Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Craig Dowden
  • 5.0 (10)
  • 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. 1d ago

    Leading Through AI Transformation: Building a People-First Organization with Workforce Intelligence

    How do you lead well in a world transformed by AI? This week, Do Good to Lead Well tackles this question head-on, as I speak with Mike Sullivan, co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of OneDigital, and the co-author of the timely and insightful book, Workforce Intelligence. Throughout our conversation, Mike breaks through both the hype and the fear surrounding AI in today’s workforce. As a champion of people-centered AI, he offers an inspiring roadmap for activating, not replacing, the human workforce. Listeners are invited into the story of “Ben,” a digital coworker, and how Mike and his team treat AI onboarding like hiring a real employee: with transparency, development, and high expectations. The result? A culture where humans and digital agents collaborate, learn, and continuously improve together. We also discuss how workforce intelligence is being redefined and how high-performing teams are built not on software alone, but on empathy, transparency, and courage. For leaders and organizations seeking practical strategies, this episode brims with actionable advice, from measuring workforce intelligence to ensuring HR has a seat at the AI table. It’s a compelling argument for seeing the faces behind the headcount, and for cultivating trust as the cornerstone of 21st-century leadership. What You’ll Learn - Start with honesty, not hype when it comes to AI. - Don’t treat AI as ‘software’: Treat it like a coworker. - Transparent roles & faces build trust. - What is your Workforce Intelligence (WI) score? The success metric. - Activation moments matter. - Top-down Is the only way forward. - People Always Come First. - It’s not either/or. It’s Human Intelligence (HI) + Artificial Intelligence (AI). Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – Personal Fear and the Human Side of AI (06:02) – No Code? No Problem – Mike’s Personal AI Journey (10:05) – The Human Side of AI Deployment (12:29) – Hiring AI Coworkers: Internship to Full-Time (16:33) – Managing a Blended Human-AI Workforce (21:54) – HR’s Role and Navigating Workforce Change (26:29) – Defining Workforce Intelligence and the WI Score (30:58) – Overcoming Employee Fears and Building Trust (37:43) – Leadership Activation and Empathy in the Age of AI (53:00) – Final Reflections and The Humanity Test KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, AI, Artificial Intelligence, AI Transformation, Workplace Intelligence, People-First Leadership, Human-Centric Organizations, AI Adoption, Digital Coworkers, Organizational Change, Employment Disruption, Job Automation, Human Resources (HR), Talent Management, Growth Mindset, Trust in Leadership, Empathy in Business, AI Onboarding, Blended Workforce, WI score, Transparency in AI, Disruption, Future of Work, Human-AI Collaboration, Managing AI Anxiety, CEO Success

    Leading Through AI Transformation: Building a People-First Organization with Workforce Intelligence

  2. Aug 21

    Anchoring Leadership in Purpose and Values: Part 3 of a 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

    Over the past three episodes, I had a very special guest; Kevin Ford, the former CEO of Calian. Our previous conversations trace a powerful progression from self-leadership to connecting with others. In the final episode of this series, we explore how a profound sense of purpose united by a set of core values truly anchors an organization. Our discussion moves beyond corporate clichés, as we dig into how purpose statements can resonate from the C-suite to every desk and production floor, and why stories, not slogans, are the secret to unlocking commitment and pride. Listeners will also find practical insights on transforming company values from static posters into lived behaviors, using transparency, feedback, and authentic leadership. This journey ultimately challenges every leader to reflect on the following question: Are your company’s values visible in the daily experience, or just in the posters on the wall? Through the lens of firsthand leadership stories, our conversation examines the risks of focusing only on financial metrics and offers powerful reminders that true value is created when people are proud not just of their work, but of its impact. Tactics like regular storytelling, open surveys, and clear expectations set the stage for a culture where integrity, respect, and community involvement drive both performance, engagement and well-being. For leaders and teams navigating the complexity of today’s business world, this episode serves as both an inspiration and a toolkit for embedding purpose and values that last. What You’ll Learn - The Power of Purpose-Driven Organizations. - Developing and Communicating Core Values. - Storytelling as a Leadership Tool. - Metrics Matter: Move Beyond Just the Financials. - Balancing Performance and Values. - Navigating Personal and Organizational Values Misalignment. - The Ongoing Practice of Authentic Leadership. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction to Part 3: The Road We Travelled with an Introduction to Purpose and Values (03:04) - Defining Purpose in Organizations (05:25) - Developing and Living a Purpose Statement (09:28) - The Tangible Benefits of Purpose-Driven Organizations (13:45) - Strategies for Building a Purpose-Driven Culture (18:36) - Defining and Living Core Values (23:06) - Ensuring Alignment Between Stated and Lived Values (27:05) - Balancing Performance Pressures with Values (35:06) - Navigating Personal vs. Organizational Value Misalignment (41:00) - Final Reflections on the Foundations of Positive Leadership KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Purpose-Driven Organization, Core Values, Empathy, Transparency, Respect, Candor, Organizational Culture, Community Involvement, Storytelling, Company Mission, Organizational Alignment, Values Drift, Employee Motivation, Behavioral Anchors, Values-Based Leadership, Organizational Trust, Accountability, Purpose and Values Integration, Lived Values, CEO Success

