding Inside How We Learn at Work with Dr. Megan Sumeracki & Charles Good | TGLP #283

    In this episode, Charles Good and Dr. Megan Sumeracki delve into the intricacies of learning, memory, and effective teaching strategies. They discuss the importance of understanding how learning works, the pitfalls of relying on intuition, and the myths surrounding cognitive science. The conversation emphasizes that learning is a competitive advantage and that effective learning strategies can significantly enhance performance. They also explore the role of technology and AI in learning, the hidden costs of cognitive offloading, and the foundational role of memory in the learning process. Finally, they provide insights into improving the transfer of learning to real-world situations. Megan Sumeracki, PhD is a cognitive psychologist and co-founder of The Learning Scientists, an organization focused on translating decades of research on learning and memory into practical, evidence-based strategies that help people learn more effectively and retain what they learn. TAKEAWAYS Learning is no longer a support function; it's a competitive advantage. Most professionals struggle not due to lack of intelligence but ineffective learning design. Intuition often misleads us in assessing our learning effectiveness. Confidence does not equate to competence; many are poor judges of their own learning. Effective learning strategies often feel difficult but yield long-term benefits. Cognitive offloading can hinder deeper learning if relied upon too heavily. All knowledge is fundamentally tied to memory; without retrieval, knowledge is inaccessible. Technology and AI can assist learning but cannot replace foundational knowledge. Connecting new information to existing knowledge enhances learning efficiency. Multiple concrete examples help in understanding abstract concepts. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Learning Gap: Understanding Memory and Learning 01:36 The Learning Scientists: Bridging Research and Practice 02:53 Confidence vs. Competence: The Learning Dilemma 04:45 Intuition in Learning: The Pitfalls of Familiarity 07:25 Myths of Learning: Debunking Common Misconceptions 10:06 Technology and Memory: The Role of AI in Learning 17:07 Knowledge is Memory: The Foundation of Learning 22:32 Abstract vs. Concrete: Making Learning Accessible 31:33 Understanding Transfer in Learning 34:20 The Power of Retrieval Practice 35:24 Future Directions in Learning Science

    37 min

  5. FEB 2

    How Will You Measure Your Life? (Most of Us Get It Wrong) with Karen Dillon & Charles Good | TGLP #282

    In this episode of the Good Leadership Podcast, host Charles Good speaks with Karen Dillon, former editor of Harvard Business Review and co-author of 'How Will You Measure Your Life?' They explore the intersection of business theory and personal fulfillment, discussing how rigorous decision-making and understanding intrinsic motivation can lead to a more satisfying life. Dillon shares insights from her collaboration with Clayton Christensen, emphasizing the importance of applying business theories to personal decisions, the high achiever paradox, and the significance of relationships in achieving long-term happiness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Karen Dillon's Journey 02:19 The Impact of Clay Christensen's Teachings 04:47 Understanding Business Theory and Life Decisions 07:17 Herzberg's Two Factor Theory Explained 09:29 The Importance of Intrinsic Motivators 11:11 Self-Check for Long-Term Fulfillment 12:04 Deliberate vs. Emergent Strategy in Business 14:30 Testing Assumptions in Decision Making 16:33 Financial Constraints Leading to Innovation 18:53 The High Achiever Paradox 22:22 Jobs to Be Done Theory in Relationships 27:25 Understanding Emotional Needs in Relationships 29:09 Outsourcing Responsibilities: Lessons from Dell 32:06 Key Insights and Takeaways

    33 min

  6. JAN 26

    How Behavioral Science Changes the Way People Decide and Act with Nancy Harhut & Charles Good | TGLP #281

    In this conversation, Charles Good and Nancy Harhut delve into the intricate relationship between leadership, marketing, and behavioral science. They explore how understanding decision-making shortcuts, the power of emotion, and principles like loss aversion and the endowment effect can significantly enhance marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ethical marketing practices, the role of social proof, and how leveraging scarcity and exclusivity can drive customer engagement and conversion. TAKEAWAYS Most performance problems don't show up as learning problems.Leading with emotion accelerates action.People make decisions for emotional reasons and justify them later.Loss aversion outperforms promised gains in marketing.We value things more when we think of them as ours.Scarcity and exclusivity can create urgency in marketing.Giving first without strings attached fosters reciprocity.Social proof influences decision-making significantly.Specificity in testimonials enhances credibility.Authenticity in marketing is more effective than perfection. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Marketing Blind Spots 01:47 The Power of Behavioral Science in Marketing 02:14 High-Cost Mistakes in Marketing 04:06 Quick Wins with Behavioral Science 05:15 The Role of Emotion in Decision Making 08:52 Leveraging Loss Aversion 12:09 The Endowment Effect and Customer Ownership 15:31 Scarcity and Exclusivity in Marketing 21:21 The Principle of Reciprocity 23:39 The Power of Reciprocity in Business 25:05 Leveraging Social Proof for Credibility 26:40 The Role of Peer Influence in Decision Making 29:13 Authenticity in Social Proof and Reviews 31:33 The Importance of Storytelling in Marketing 33:47 Key Insights and Takeaways Newsletter: https://charlesgood.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesagood/

