Sparks: The SECRET Behind Amazon’s Hiring & Innovation Process
In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Colin Bryar, Co-founder of Working Backwards. We talked about the impact of focused leadership and team management, particularly in the realm of product development and problem-solving within a company. Colin highlights Amazon's "single-threaded leaders/teams" concept, which prioritizes undivided attention to a single project or problem by a leader or team, enhancing the quality and innovation of solutions developed. Colin also details the "bar raiser process" in hiring, ensuring candidates align with Amazon’s leadership principles through a thorough, unbiased review by a panel of interviewers. While high performers at Amazon are strategically placed on significant opportunities and may experience expedited promotions, the company maintains a balanced approach to traditional practices like annual reviews, willing to innovate while retaining effective, established methods. __________________ This episode is sponsored by Kyndryl. Kyndryl makes the future of work possible by designing, building and managing systems that the world depends on. Make sure to check them out at Kyndryl.com. __________________ 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/
18 Okt 202329min
5 Questions You MUST Ask To Create Amazing Professional & Personal Relationships
In today's episode, Michael Bungay Stanier, best-selling author of the Coaching Habit, reveals the 5 must-ask questions for having successful keystone conversations and building great relationships. This will allow you to unlock hidden potential in yourself and those around you. __________________ This episode is sponsored by Kyndryl. Kyndryl makes the future of work possible by designing, building and managing systems that the world depends on. Make sure to check them out at Kyndryl.com. __________________ 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/
16 Okt 202353min
How To Be Vulnerable While Still Being Accountable: CEO of 100,000 Person Company, George Oliver
True leadership is not about showing strength, but embracing vulnerability. George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls, believes that being a good leader is all about being genuine and open. It's important to treat everyone fairly and share personal stories to connect with the team. George recalls about the times he felt unsure, especially during COVID. But he feels that being honest and admitting when you don't know something is a strength, not a weakness. Real leadership is about being responsible, truthful, and understanding towards others. For George, a great leader is one who listens, is honest about their feelings, and always tries to do right by their team. George Oliver leads a company with over 100,000 employees. He's one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Vulnerability-Superpower-Transform-Organization/dp/1119895243/ __________________ 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 Okt 202334min
Sparks: How to Lead a Giant Company and Still Be Nice
In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Kevin Murphy, CEO of Ferguson Enterprises. Kevin emphasizes a leadership style rooted in empathy, collective effort, and a commitment to developing others within the organization. He values transparent communication, sharing company data with all team members, and believes in earning loyalty daily while also addressing underperformance. Kevin also highlights the importance of challenging the status quo, even in successful organizations. He shares insights from his journey of transitioning from a family business to leading a major company, underscoring the significance of mentorship and continuous learning in leadership development. __________________ This episode is sponsored by Kyndryl. Kyndryl makes the future of work possible by designing, building and managing systems that the world depends on. Make sure to check them out at Kyndryl.com. __________________ 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/
11 Okt 202323min
Leadership Is More Like Stepping Out On A Soccer Field, Than A Game Of Chess— Learn Why Mental Strength Matters & How To Develop It
In today's episode, I sit down with the esteemed psychotherapist and writer, Amy Morin, to discuss the motivation behind her acclaimed book, "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do". As we explore these 13 points, Amy sheds light on a leader's role in accessing their mental strength and the symbiotic connection of emotional balance in the workplace. Together, we unpack pivotal insights from her work, underscoring that true mental strength stems from genuine self-awareness and growth, not merely toughness. __________________ This episode is sponsored by Kyndryl. Kyndryl makes the future of work possible by designing, building and managing systems that the world depends on. Make sure to check them out at Kyndryl.com. __________________ 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/
9 Okt 202345min
"I Need Help"- Why This CEO Urges His Employees To Ask For Help & Avoid Being The "Fool" Left Behind Trying To Solve Problems Alone
Join us for an insightful episode featuring John Williams, the CEO and President of Domtar, a $3.8 billion pulp and paper giant with 6,500 employees. John shares his leadership journey and the transformative power of vulnerability at the workplace. Discover how authenticity, self-awareness, empathy, and openness shape John's leadership style. He highlights the significance of trusted advisors, tailored communication, and professional boundaries. John also emphasizes the role of competence in building confidence and the need for a culture where every employee feels valued. With over 40 years of leadership experience, John's stories and insights offer a unique perspective on leading with vulnerability. Tune in to gain valuable wisdom from a seasoned CEO who understands the importance of authenticity and openness in corporate leadership. John Williams is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability. Grab your copy now: https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Vulnerability-Superpower-Transform-Organization/dp/1119895243/ __________________ 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 Okt 202329min
Sparks: CEO of Fortune Media On How To Get On The Cover, The CEO That Impressed Him The Most, & The Most Awkward Interview He Ever Had
In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Alan Murray, CEO of Fortune Media. Alan and I delve into the evolution of business and leadership. According to him, nowadays, businesses value ideas and people more than just physical stuff, like buildings and machines. He noticed that some people seem not to want to work as much, but he believes many are still hardworking and dedicated. Alan thinks being a good leader today means inspiring and motivating people and showing realness and understanding, pointing out how the late Arne Sorenson of Marriott led by example during tough times. Throughout our conversation, we’ve highlighted the significant generational shifts and the increasing importance of adaptability and a people-centric approach in leadership. __________________ This episode is sponsored by Kyndryl. Kyndryl makes the future of work possible by designing, building and managing systems that the world depends on. Make sure to check them out at Kyndryl.com. __________________ 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/
4 Okt 202315min
Why Vulnerability At Work Hurts You: An Inside Look Into My New Book ‘Leading With Vulnerability’
Today I take you behind the scenes to share some of the key concepts and ideas from my brand new book, “Leading With Vulnerability,” which is out today! Vulnerability at work can hurt you far more than it can help you and in today’s podcast I’ll explain why that’s the case and what you can do about it. The key is not to use vulnerability on its own but to combine vulnerability with leadership, what I call, The Vulnerable Leader Equation. Tune in to learn more or head to LeadWithVulnerability.com to grab a copy of my brand new book. __________________ 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 Okt 202345min
