Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

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

    3D AGO

    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

  2. APR 30

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

    APR 23

    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
  4. Unlocking Unforgettable Presence and Influence with Bestselling Author, Lorraine K. Lee

    APR 9

    Unlocking Unforgettable Presence and Influence with Bestselling Author, Lorraine K. Lee

    This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well features Lorraine K. Lee, award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Right from the start, Lorraine challenges the myth that presence is an innate trait and persuasively argues that it is a learnable skill that anyone can develop through intention and small shifts. We explore the superpowers of introverts while also highlighting practical strategies for building credibility when you are the least experienced/youngest person in the room and how you can deliver high-impact presentations that engage an audience. Lorraine also provides her T.E.A. framework for effective communication in a virtual world. She highlights the importance of Technology, Energy, and Aesthetics to maximize our impact on video calls. This important conversation invites leaders and professionals to rethink how presence is built—in everyday moments, not just high-stakes situations. Listeners will walk away with accessible, evidence-based tools to unlock their own “superpowers” and show up with confidence, clarity, and unforgettable impact. What You’ll Learn - Reframe presence: From myth to mindset. - Presence is built in small moments, not just big ones. - Embrace and leverage your “presence superpowers”—Even as an introvert. - Turn nerves into fuel: Taming the anxiety monster. - Upgrade your virtual presence with T.E.A. (Tech, Energy, Aesthetics). - Design meetings for inclusion and impact. - How to redefine your LinkedIn presence. - Reframe imposter syndrome as growth data. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – What is Unforgettable Presence? (04:49) – Presence as a Learnable Skill (07:24) – Developing Presence as an Introvert (10:12) - Managing Public Speaking Anxiety (13:06) – Common Misconceptions About Presence (18:22) - Presentation & Meeting Presence: Preparation and Impact (22:19) - Building Strong Virtual Presence in Remote/Hybrid Work (27:17) - Leading and Facilitating Engaging Meetings (31:12) - Power of Language: Minimizing vs. Empowering Communication (38:28) - Building LinkedIn Presence for Career Impact (42:41) - Presence as a Junior Team Member (49:15) - Maintaining Presence in High-Pressure Situations (52:00) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Unforgettable Presence, Executive Presence, Introverts, Public Speaking, LinkedIn Strategies, Virtual Presence, Remote Work, Hybrid Meetings, Presentation Skills, Minimizing Language, Feedback Techniques, Communication, Imposter Syndrome, Psychological Safety, Meeting Facilitation, Personal Branding, Career Advancement, Storytelling, AI in Communication, Inclusive Leadership, CEO Success

    58 min
  5. From Playing It Safe to Crushing It: Dianna Fioravanti on Flipping the Switch in Leadership and in Life

    APR 2

    From Playing It Safe to Crushing It: Dianna Fioravanti on Flipping the Switch in Leadership and in Life

    How do you move from playing it safe to truly amplifying your impact? In this week’s energetic episode, I welcome back Dianna Fioravanti, President of Kuhne + Nagel Canada and bestselling author of "Flip the Switch," for a candid exploration of what it takes to silence self-doubt and step into authentic leadership. Dianna draws on her own setbacks and triumphs, revealing how even high performers can get stuck in fear or overthinking. Our conversation unveils her 6P model (person, purpose, passion, playbook, perseverance, partnership) as a roadmap for overcoming hesitation and achieving lasting transformation—not by becoming someone else, but by becoming more fully yourself. The stories and questions are deeply practical, designed to help listeners stop waiting for permission and start owning their voice. If you’re looking for tools to foster self-trust, design a meaningful legacy, and build resilience, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how to flip your own internal switch and how to help those around you do the same. What You’ll Learn - Start with self-leadership. - Discover your purpose and passion — Learn the difference between what gives you direction and what fuels your energy. - Create your playbook to move from insight to consistent action, especially when life gets tough. - Cultivate perseverance so you can bounce back and keep moving forward. - Give yourself (and others) permission to move - Build partnerships and your “inner cabinet”—trusted allies who support, push, and celebrate you along the way. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – What Does It Mean to Flip the Switch? (06:45) – Overcoming Inner Barriers (09:08) - The R.E.A.L. Model of Leadership (12:17) – The 6P Model (14:24) - Distinguishing Passion and Purpose (17:21) - The Role of Core Values in Self-Leadership (21:31) - Sustaining Passion and Rebounding from Setbacks (24:30) - The Importance of a Personal Playbook (29:29) - Giving Yourself Permission and Owning Your Voice (36:40) - Self-Assessment and Identifying Your Switches (41:19) - Building Partnerships and Your Inner Cabinet (44:52) - One Switch Listeners Can Flip Today KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Self-Leadership, Courage, Purpose, Organizational Culture, People-First Leadership, Personal Growth, Overcoming Fear, Avoiding Overthinking, Dealing with Perfectionism, Sustained Motivation, The Power of a Playbook, Core Values, Introspection, Passion, Resilience, Empathy, Authenticity, Legacy, Psychological Safety, Vulnerability, Partnership, CEO Success