    36 min

  7. JAN 19

    Getting Better at Learning: The New Leadership Edge with Scott H Young & Charles Good | TGLP #280

    In this episode of the Good Leadership Podcast, host Charles Good engages with Scott H. Young, a bestselling author and expert in learning strategies, to explore the intricacies of effective learning and improvement. They delve into the concept of 'ultra learning' and how structured practice, feedback, and observation can significantly enhance one's ability to master new skills. Scott shares insights from his latest book, 'Get Better at Anything,' emphasizing that improvement is not merely about effort but about designing effective learning systems that incorporate examples, practice, and feedback loops. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on learning, suggesting that while these tools can automate tasks, they also necessitate a deeper understanding of the skills that remain relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Throughout the discussion, Scott highlights the importance of understanding cognitive load and how managing it can lead to more effective learning experiences. He argues that many traditional learning methods fail to account for the complexities of real-world problem-solving, advocating for a more nuanced approach that includes observing experts and applying strong methods rather than relying solely on intuition. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to implement these strategies in their own learning journeys, reinforcing the idea that learning is a continuous process that requires adaptation and intentionality. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Learning 01:35 Scott Young's Journey into Learning 02:44 The Tetris Example: Learning and Improvement Factors 06:11 The Relevance of Learning in an AI World 08:45 The Importance of Structured Learning 11:10 Lessons from Ultra Learning 14:37 Expert Problem Solving: The Case of Andrew Wiles 18:09 Weak vs. Strong Methods in Problem Solving 25:04 Creativity: The Role of Imitation in Originality 25:26 The Evolution of Learning Methods 29:54 Understanding Cognitive Load Theory 33:35 Strategies for Effective Learning 35:53 Key Insights and Takeaways

    36 min

  8. JAN 12

    Why Most People Never Become Exceptional (And How Some Do) with Dr. Kumar Mehta & Charles Good | TGLP #279

    In this episode of the Good Leadership Podcast, host Charles Good engages with Dr. Kumar Mehta, a leading voice in performance science, to explore the myths surrounding talent and exceptional performance. They discuss how innate talent is only part of the equation, emphasizing the importance of environment, commitment, and self-belief in achieving excellence. Dr. Mehta shares insights on goal setting, the significance of micro excellence, and the necessity of collaboration and mentorship in the journey to becoming exceptional. The conversation culminates in practical advice for busy professionals on designing effective habits to ensure consistent progress towards their goals. TAKEAWAYS Talent alone won't get you to the top 1%. Exceptional performance is a combination of multiple factors. Self-belief is a stronger predictor of success than skills. You need to identify your innate advantages to excel. Micro excellence focuses on the details that lead to success. Collaboration and mentorship are crucial for exceptional achievement. Setting lofty goals can drive significant progress. Daily habits contribute to long-term success. Your environment influences your potential for excellence. Effort can compensate for a lack of innate talent. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Path to Exceptional Leadership 01:36 Understanding the Myths of Talent 03:10 The Role of Environment in Success 06:02 Identifying Your Innate Advantages 09:07 Building Self-Efficacy and Confidence 12:59 The Importance of Goal Setting 16:18 The Power of Collaboration 18:20 Micro Excellence: The Key to Mastery 22:35 The Cumulative Effect of Small Steps 24:30 The Role of Environment in Exceptional Performance 27:18 Designing Realistic No Zero Day Habits 28:29 Key Insights and Takeaways

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Unlike a typical interview show, The Good Leadership Podcast is a space to think together about what truly drives performance. Each episode explores big ideas from influential books, researchers, and practitioners, and examines what actually drives learning, decision-making, and achievement in the real world. And while many podcasts offer inspiration, this one goes a step further, pairing inspiration with ideas designed to transfer into how people think, decide, and perform when it matters most.

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