Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden Craig Dowden

Welcome back to the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, where the art and science of communication takes center stage. Join us as we engage with Stanford professor and communication maestro, Matt Abrahams, discussing the secrets unveiled in his best-selling book "Think Faster, Talk Smarter." From the power of open-ended questions to the finesse required for a graceful exit from a conversation, we cover it all and ensure that you walk away with skills that transcend the ordinary, transforming every interaction into a moment of engaging connection. Through a combination of science, neuroscience and applied practice, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge that will sharpen your ability to communicate.

This episode isn't just about mastering the high-stakes world of spontaneous dialogue; it's about the nuances of everyday interactions. Listen in as we explore the underestimated skill of small talk, revealing how to navigate social exchanges with confidence and purpose. Discover the importance of asking open-ended questions, learn the art of exiting conversations without awkwardness, and appreciate the power of listening—skills that transform small talk from a dreaded chore into an opportunity for meaningful connections. Whether you're remote or face-to-face, we've got tips to help you communicate more effectively and engage listeners with greater equity and impact.

Finally, we dive into the soft skills that often go unnoticed but can significantly influence our interactions. Unpack the strengths of introversion and how humor and cultural understanding play pivotal roles in effective communication. We also examine the evolving landscape of digital communication, including the strategic use of emojis and the importance of feedback in building a culture of open dialogue. 

This episode promises to equip you with the tools necessary for becoming a more empathetic and impactful communicator in your personal and professional lives. Tune in, subscribe, and join us on this transformative journey to elevate your communication prowess.



What You’ll Learn:


How to Conquer the Fear of Impromptu Speaking


The Strategic Art of Small Talk


Hybrid Communication: Best Practices


The Strengths of Introverts for Effective Communication


Navigating Cultural Nuances


Using Humor to Create Connection


Why Empathy is the Key Ingredient to Navigate Conflict


The Perils and Promise of Emojis


Effective Feedback Techniques


Improving Our Communication Is A Lifelong Journey 





Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) – The Power and Promise of Effective Communication

(10:33) - Mastering Small Talk and Impromptu Communication

(17:40) – Equity and Engagement in Communication

(23:24) - Leveraging Lessons from Introversion, Humor, and Cultural Awareness to Elevate Your Impact

(31:55) – Communication Secrets for Navigating Conflict

(45:21) - Effective Use of Emojis and Feedback to Enhance Connection



Key Topics Discussed:

Communication Skills, Small Talk, Hybrid Communication, Humor, Conflict Management, Emojis, Feedback, Virtual Communication, Managing Anxiety, Public Speaking, Active Listening, Empathy, Radical Candor, Improvisation



More of Matt Abrahams:

Matt Abrahams is a renowned expert in communication, celebrated for his dynamic roles as a Stanford University lecturer, author, and podcast host. He teaches strategic communication at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, where he received the prestigious Alumni Teaching Award. As a sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant, Matt has coached presenters for high-stakes events such as IPO roadshows, TED Talks, and World Economic Forum presentations. He hosts the award-winning podcast "Think Fast, Talk Smart" and has authored books like "Think Faster, Talk Smarter" and "Speaking Up without Freaking Out," which offer practical strategies for confident and effective communication.

Website: https://mattabrahams.com/



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Ever wrestled with the relentless voice in your head that magnifies every slip-up and whispers doubts at the worst possible moments? I had the privilege of sitting down with Ethan Kross, an acclaimed authority on controlling the conscious mind and the inner mechanisms that govern our self-talk. Together, we dissect the phenomenon of ‘chatter’, those pesky negative thought loops that can ambush our emotional equilibrium. With a blend of personal insights and evidence-based strategies, this episode will you with the arsenal you need to tame these internal foes and lead a more poised, positive life

We start by dissecting some common misunderstandings, shedding light on the importance of balancing emotional expression with solution-focused problem-solving when engaging with our own or other’s personal or professional challenges. Also, learn how to navigate the intricate dance of giving and receiving support with the finesse that builds true connections and effective leadership. 

