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. 14h ago

    Transforming Meetings from Weapons of Mass Dysfunction to Powerful Tools for Productivity: A Conversation with Bestselling Author Rebecca Hinds

    What if you could transform every meeting into your best meeting ever? This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well features Rebecca Hinds, the acclaimed bestselling author of "Your Best Meeting Ever." Our conversation dives into the hidden dynamics behind every team gathering, from subtle power plays to the creeping status bias of overloaded calendars. Our discussion moves beyond complaints about “death by meeting” to practical, research-backed solutions. Rebecca introduces concepts like meeting debt and the "4D CEO test," arming listeners with frameworks to diagnose, declutter, and redesign meeting culture for maximum impact. Highlights include the transformative idea of “meeting doomsday”—a bold approach to calendar cleansing that opens the door for more meaningful collaboration. We also tackle perennial challenges such as how to handle meeting FOMO, design for inclusion, and encourage respectful pushback in hierarchical settings. We also explore how to use AI as an ally rather than a crutch to maximize engagement and effectiveness. For leaders invested in building stronger teams and organizations, this episode delivers a timely, practical roadmap for doing meetings differently. With actionable insights and research-driven frameworks, the discussion promises not just fewer meetings, but meetings that truly move work forward. What You’ll Learn - Meetings as a Form of Invisible Sabotage. - Meetings = Status Symbols? - How to Avoid Productivity Theatre in Meetings. - Do You Need That Meeting? Using the 4D CEO Test. - Meeting Debt Is Real. - Try a Meeting “Doomsday. - Pushback = Respect. - What is the Magic Number of Attendees for Effective Meetings? - A Metric for ‘Return on Time Investment’ for Meetings. - AI Won’t Magically Fix Bad Meetings. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – The Dark History of Meetings (03:44) - What Meetings Reveal About Organizations (05:21) - The Origins of Dysfunctional Meetings (09:20) - Deciding When to Meet: The 4D CEO Test (14:11) - The Concept of Meeting Debt (16:34) - Meeting Doomsday: The Radical Calendar Cleanse (20:15) - Meeting Audits and Incremental Change (22:35) - Psychological Safety and Radical Candor in Meeting Culture (27:01) - Managing Meeting Size and Attendees (30:02) - Measuring Meeting Effectiveness and Time Investment (34:59) - Balancing Airtime and Curbing Monologues (38:21) - Starting, Ending, and Pacing Meetings (41:20) - Sidebar Conversations and Decision-Making Norms (44:23) - The Role of AI in Meeting Management KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Meetings, Meeting Culture, Designing Effective Meetings, Power Dynamics, Status Dynamics, Meeting Purpose, Productivity Theater, Meeting Audit, Calendar Cleanse, Meeting Doomsday, Recurring Meetings, Meeting Debt, Meeting Management, Psychological Safety, Radical Candor, Asynchronous Communication, AI in Meetings, Digital Note-Taker, Meeting Metrics, Meeting Length, Meeting Cadence, Attendee Selection, Social Loafing, Decision-Making Norms, Disagree and Commit, Meeting Transparency, CEO Success

    Transforming Meetings from Weapons of Mass Dysfunction to Powerful Tools for Productivity: A Conversation with Bestselling Author Rebecca Hinds

  2. Sep 17

    Mastering Managing Up with Bestselling Author Melody Wilding

    This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well opens with a lively exchange about the true essence of “managing up.” Our conversation focuses on Melody Wilding’s journey from her bestselling book Trust Yourself to her latest, Managing Up, revealing how self-leadership is the essential foundation for influencing those in power. Together, we explore why managing up isn’t “boss-pleasing,” but rather empowering yourself to build conditions for true success. Our discussion also dives deep into the psychology and realities of work and why “letting your work speak for itself” is no longer enough. Melody also highlights how to use visibility as a tool for advancing both your projects and your career. Several points were raised, including the power of proactive communication, the necessity of challenging outdated norms, and the reality that managing up is crucial for everyone, not just junior employees. This conversation is rich with actionable frameworks, memorable phrases (such as “power mapping” and “pocket updates”), and mindset shifts for anyone navigating complex teams and tough bosses. Tune in to reconsider what it actually means to lead well while doing it on your own terms. What You’ll Learn - Rethinking “Managing Up.” - Visibility is not vanity. - How to use questions and pattern interrupts to set effective boundaries. - Why you want to spend time Power Mapping - Communicating with different leadership styles. - Seeding advancement and compensation conversations. - The power of the “Pocket Update.” Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - The Origin Story of "Managing Up" (05:09) - Redefining Managing Up: Ownership vs. Boss-Pleasing (09:22) - Visibility, Self-Advocacy, and Career Progression (13:36) - Recognizing the Need for Discernment (14:10) - Managing Up as an Essential Senior Leadership Skill (17:14) - The Alignment Conversation and Power Mapping (24:26) - The Boundaries Conversation: Balancing Teamwork and Limits (29:35) - Managing Up to Different Boss Archetypes (44:35) – The Advancement and Money Conversations (49:58) - Everyday Visibility Opportunities and Final Takeaways KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Managing Up, Self-Leadership, Leadership Development, Career advancement, Navigating Workplace Dynamics, Setting Boundaries, Managing Office Politics, Stakeholder Management, Power Mapping, Visibility at Work, Executive Communication, Difficult Conversations, Dealing with Micromanagement, Workaholic Bosses, Fear-Based Leadership, Organizational Influence, Self-promotion, Assertive Communication, Advocating for Yourself, Negotiating Compensation, Strategic Advocacy, CEO Success