    Anchoring Leadership in Purpose and Values: Part 3 of a 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

  3. Aug 13

    Leading with Candor, Respect, and Empathy: Part 2 of a 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

    In this episode of our 3-part series exploring the foundations of positive leadership, I speak with Kevin Ford, the award-winning, past CEO of Calian Group, about how to effectively connect with others. In a world grappling with AI, remote work, and breakneck change, we examine explore what meaningful connection looks like in practice. Starting with candor and transparency, our discussion explores why authentic openness isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a business essential. Kevin shares some real-life examples from leading a global, publicly traded company to amplify the conversation from theory to tangible action. Our journey continues with a deep dive into respect, which is not a formality rooted in title, but rather the lived foundation of innovative, resilient culture. Empathy emerges as our final, essential ingredient, with stories illustrating how courageous listening and presence lead organizations through uncertainty and drive sustainable results. Key moments include revealing the inner workings of boardroom transparency, the contagious effects of a leader’s sincerity, and the simple yet radical act of asking, “How are you really doing?” Insights on how accountability and compassion coexist provide leaders with a nuanced blueprint for addressing hard truths without losing humanity. Listeners will come away with a wealth of practical strategies, from how to tune into team energy, to acting on feedback with genuine care. For anyone looking to elevate their leadership and transform team dynamics, this episode delivers both the why and the how. What You’ll Learn - The Importance of Candor and Transparency in Leadership. - How Transparency Builds Trust and Followership. - Cultivating a Culture of Respect. - Navigating Difficult Conversations With Respect. - Demonstrating and Developing Empathy: A Leadership Superpower. - Positive energy matters, especially in tough times. - Balancing Empathy, Accountability, and Performance. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction to Part 2: Connecting with Others (01:59) - The Challenge of Connection in a Tech-Driven World (02:36) - Candor and Transparency in Leadership (07:36) - Transparency Across Stakeholders (13:09) - The Foundation of Respect (19:59) - (25:03) - Respect in Difficult Conversations and Layoffs (29:01) - Empathy as a Leadership Imperative (36:29) - Empathy in Action and Leading Through Crisis (47:03) - The Courage to Embrace Raw Emotions (55:07) - Reflecting on the Leadership Journey KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Candor, Transparency, Authenticity, Self-Leadership, Respect, Empathy, Leadership Culture, Company Values, Accountability, Performance Management, Giving Feedback, Employee Engagement, Emotional Intelligence, Human-Centered Leadership, Difficult Conversations, Building Trust, Stakeholder Communication, Navigating Change, Remote Work, CEO Success

    Leading with Candor, Respect, and Empathy: Part 2 of a 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