Next, we delve into the advent of the digital age, which has woven social media so intimately into our lives that it’s become a double-edged sword; capable of slicing through our confidence or defending our sense of community. Later in our conversation, we navigate the intricacies of how these platforms can amplify our internal chatter or, conversely, serve as lifelines of support and understanding. 

Finally, we explore the transformative role of your environment on your mental chatter as we discuss how external factors can become critical allies in your quest for tranquility. From the calming influence of nature to the orderliness of your living and working space, discover how your surroundings can contribute to a more harmonious inner life. Join us for this immersive episode and leave feeling empowered to optimize the emotional tools at your disposal for a life with less chatter and more clarity.



What You’ll learn

- The link between emotional and social pain

- The pros and cons of social media in managing our inner monologue

- The transformative role of rituals and structured behavior in managing our chatter

- How to give and receive emotional support.

- The answers lie within – why we hold the key to our chatter



Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – An Introduction to Chatter

(14:15) - Understanding the Impact of Social Media

(25:45) – The Power of Rituals

(30:01) – How to Effectively Give and Receive Support

(33:07) – Our Environment Shapes Our Chatter

(44:51) –On the Importance of Negative Emotions and the Perils of Toxic Positivity



Key Topics Discussed:

Self-Leadership, Self-Awareness, Negative Thought Spirals, Emotional Well-Being, Rituals, Emotional Expression, Inner Critic, Self-Talk, Mental Mastery, Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Mastery, Resilience, Personal Growth



More of Ethan:

Ethan Kross is a renowned expert on controlling the conscious mind, an award-winning professor, and a bestselling author at the University of Michigan’s top-ranked Psychology Department and Ross School of Business. He investigates how self-talk impacts health, performance, decisions, and relationships. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his PhD in Psychology from Columbia University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in social-affective neuroscience. Kross's research is widely published and has garnered significant media attention. He is the author of the national bestseller "Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters and How to Harness It," and resides in Ann Arbor with his family.



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekross/ 



More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/


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Ever wonder what it takes to create a company culture that not only endures but thrives? Unlock the secrets as Dan Turner, the visionary CEO of Xperigo, pulls back the curtain on fostering a workplace where Mondays are the new Fridays. Throughout our enlightening conversation, Dan shares the ins and outs of nurturing core values that resonate at every level of the organization. He takes us on a tour from the early days of shaping Xperigo’s cultural identity to the present, where recognition systems and performance reviews are steeped in core values and principles. It’s a masterclass in making every employee an indispensable part of the company’s cultural journey.



The episode is filled with strategies for authentically engaging with your team, from heartfelt meet and greets with new hires to championing a culture of support and recognition that turns workplace challenges into opportunities. 



As we cast our gaze to the horizon, Dan reflects on the monumental shift in leadership and corporate ethos over the recent decade. The conversation turns to how the pandemic has catalyzed a departure from archaic command-and-control models towards embracing a more empathetic and trust-centric leadership style. Dan’s experiences and forward-thinking exemplify how a culture of care and authenticity doesn’t just elevate a business—it elevates everyone who comes into contact with it; both inside and outside of the organization. Join us and discover how these cultural shifts can lead to a future where business success and personal fulfillment are not mutually exclusive but interwoven threads of the same fabric.



What You’ll Learn

- The Essence of a Purpose-Driven Culture

- Practical Steps to Embedding Purpose

- Creating Recognition Systems that Reinforce Core Values

- Consistent Communication: The Key to Community Building

- Culture Drives Peak Performance

- How to Lead with Authenticity and Vulnerability

- Sustaining Culture Wherever You Are

- Embracing Change and Continuous Learning



Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) The Secrets of an Award-Winning Culture – Practical Insights to Drive Exceptional Engagement

(11:27) Never Stop Learning – The Role of Continuous Improvement to Sustain Excellence.