    Mastering Managing Up with Bestselling Author Melody Wilding

  3. Sep 11

    Why Data-Inspired Beats Data-Driven: Moving from Optimization to Transformation

    This episode of Do Good to Lead Well opens with a thought-provoking challenge to the familiar refrain, “Let’s be more data-driven.” Instead, Sebastian Wernicke, a top TED speaker and globally recognized thought leader, shares the importance of being “data-inspired.” Our discussion focuses on the premise that lasting transformation requires more than dashboards and metrics. We explore the subtle yet crucial difference between optimizing the present and reimagining the future, using data as a catalyst. Listeners will discover why assumptions about objectivity and quick fixes with more data often backfire and how the real edge comes from leaders willing to be curious, challenge their own thinking, and foster environments where their employees can do the same. Key takeaways include actionable methods for reframing challenges, leveraging the “five whys,” and ensuring AI supports, rather than supplants, human judgment. Tune in for an essential guide to leading well in a landscape where data is plentiful, but wisdom and culture are what set winners apart. What You’ll Learn - Data-driven versus data-inspired? A key difference for transformational change. - Myth busting: Is data objective? Does ‘data speak for itself?” - Mindset shifts for better decisions. - Why psychological safety matters! - The importance of a “culture first, tech second” mentality. - Embracing human judgment in the AI era. - Dealing with data skeptics. - The (not-so) secret sauce: Data AND culture. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - The Origin Story of "Data Inspired" (03:14) – What is the Difference between Data-Driven vs. Data-Inspired? (07:21) - The Myth of Data Objectivity (10:26) - Mindset Shifts for Effective Data Use (15:40) - Cultivating Curiosity and the Power of Questions (19:20) - Psychological Safety as the Bedrock of Data Inspiration (22:58) - Culture First, Tools Second: Building Data-Inspired Organizations (25:24) - Leadership Qualities for Data-Inspired Environments (31:09) - Managing Data Quality and Volume (36:57) - The Human Side of AI and Data-Inspired Judgment (42:08) - Overcoming Resistance to Data and Organizational Change (44:43) - Closing Reflections KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, AI, Artificial Intelligence, AI Transformation, People-First Leadership, AI Adoption, Transformational Change, Data-Driven, Data-Inspired, Organizational Culture, Psychological Safety, Curiosity, Decision-Making, Data Myths, Data Quality, Machine Learning, AI Strategy, Data Strategy, Business Transformation, Cultural Change, Big Data, Teamwork, Empathy, Storytelling with Data, Overcoming Resistance, Innovation, Problem-Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Five Whys Technique, Human Judgment, Data-Fatigue, Purpose-Driven, CEO Success

    Why Data-Inspired Beats Data-Driven: Moving from Optimization to Transformation

  4. Sep 4

    Building Collective Confidence: Lessons from Elite Teams and Fortune 100 Talent Leader Dr. Andre Martin

    What truly separates good teams from legendary ones? In this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Andre Martin, author of Collective Confidence and a highly respected leader across multiple Fortune 100 companies. Our conversation debunks the quick-fix of assembling teams of pedigreed all-stars, showing instead how extraordinary outcomes come from humble, well-aligned teams rooted in trust and a sense of shared purpose. Our discussion uncovers a fresh perspective on teamwork: winning doesn’t start with a streak or a résumé, but with behind-the-scenes habits and the psychological safety that allows every member to shine. Highlights from our conversation include a closer look at onboarding, culture-building, inspirational learning, and the dangers of an unchecked ego in the age of relentless change. For leaders facing today’s continuous waves of disruption, this episode offers concrete, evidence-based practices to unlock the untapped power of true collectives. Don’t miss these insights on fostering culture, resilience, and collective brilliance when it matters most. What You’ll Learn - Lessons from Elite Sports & Beyond. - Why the ‘Best’ Team Isn't a List of Resumes. - The Power of Clarity. - Inspiration Over Engagement. - Onboarding & Behaviors: How Culture Scales. - Culture is “the average of our collective behaviors.” - Collective Learning in the Age of AI. - How to Grow Collective Confidence. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – An Introduction to Collective Confidence (05:07) - Lessons from Sports Teams and the Prevailing Myth of Winning Streaks (07:54) - The Pitfalls of Assembling All-Star Teams (11:36) – The Importance of Role Clarity and Making Everyone the Boss of Something (16:15) - Fit, Culture, and Assembling Effective Teams (19:53) - Inspiration vs. Engagement: Borrowed Brilliance (23:57) - Scaling Culture in Fast-Growth Organizations (28:00) - Leading Collective Confidence Amidst Change (32:35) - Learning as a Collective Performance Lever (44:37) - Resilience, Trust, and Psychological Safety in Teams (48:28) - Making the System the Star KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, High-Performing Teams, Collective Confidence, Executive Team Alignment, Talent Strategy, Team Culture, Process Outcomes, Elite Teams, Role Clarity, Team Fit, Top Talent, Humility in Teams, Glue People, Onboarding, Culture Curation, Behavioral Expectations, Psychological Safety, Trust in Teams, System Thinking, Learning Organizations, Collective Learning, AI in Organizations, Inspiration versus Engagement, Adaptability, Team Resilience, Confidence-Building, CEO Success

    Building Collective Confidence: Lessons from Elite Teams and Fortune 100 Talent Leader Dr. Andre Martin

  5. Aug 27

    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

  6. 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)

  7. 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)

  8. 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)
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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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