    47 min
  6. Creating Positive Impact While Leading Through Change and Uncertainty – A Conversation with Laura Paglia, CEO of the Canadian Forum for Financial Markets

    MAR 26

    Creating Positive Impact While Leading Through Change and Uncertainty – A Conversation with Laura Paglia, CEO of the Canadian Forum for Financial Markets

    What does authentic leadership mean amid rapid change and digital noise? On this week’s episode of the Do Good to Leac Well podcast, I speak with Laura Paglia, CEO of the Canadian Forum for Financial Markets, who draws from her experience leading Canada’s top financial markets think tank and decades in private practice to answer this question. Her answers challenge the myth that ethics are just slogans, showing how integrity and transparency must guide every decision, even with the toughest choices. We also explore how to bring together diverse perspectives and contentious viewpoints, leveraging empathy without sacrificing progress and accountability. She also shares how she keeps herself and her team resilient by focusing on controllable outcomes. We also have a candid discussion about the impacts and opportunities of AI ranging from increased efficiency to navigating job disruption. Laura emphasizes the importance of maintaining our critical thinking and curiosity, even as technology transforms the informational and decision-making landscape. The conversation closes with an empowering message focused on the importance of stepping back, not personalizing setbacks, and always bringing your best self to work and life. This is the key to transformational growth and success. Tune in for an insightful journey from personal values to organizational change. What You’ll Learn - Lead by example: ethics and integrity must be lived, not just discussed. - Authenticity builds trust and effectiveness. - Mistakes are learning opportunities—be honest, be open. - Empathy, resilience, and perspective help navigate tough conversations and uncertainty. - Prepare for change (especially AI), but keep critical human insight at the forefront. - Value merit and reciprocity: invest in the people who uplift your organization. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – Welcome to the Podcast (04:06) – What Are the Essential Leadership Qualities? (05:42) - Authentic Leadership & Integrity (10:03) - Building Ethical Cultures (13:34) – How Honesty, Diplomacy & Directness Can Co-exist (17:51) - Openness About Mistakes and Uncertainty (23:08) - Navigating Diverse Perspectives and Conflict (26:03) - Empathy in Leadership (31:38) - Personal and Organizational Resilience (38:31) - AI Impact & Adaptation (42:41) - Leading Through AI Uncertainty KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Authenticity, Honesty, Ethics, Integrity, Organizational Culture, Communication, Transparency, Diplomacy, Emotional Intelligence, Listening, Empathy, Resilience, Adaptability, Self-Awareness, Continuous Learning, Meritocracy, Reciprocity, Teamwork, Empowerment, Critical Thinking, AI, Artificial Intelligence), Change Management, Personal Growth, Work-Life Balance, CEO Success

    49 min
  7. Wired on Wall Street: Tom Hardin’s Journey from Insider Trading to Ethical Leadership

    MAR 19

    Wired on Wall Street: Tom Hardin’s Journey from Insider Trading to Ethical Leadership