  4. Aug 6

    First, Leader Yourself: A 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

    What makes great executives stand out? I’m thrilled to share Part 1 of a 3-part series that will explore the foundations of positive leadership. Throughout this special set of episodes, I will be sharing the stage with Kevin Ford, the award-winning CEO of Calian who recently stepped down. In this episode, Kevin and I start the conversation by taking an honest look at why leading yourself matters most. We unpack the critical role of self-awareness, sharing a powerful personal journey that moved Kevin from early-career overconfidence to the life-changing benefits of welcoming tough feedback. We also discuss insightful research, amplified with real-life examples that makes the case that self-awareness isn’t soft. Our discussion touches on structured approaches (like 360 reviews) and everyday, observational cues that help leaders read the room and adjust in real time. We reframe humility as a leadership strength, curiosity as the operational side of great leadership, and positivity as the superpower needed to weather today’s challenges. If you’re searching for ways to advance your leadership, build resilience, and foster authentic relationships, this episode provides an actionable roadmap to transform self-awareness from a buzzword into your most valuable asset. What You’ll Learn - Self-Awareness is foundational - Feedback is a gift: Receive it well - Embracing (tough) feedback, can be transformative. - Make time for self-reflection. - Curiosity is operationalized humility. - Positive energy matters, especially in tough times. - Legacy is about the journey. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction to the 3-Part Series (00:42) - Guest Introduction: Kevin Ford's Leadership Journey (03:26) - The Importance of Leading Yourself (04:11) – The Role of Self-Awareness in Executive Success (06:08) - Transformative Feedback: The Value of Tough Conversations (09:46) - Processing Feedback and Humility in Leadership (12:12) - Creating Upward Feedback Culture (14:24) - Reading the Room: Observational Self-Awareness (16:43) - Internal and External Self-Awareness (17:56) - Addressing Time Constraints and Feedback Reluctance (22:18) - Curiosity as a Driver of Self-Awareness (24:21) - Humility, Curiosity, and Leadership Legacy (29:04) - Self-Awareness and Decisive Leadership (32:59) - Positive Energy and Well-being in Leadership (37:48) - Practical Steps for Sustaining Positive Energy (41:45) - Final Reflections on Self-Awareness KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Leadership Development, Executive Feedback, 360 Assessments, Upward Feedback, Humility in Leadership, Curiosity, Culture, Authenticity, Positive Energy, Well-Being, Mental Health, Physical Health, Energy Management, Legacy, Organizational Culture, Coaching, Empathy, Constructive Criticism, Personal Growth, Employee Engagement, Resilience, Performance Review, Self-Reflection, Emotional Intelligence, CEO Success

    First, Leader Yourself: A 3-Part Series on the Foundations of Positive Leadership (with an award-winning CEO)

  5. Jul 23

    The Benefits of Sabbatical Leave: Lessons from DJ DiDonna

    What happens when you leave your routine behind to embrace uncertainty? DJ DiDonna, Harvard Business School senior lecturer and founder of the Sabbatical Project, joins Craig Dowden to unpack the real benefits of sabbatical leave, drawn from years of research into hundreds of sabbatical-takers. DiDonna explains why extended leave delivers measurable physical healing, from resolving stress conditions like eczema and ulcers to reducing what he calls functional workaholism. The conversation also covers the confidence and creativity gains people report, the three sabbatical archetypes, and why the benefits of sabbatical leave extend to employers as well as employees. DiDonna draws on interviews with hundreds of sabbatical-takers to show that the benefits of sabbatical leave aren't reserved for the wealthy or the lucky. He argues most people can plan toward a sabbatical five years out by setting aside a percentage of income and identifying a trusted example who has already taken one. The episode also explores why founders and CEOs, despite having more flexibility, often feel trapped by the businesses they built, and how stepping away can reduce key-person risk while creating growth opportunities for junior staff. Throughout, DiDonna distinguishes the benefits of sabbatical leave from those of a simple vacation: vacations swap work tasks for leisure tasks, while sabbaticals create open space for identity change, healing, and experimentation. He closes with micro-moment strategies, like disconnecting for a long weekend, that let listeners borrow some benefits of sabbatical leave without leaving their jobs. Key Takeaways The benefits of sabbatical leave include physical healing, with sabbatical-takers reporting resolved eczema, ulcers, and trigger fingers.Sabbatical-takers frequently describe the experience as a peak life event, comparable to a wedding or the birth of a child.Three archetypes shape how people access the benefits of sabbatical leave: the achiever, the explorer, and the seeker.Confidence and creativity gains often outlast the sabbatical itself and carry into everyday work life.Employers benefit too: sabbaticals reveal key-person risk and reduce dependence on any single employee.Emotional recovery from work identity typically takes six to eight weeks before people feel like themselves again.Micro-moments, such as fully disconnected long weekends, offer some benefits of sabbatical leave without quitting a job.Planning a sabbatical five years in advance makes accessing these benefits feel achievable rather than disruptive. Chapters 00:57 Introduction and DJ DiDonna's background 05:31 Defining what a sabbatical actually is 07:55 Why extended time off matters 14:32 Reframing sabbaticals as realistic for everyone 22:20 Time vs. space: the real difference from a vacation 25:19 The emotional journey of a sabbatical 28:55 The three archetypes: achiever, explorer, seeker 34:02 Financial and logistical planning 38:45 Sabbaticals for founders and leaders 42:26 Micro-moments: everyday sabbatical practices 47:06 Closing thoughts and final advice Guest Contact Website: https://thesabbaticalproject.org Book page: https://djdidonna.com/big-time-off/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djdidonna FAQ Q. What are the main benefits of sabbatical leave? A. DiDonna's research points to physical healing, increased confidence, renewed creativity, and stronger organizational resilience. Q. How long until the mental health benefits of sabbatical leave kick in? A. Most people need six to eight weeks before feeling like themselves again, separate from their work identity. Q. Do the benefits of sabbatical leave extend to employers? A. Yes. DiDonna argues sabbaticals reduce key-person risk and reveal overly dependent business processes.

