Unleashing the Power of Trust: Jeff Raider, Co-Founder of Harry's on Fostering Strong Employee & Customer Connections

If half your team suddenly quit, would you know why? Research shows that 50% of employees quit because of their relationship with their leader, and it’s not because of screaming bosses or impossible workloads—it’s because they feel ignored, undervalued, and disconnected. In this episode, Dr. Jack Zenger, CEO and Co-Founder of Zenger Folkman, breaks down what truly drives employee retention and engagement. Backed by data from 200,000 leaders worldwide, Jack reveals the three leadership qualities that make the biggest impact on employees, the cascading effect of great leadership across an organization, and why strategic thinking, inspiration, and results-focused leadership matter now more than ever. We also discuss how you can measure your effectiveness as a leader without relying on complex surveys, as well as the state of leadership in 2025, the impact of AI, and whether leadership training programs are actually working. If you want to keep your best people and build a culture where employees thrive, this episode is a must-listen.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

24 Feb 56min

What if being vulnerable as a leader could make you stronger, not weaker? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore the Vulnerability Mountain—a framework that shows why leading with vulnerability isn't about flipping a switch but embarking on a journey that builds trust and credibility. You'll discover why vulnerability without competence can backfire, how the Pratfall Effect makes leaders more relatable when they’re great at their jobs, and why leading by example is the only way to inspire authenticity in your team. If you want to lead with impact, this episode will challenge your perspective on what true leadership looks like.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

21 Feb 5min

With AI advancing at breakneck speed, what does this mean for your job, your company, and the way we work? Martin Ford, one of the world’s top futurists, joins us to break down the rapid rise of AI and how it’s shaking up the job market. In this episode, Martin reveals why white-collar jobs might vanish before blue-collar ones, how AI agents are quietly becoming our new co-workers, and why leaders need to embrace this shift instead of fearing it. We dive into the strategies every leader needs to stay ahead, including how to balance human talent with AI’s growing capabilities, why hybrid teams are the future, and what to do now to prepare for the massive workplace changes on the horizon.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

17 Feb 58min

Future of Work Leaders is a NEW community of the world’s top CHROs who are shaping the future of work and employee experience. Other communities focus purely on traditional HR, are VERY expensive, members are constantly being sold to, and there’s far more fluff than value. Future of Work Leaders is affordable for any CHRO, there’s no selling, no speeches, and no fluff. It’s purely focused on strategy, insight, and connections with world leading CHROs who are shaping the future of work and employee experience. Join 40 members including CHROs from LEGO, Johnson & Johnson, Dow, Tractor Supply, Northrop Grumman, and Neiman Marcus. Check out FutureOfWorkLeaders.com to learn more and request an invite.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

14 Feb 14min

Are you chasing the wrong kind of wealth? We all chase success, but too often, it’s tied to money, fame, or career milestones. Sahil Bloom, author of The Five Types of Wealth and creator of the Curiosity Chronicle newsletter, believes that true wealth lies in a balance of time, relationships, health, mental clarity, and financial stability. In today’s episode, Sahil introduces a fresh way to think about success by focusing on these five types of wealth. We explore how to connect your work to your purpose, overcome the trap of overthinking, and use simple frameworks to build deeper connections and more meaningful progress. We’ll unpack Sahil’s transformative insights, including why chasing money without purpose leads to burnout, how to build "social wealth" to combat the loneliness epidemic, the power of questioning cultural norms to find your identity, and how even small actions can create massive compounding effects in life.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

10 Feb 51min

Are today’s leaders too afraid to lead? In today's Leadership Spark, we explore the challenges of leadership today, from balancing psychological safety with accountability to being honest about workplace expectations. We discuss how over-coddling employees and focusing too much on feelings can backfire, and why it’s important for leaders to set clear standards while fostering respect and responsibility.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

7 Feb 4min

The secret to better leadership in the future of work isn't knowing everything, but mastering the right things. This episode brings together three leadership visionaries—Diego Barreto, CEO of iFood; Jeff Kindler, former CEO of Pfizer; and Frederic Laloux, author of Reinventing Organizations—to share the tools you need to lead smarter in the new world of work. You'll learn why mastering one skill at a time, encouraging constructive disagreement, and embracing self-management are the keys to navigating uncertainty, driving better decisions, and building agile teams.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

3 Feb 55min

Most employees start their journey excited and motivated, but that enthusiasm often fades when organizations rely on perks like yoga or free food to boost engagement. These quick fixes don’t address deeper needs. In today's Leadership Spark, we dig into the critical difference between employee engagement and employee experience, showing how leading companies shift from superficial perks to meaningful workplace transformation. Learn why only 6% of organizations excel in creating environments where employees thrive—and how your company can join them.   ________________ Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

30 Jan 8min