    In this raw episode of Do Good to Lead Well, I welcome Tom Hardin, whose journey from Wall Street hedge fund analyst to one of the FBI’s most prolific informants is a powerful examination of what drives good people to cross ethical lines. Despite the widespread belief that corruption comes from major events, Tom outlines the subtle drift and rationalizations that can turn ambition into poor decisions. Tom makes a compelling case that most people are far more vulnerable to contextual pressures than they would care to admit. In fact, he argues that the more confident we are in our belief that we are incorruptible, the more likely we are to make an ethical misstep. Through honest storytelling, the episode urges us to move beyond blaming or distancing ourselves, challenging us to ask better questions, reflect on our own values, and foster workplaces where psychological safety and true accountability can thrive. For anyone seeking a deeply personal and vulnerable understanding of ethics, culture, and resilience, this conversation delivers practical tools for self-reflection, leadership, and building lasting trust. These heartfelt lessons matter at every level of business and life. What You’ll Learn - Why 80% of us are at risk of “moral drift” if we’re not vigilant - The crucial difference between mistakes and choices - Culture is what gets rewarded - How leaders can spot and stop ethical slippage, starting with “the little things” - The power of asking better questions—not just of your team, but of yourself - Why honesty, humility, and self-forgiveness are the real superpowers in leadership Podcast Timestamps (00:00) – The Decision to Share a Profound Story of Vulnerability (05:14) – Cheating is a Choice (09:19) – Ownership, Shame, and the Challenges of Self-Forgiveness (13:06) – Moral Drift and Rationalization (16:35) – How to Spot Warning Signs (24:05) – Culture, Values, and Leadership (40:01) – Resilience and Redemption (45:08) – Radical Listening (48:22) – A Story of Hope and Personal Agency KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Insider Trading, Behavioral Ethics, Organizational Culture, FBI Informant, Compliance, Self-Reflection, Vulnerability, Rationalization, Psychological Safety, Ethical Culture, Whistleblowing, Character Development, Integrity, Reputation vs. Character, The Peril of Incentive Structures, Ethical Decision-Making, Personal Values, Resilience, Redemption, Asking Clarifying Questions, Moral Drift, Organizational Justice, CEO Success

    49 min
  8. Fixing Fairness: Building Workplaces That Work for Everyone with Lily Zheng

    MAR 12

    Fixing Fairness: Building Workplaces That Work for Everyone with Lily Zheng

    In this timely and important episode, Craig sits down with Lily Zheng, one of today’s leading voices on workplace transformation, to tackle the challenges and evolution of DEI. Lily brings both research-backed frameworks and real-world pragmatism, reflecting on how shifting from DEI to FAIR offers a practical way through current backlash and confusion. Lily’s refreshing candor provides a thought-provoking and valuable frame to the conversation. They don’t shy from complexity, but treat hesitancy, fear, and failure as necessary parts of meaningful progress. The episode is filled with practical advice, including tying every initiative to a real business problem, focusing on behaviors not buzzwords, and the need for every leader to own the responsibility for inclusion. Technology’s double-edged role is candidly discussed, warning leaders that AI will multiply both strengths and flaws. At its core, this episode asks: how do we actually do better? Lily urges leaders to focus on “atomic units” of behavioral change, reminding us that real progress is messy, ongoing, and built one intentional action at a time. What You’ll Learn - The power and pitfalls of language in DEI work. - Navigating the politicization of inclusion. - Let data—not dogma—drive your priorities - Move beyond ‘admiring the problem’: Replacing performative acts with real progress. - Redefining representation: Beyond the numbers. - Technology & AI: A double-edged sword. - The power of atomic units of change. Podcast Timestamps (00:00) - Introduction to Lily Zheng and the Origin of the Book (08:00) - Reframing DEI: Why Focus on Fairness? (14:41) – Lessons in Leadership: DEI Backlash (20:34) - From Performative to Problem-Solving DEI (25:15) - Systemic Change & Diversity Leadership (35:55) - Representation vs. Quotas and Building Trust (43:04) - Technology, AI & Fairness Risks (48:38) - FOFO: Fear of Finding Out and Organizational Reality (56:14) - The Atomic Unit: Driving Change Through Behaviors KEYWORDS Positive Leadership, Fairness, DEI, Inclusion, Equity, Representation, Organizational Change, Systemic Change, Workplace Culture, Diversity, Performative DEI, Accountability, Unconscious Bias Training, Artificial Intelligence, Politics, Cultural Transformation, CEO Success

    1 hr
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5
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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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