(20:37) The Power of Employee Feedback

(25:13) Vulnerability and Authenticity – A Dynamic Duo for Leadership Success

(27:51) Nice Guys Don’t Finish Last in Business – They Win the Race

(34:47) How Far Can We Take This? Keep Pushing to Challenge Yourself and Your Team



More of Dan:

Dan Turner is the esteemed President and CEO of Xperigo, a premier provider of customer experience management services in the automotive industry. With over three decades of experience, Dan has honed his skills in strategic planning, business development, and fostering invaluable partnerships. Under his visionary leadership, Xperigo has flourished, earning accolades such as Shell Mobility Partner of the Year and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture award, a remarkable achievement reflective of Dan's commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional prowess, Dan is revered for his dedication to cultivating a workplace culture marked by collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, making Xperigo a standout choice for top talent and industry recognition.



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerdan/?originalSubdomain=ca



Key Topics Discussed

Purpose-Driven Culture, Resilience, Employee Recognition, Award-Winning Corporate Culture, Leadership, Empathy, Trust, Fostering Employee Voice, The Power of Vulnerability, Caring Culture



More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/


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This is the inspiring story of Dan Turner, CEO of Xperigo, a company that has been recognized multiple times as being one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. In the first part of this special two- part series, we unpack Dan’s improbable journey from tow truck driver to CEO. It shines a light on the grit, gumption, and the audacious goals that can lead any determined individual from the roadside to the corner office. Dan opens up about the role models that sparked his ambition and the confidence that grew from each small win, providing a blueprint for anyone ready to take the wheel of their career and steer it towards success.

Dan and I dig into the parallels between the leadership qualities forged in the competitive fires of high school sports and how those skills translate seamlessly into guiding teams in a business setting. This episode is a playbook for dreaming big, crafting a winning strategy, and maintaining momentum in the darkest times. Together, we dissect the attributes that propel an individual from the starting line to the finish line, emphasizing the resilience that turns setbacks into setups for greater achievements.

We wrap up our conversation with a candid look at the risks that lead to the greatest rewards and immerse ourselves in how to navigate the choppy waters of leadership during crisis. Our exchange sheds light on the value of authenticity, adaptability and the strength found in teamwork. Dan’s journey is not just a testament to his own success, but a beacon for those yearning to unleash their potential and make the climb from the ground floor to the C-suite.



What You’ll learn:

- The power of role models

- Why setting small goals is key to achieving big wins

- The mindset needed to overcome self-doubt and set audacious goals

- The role confidence plays in taking risks

- How to celebrate small victories and build unshakable confidence

- The parallels between sports leadership and building a peak performance company

- The importance of adaptability and authenticity in navigating a company through challenging

times



Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - From Tow Truck Driver to CEO

(08:39) - Celebrating Wins and Building Confidence

(15:18) - Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Motivation

(20:44) - The Power of Leadership and Teamwork

(30:29) - Setting and Achieving Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals (BHAGs)

(39:58) - Taking Big Chances for Big Success

(48:24) – Navigating Crisis Leadership

(52:30) - Embracing Authentic Leadership



More of Dan:

Dan Turner is the esteemed President and CEO of Xperigo, a premier provider of customer experience management services in the automotive industry. With over three decades of experience, Dan has honed his skills in strategic planning, business development, and fostering invaluable partnerships. Under his visionary leadership, Xperigo has flourished, earning accolades such as Shell Mobility Partner of the Year and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Culture award, a remarkable achievement reflective of Dan's commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional prowess, Dan is revered for his dedication to cultivating a workplace culture marked by collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, making Xperigo a standout choice for top talent and industry recognition.



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnerdan/?originalSubdomain=ca



Key Topics Discussed:

CEO Mindset, Success, Self-Belief, Grit, Teamwork, Big Goals, Self-Motivation, Navigating Setbacks, Authentic Leadership, Adaptability, Empowerment, Collaboration, Confidence, Resilience, Growth, Overcome Obstacles



More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/


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Today Craig shares valuable insights on mastering our emotions. Emphasizing the importance of understanding emotions as data points, the conversation reveals how emotions, both positive and negative, play a crucial role in our lives by providing essential information about our state of well-being. Craig introduces the concept of 'Affective Labeling' as a powerful strategy for emotionally engaging challenges. He references a study from UCLA involving participants with a phobia of spiders to demonstrate how precisely labeling emotions can significantly reduce stress responses and facilitate closer engagement with fear-inducing situations. The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging and precisely labeling emotions to process them effectively and act constructively, offering listeners a practical approach to better handle their emotional well-being in personal and professional contexts.