    The Benefits of Sabbatical Leave: Lessons from DJ DiDonna

  6. Jul 16

    How to Stop Having the Same Difficult Conversation: Practice C.P.R.

    This solo episode of Do Good to Lead Well focuses on one of the most common challenges in both leadership and everyday life: continually repeating the same difficult conversation without real resolution. Drawing on the important work of Crucial Conversations and Crucial Accountability, I explore the transformative CPR model (Content, Pattern, Relationship) as a deceptively simple framework for breaking frustrating cycles. I talk about how most people stay stuck addressing immediate content rather than recognizing damaging patterns or the deeper relationship impacts underneath. I also share concrete scripts using common scenarios to bring to life how shifting the “elevation” of a conversation can untangle recurring problems and restore trust. Leaders, teammates, and anyone facing persistent roadblocks in communication will walk away with actionable tools to finally resolve stubborn issues. Share your thoughts on how you have dealt with these situations and better yet, share the episode with someone who you feel would benefit from hearing it. What You’ll Learn - What is C.P.R. in difficult conversations? - The importance of addressing issues early. - The trap of relitigating the same content without recognizing a pattern. - The risk of escalating prematurely to relationship-level concerns after a single incident. - The problem of “piling on,” or tackling content, pattern, and relationship all at once. Podcast Timestamps (00:03) - The Recurring Conversation Challenge (01:23) - Introducing the CPR Model (03:30) - Content: Addressing Issues Early (06:08) - Elevating to Pattern-Level Conversations (08:50) - Relationship: Impact on Trust and Collaboration (10:43) - Approaching Difficult Conversations from Different Roles (14:46) - Common Traps and Pitfalls in Tough Conversations (17:53) - Choosing the Right Level for Effective Dialogue (19:33) - Final Reflections and a Call to Action KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Difficult Conversations, Conflict Management, Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, CPR model, Content Pattern Relationship, Communication Framework, Workplace Relationships, Feedback Scripts, Pattern Recognition, Escalation in Conversations, Resolving Conflict, Peer Conversations, Leadership Communication, Employee Feedback, Conversational Traps, CEO Success

  7. Jul 9

    Design Love Into Leadership: Unlocking the Power of Human Flourishing with Marcus Buckingham

