How Lumen CEO Kate Johnson Changed the Culture of a Billion-Dollar Company From Playing Not to Lose to Playing to Win
Turning around a struggling company isn’t for the faint of heart, but Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen Technologies, is proving it can be done—and done well. Leading 30,000 employees and steering billions in revenue, Kate is tackling one of the toughest challenges in business: shifting a telecom giant from “playing not to lose” to “playing to win.” In this episode, Kate opens her fresh and fearless playbook on what it really takes to transform a culture: it starts with clarifying your mission and getting everyone aligned. She shares bold, practical strategies like fostering trust, teaching resilience, and encouraging courageous conversations that push teams forward, not sideways. We’ll also unpack why most leaders fail at culture change (and it’s not for lack of trying), how to break silos by getting close to the action, and the non-negotiables for any leader’s first 100 days. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to lead and create a culture that wins, you don’t want to miss this one. ________________ 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/
20 Jan 1h
Sparks: Flexibility in the Workplace: The Importance of Consistency and Conviction in an Evolving Organization
Workplace flexibility isn’t new, but its importance is growing. More than just remote or hybrid setups, it’s about giving employees options in career paths, benefits, and how they work best. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore why leaders must stay true to their company’s culture and values, especially in uncertain times. Flip-flopping on big decisions leads to mistrust, but clear communication and conviction create alignment and loyalty. Learn how successful companies navigated the return to office with confidence and how to lead in uncertainty by knowing what matters most to your organization and standing by it, even as the workplace continues to evolve. ________________ 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 Jan 5min
The Workplace is NOT Dead! Reimagining Leadership and Employee Engagement for 2025 and Beyond
The office isn’t dead—it’s evolving. How do you design a workplace where you could inspire creativity, collaboration, and sustainability? Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, the world’s leading design firm, know all about it. They’ve not only spearheaded some of the most iconic workplace designs but but have also championed a co-leadership model that fosters synergy and innovation. Jordan and Elizabeth are behind groundbreaking projects like Under Armour’s net-zero headquarters, vibrant mixed-use lifestyle districts, and adaptive reuse designs that breathe new life into old spaces. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why the office is still vital for culture and collaboration, how to design spaces that foster engagement and innovation, and why immersive technology and sustainability is no longer optional in workplace design. The future of work is more exciting than ever and packed with opportunities to rethink space, culture, and collaboration. ________________ 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/
13 Jan 52min
Sparks: Think Like a Futurist: Making a Future-Ready Organization Through Scenario Thinking and AI
Are you shaping the future or letting it shape you? In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore how leaders can think in scenarios to prepare for multiple outcomes and avoid being caught off guard. We also dive into the power of AI tools like ChatGPT, which are transforming how leaders train employees, boost productivity, and solve problems. But with great power comes responsibility—balancing AI’s potential with human judgment is key to building the future of work. ________________ 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 Jan 9min
New Year, New Leader: The Key to Future Ready Leadership in 2025
If leadership were easy, everyone would do it—but here’s how the best make it look effortless. In this special episode of Future Ready Leadership, three visionary leaders share powerful, actionable strategies to help you activate teams, build unshakable trust, and transform workplace culture. Rachel Cooke, former Director of HR at American Express, host of the Modern Mentor podcast, and founder of Lead Above Noise, unpacks her four-pillar framework for driving team success through connection, development, and well-being. Chris Nicholas, CEO of Sam’s Club, shares his Trust Equation, showing why authenticity and transparency are the foundation of impactful leadership. Lastly, we have Melanie Dulbecco, CEO of R. Torre & Co., Inc., who reveals how a people-first culture can become your ultimate competitive advantage, with insights on purpose-driven operations and profit-sharing. Get ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of work. They say leaders are born, not made—but this episode proves the opposite with strategies you can’t afford to miss. ________________ 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/
6 Jan 49min
Sparks: The Three Pillars of Employee Experience: How Technology, Culture, and Physical Space Can Help You Build the BEST Workplace
What shapes the employee experience? In this episode of Leadership Spark, we explore the three pillars that define it: physical space, technology, and culture. Physical environments contribute 30% of employee satisfaction, with top companies creating flexible, activity-based spaces. Technology, also 30%, acts as the central nervous system but becomes a human problem when it fails. Culture, the most impactful at 40%, determines how employees feel and connect to purpose. Through compelling stories and research, we unpack how leaders can design workplaces that inspire, support, and engage. ________________ 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 Jan 14min
Leaders Without These Skills Are Doomed to Fail in 2025
The workplace is evolving faster than ever, leaving leaders scrambling to keep up with new demands. How can you ensure your leadership skills remain relevant and impactful in 2025? In this episode of Future Ready Leadership, we have experts who will share the tools you need to thrive and stand out as a leader. Tom Henschel, host of The Look and Sound of Leadership, shares the secrets to executive presence—commanding attention and respect in any room. Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit, teaches us how to master conversations to deepen workplace connections and amplify your impact. Together, they reveal how to lead with authority, connect authentically, and shape your future with confidence. The future is fast approaching—get ready to lead it. ________________ 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 Dec 202448min
Sparks: How Vulnerability Can Make or Break a CEO
One CEO was fired for being vulnerable. Another saved their company. What made the difference? In today’s Leadership Spark, we go beyond the theory of leading with vulnerability to explore how it works in real life. Vulnerability isn’t just admitting mistakes—it’s about showing how you’re taking action to close gaps and grow. Through powerful examples, including the contrasting stories of two CEOs who led with vulnerability, you’ll see how balancing openness with leadership drives results. We’ll also unpack common workplace scenarios and share actionable tips for first-time leaders to use vulnerability as a superpower. Learn how to inspire trust while staying accountable in this episode. ________________ 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/
27 Dec 20249min