Key Takeaways:


Affective labeling provides an action plan for addressing emotions. By accurately identifying how you feel, you can determine appropriate steps to align your emotions with your desired state


Participants who labeled their emotions more precisely in a study experienced lower stress responses and engaged in more approach behaviors


Avoiding or suppressing negative emotions can lead to increased intensity and difficulty in managing them





Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:35) A Big Thanks to You

(00:58) Mastering Emotions in Today's World

(01:34) Understanding the Value of Emotions

(05:35) The Power of Emotional Labeling

(06:03) UCLA’s Spider Phobia Experiment

(13:03) Applying Emotional Insights to Leadership and Personal Growth

(17:42) Conclusion



Key Topics Discussed:

Affective Labeling in Emotions, Fears, Stress Response and Management, Emotional Awareness, Constructive Approach Behaviors, Positivity, Negativity



More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/


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Have you ever been interested in the field of positive psychology and coaching? Tune into this engaging episode for a captivating journey on the subject with Robert Biswas-Diener, a globally recognized thought leader and researcher. Listen in as Robert shares his extraordinary path, one paved by a childhood shaped by his parents who were top psychologists, to becoming a pioneer in coaching research and practice. His insights challenge us to reconsider our assumptions and approach leadership and life with a renewed perspective. This episode explores the transformative power of coaching and the intricate dance between empathy, questioning, and personal growth.



As we unravel the elements of effective coaching, Robert and I dissect the nuanced art of asking great questions. Learn how to cultivate patience and reflection in decision-making, harness the power of a coaching mindset, and empower the people you care about most at work and at home to find their own solutions. Discover why embracing uncertainty and fostering intellectual humility are the hallmarks of exceptional coaching and leadership. If you’re grappling with imposter syndrome, this discussion offers unconventional insights, including strategies to forge a positive self-view while also recognizing the value and necessity of self-doubt. 



Wrapping up this enlightening episode, we delve into the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations, highlighting the vital role of confidentiality. The conversation also presents strengths-based and resilience-building strategies, providing a roadmap for fostering well-being and performance. 



Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a burgeoning or experienced leader, or simply passionate about personal development, this episode promises to leave you with profound insights and actionable knowledge to elevate your coaching skills and enrich your leadership journey. 



What You’ll Learn

- Provocative reflections on the ‘conventional wisdom’ of coaching

- The role of intellectual humility in coaching and leadership

- The art of asking the right questions

- The balance of empathy in coaching

- Strategies to combat imposter syndrome

- Navigating the ethical landscape of coaching within organizations

- Why you hold the key to building personal resilience



Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) - Positive Psychology and Coaching Insights

(09:10) - Elevating our Coaching Practices

(16:36) – Effective Coaching and Asking the Right Questions

(30:08) - Navigating Misconceptions About Empathy and Happiness

(41:24) - Strengths-Based Interventions

(45:12) - Ethical Considerations in Coaching

(51:16) – The Future of Positive Psychology



Topics Mentioned:

Coaching, Leadership, Personal Growth, Positive Psychology, Intellectual Humility, Empathy, Resilience, Effective Coaching, Coaching Practice, Coaching Mindset, Ethical Coaching, Strengths-Based Interventions, Reflection, Professional Development



More of Robert:

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a well-being researcher and is highly sought-after as a keynote speaker and trainer. He has published over 70 academic articles and chapters on happiness and other positive topics. His research interests include wellbeing, hospitality, leadership, social support, culture, and education. He is also the author of 8 books including the New York Times Bestseller, The Upside of Your Dark Side (2014), and, most recently, Positive Provocation: 25 Questions to Elevate Your Coaching Practice. Dr. Biswas-Diener is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost authorities on positive psychology coaching. He is an ICF-certified coach and has trained professionals in his techniques in 24 countries.



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-biswas-diener-a860289/



More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/


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