    In this not-to-miss episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I am joined by Marcus Buckingham—the world’s foremost expert on human strengths and engagement—for a candid, data-rich conversation about bringing love into leadership. Drawing on his latest book, Marcus redefines love for the modern workplace: not as romance, but as an intentional design for human flourishing and extraordinary results. Our conversation begins with the deeply personal, as Marcus shares the vulnerability and lessons he learned after selling his beloved company, sparking a compelling case for why “designing love in” must be at the core of modern organizations. He also directly challenges the widespread myths that love makes organizations weak or leaders soft. Instead, tough love emerges as a vital force; sometimes the most loving thing a leader can do is share hard truths or make difficult calls. This episode dives into the real-world consequences of unloving practices like inefficient handoffs or unmanageable spans of control, offering concrete strategies for leaders to build truly vibrant, trust-filled cultures. Whether you’re a CEO who wants to transform your organization a team leader wanting to create an environment where you people flourish, this episode provides an evidence-based blueprint. Discover why love is the ultimate performance driver and how you can start designing it into how you lead today. What You’ll Learn - The power of love at work. - Redefining love in organizations. - From 'OK' to 'I Love It': The J-Curve of Experience. - Tough love: The role of accountability. - What are loving and unloving practices at work? - The ABCs of leading with love (Authenticity, Beliefs, Customs) Podcast Timestamps (00:02) - Introduction and Origin Story (02:17) - Vulnerability and Lessons from Selling a Business (06:00) - The Business Case for Designing Love In (11:22) - Defining Love in Organizations (17:11) - The Critical Importance of “Fives” (23:18) - Loving and Unloving Workplace Practices (32:11) - Tough Love and Accountability (36:17) - The ABCs of Leading with Love (44:02) - Rebuilding Trust and The Five Feelings of Love (51:07) - The Future of Designing Loving Experiences KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Human Performance, Gallup, StrengthsFinder, Business Case for Love, Organizational Culture, Employee Engagement, Workplace Love, Trust, Team Building, Positive Experiences, Spans of Control, Loving Handoffs in Customer Service, Customer Loyalty, Authenticity, Tough Love, Human Flourishing, Loving and Unloving Practices, CEO Success

    Design Love Into Leadership: Unlocking the Power of Human Flourishing with Marcus Buckingham

  8. Jul 3

    Mastering the Art of Receiving Feedback: Triggers, Reactions, and Strategies for Positive Leadership

    What stops talented leaders from truly hearing honest feedback? This episode tackles that question head-on, drawing from both leading research and lived experience. While most articles, books, and workshops focus on how to give feedback, this discussion targets how to receive it. I explore why so many feedback conversations break down and how leaders can do better. Core themes include the impact of our gut reactions to critical feedback, how quickly we discount advice based on source or style, and why challenges to our identity produce the fiercest resistance. Listeners will be guided through practical, evidence-informed strategies to become better feedback recipients, creating environments where candid conversations thrive. This episode offers a refreshing, evidence-based approach for anyone committed to their own growth and eager to lead with greater effectiveness and humility. What You’ll Learn - The roots of our genuine hesitation surrounding feedback conversations. - How our reactions can prevent or derail future feedback. - Although not all feedback will be delivered perfectly, you can still find value. - Don’t let your relationship with the feedback-giver cloud your judgment - Feedback stings most when it challenges our identity. Podcast Timestamps (00:02) – Setting the Stagek (01:12) – The Personal Challenge of Receiving Feedback (05:17) – Truth Triggers: Dismissing Feedback Based on Tone and Delivery (08:38) – Beware of Absolutes (10:18) – Source Triggers: Who Delivers the Feedback (12:41) – Difficult Feedback from Difficult People (13:52) – Identity Triggers: When Feedback Challenges Self-Image (17:17) – Personal Reflection: My Own Struggle with Feedback that Challenged My Identity (20:01) - Strategies for Curiosity and Constructive Engagement (23:40) - Bringing it Together: Commitment to Feedback Reception KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Feedback, Receiving Feedback, Giving Feedback, Leadership Growth, Psychological Safety, Critical Feedback, Defensiveness, Feedback Triggers, Doug Stone, Sheila Heen, Zenger Folkman, 360 feedback, Radical Candor, Feedback Accuracy, Feedback Source, Identity and Feedback, Evidence-Based Leadership, Coaching, Blind Spots, Core Values, Curiosity, CEO Success Source: Why (Senior) Leaders Struggle to Get Feedback and How to Change That - Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden | Podcast on Spotify https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/why-senior-leaders-struggle-to-get-feedback-and-how/id1634491338?i=1000764642523

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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.

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