In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney, Founder of Folds of Honor Foundation. Dan shares remarkable life lessons learned from being a fighter pilot and how he applies it to his leadership and personal growth. 

Dan shares three transformative lessons he learned during his training: starting every day with gratitude, staying ready so you don't have to get ready, and going before you're ready. Dan also shares a personal story about overcoming complacency and the dangers of tying identity solely to achievements. He highlights the power of vulnerability and humility in leadership, acknowledging that struggles and setbacks are part of the human experience.

Dan Rooney is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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In this episode, I speak with Caryl Stern, a remarkable leader and philanthropist. Caryl's background includes serving as the Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation, being on the Board of Directors at The Container Store, and leading UNICEF USA. She shares the importance of doing good, influenced by her immigrant mentality and the serendipity of life. Caryl emphasizes being open to new opportunities and embracing roles that scare us. We discuss her pivotal moment in choosing philanthropy and the profound experiences she's encountered. Caryl highlights how helping others releases feel-good chemicals and the significance of humility.

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In today's episode, I speak with Stephen Smith, CEO of Amsted Industries. Stephen shares his belief that vulnerability is about acknowledging that you can be wrong and being willing to expose yourself as a human being. He emphasized that showing vulnerability helps to level the playing field and eliminates defensiveness, which can hinder effective decision-making.

Stephen recounted instances where he openly admitted his ignorance during meetings, which he believes fosters a culture of learning and growth. He also highlighted the importance of sharing personal experiences, such as his joy of becoming a grandparent, to help others see him as a human being with similar joys and emotions.

We discussed the importance of balancing vulnerability with strength, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen believes that being vulnerable can convey strength and security, and it's crucial to communicate both effectively. He also shared that he's been vulnerable in his personal life, such as taking piano lessons at 65 and performing in a recital alongside a five-year-old prodigy.

Stephen believes that living a life where you're not always the powerful person but sometimes the vulnerable one is important, especially as a leader.

Stephen Smith is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. ⁠Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.⁠

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In this leadership spark, Bill George, former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, discusses the essence of authentic leadership. He stresses the importance of finding one's True North – understanding personal beliefs, passions, motivations, and sources of fulfillment – by reflecting on past experiences and crucibles. 

Bill emphasizes staying aligned with your True North and resisting compromising values for short-term gains or external validation. He advocates for emotional intelligence and vulnerability, encouraging leaders to seek feedback, learn from experiences, and make principled decisions. Ultimately, he inspires aspiring leaders to lead authentically, empowering others and making a positive difference.

Bill George is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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In today’s leadership spark, Bill George, former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, dives deep into the most critical aspect of any company: its people. He highlights the importance of frontline employees and their role in driving the success of the organization. 

Bill mentions the importance of creating an environment where innovation can thrive. He encourages leaders to have a high tolerance for failure and to learn from setbacks. Bill also finds personal development crucial as a leader and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. He suggests regularly seeking 360-degree feedback for growth and reflecting and taking time to evaluate one's actions and impact on others.

Bill George is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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In today’s leadership spark, I chat with Bill George, former CEO of Medtronic and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, about his leadership journey and experiences. Bill shares how his father's advice, to be the leader he never became, shaped his career. He also discusses his early struggles with leadership, and he emphasizes the importance of caring about people and building deep connections as a leader. 

Bill recalls his early leadership role at Litton Industries and how a crisis there taught him invaluable lessons in leading through tough times. He also talks about his time at Medtronic, the growth of the company, and the significance of innovation and developing inspired leaders. Overall, the discussion revolves around the evolution of leadership, the impact of relationships, and the changing expectations of leaders in modern times.

Bill George is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Scott Boatwright, the Chief Restaurant Officer at Chipotle. Known for his operational strategies and his ability to drive change, Boatwright has been instrumental in reshaping the food safety measures and employee management at Chipotle. He brings a wealth of experience from his role at Chipotle, and his insights are sure to inspire. In our conversation today, we delve into the heart of operational systems, food safety measures, and employee benefits.

From the importance of maintaining the quality and freshness of their ingredients, to the food safety measures and operational systems Scott implemented at Chipotle, we cover several important topics.

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In today’s Leadership Spark, Julia Boorstin, Senior Media & Technology Correspondent at CNBC, discusses the importance of adaptability, vulnerability, and contextual thinking in organizations. Julia emphasizes the significance of gathering data and listening to the people on the ground to make informed decisions when planning for worst-case scenarios. 

Julia also highlights the value of vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to acknowledge their weaknesses and create psychological safety within their organizations. Moreover, she explains the concept of contextual thinking, which involves solving root problems and preventing issues rather than simply reacting to them. By taking a broader perspective and asking tangential questions, leaders can find more effective solutions.

Julia Boorstin is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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In today’s Leadership Spark, Julia Boorstin, Senior Media & Technology Correspondent at CNBC, discusses various qualities and characteristics of effective leaders, focusing on vulnerability and adaptability. She emphasizes that no one is born a leader and that leadership skills are developed through practice. She also highlights that vulnerability is a superpower, allowing leaders to connect with others, inspire trust, and foster learning. 

Julia further discusses the importance of adaptability and the willingness to change one's mind in order to solve problems and embrace new opportunities. She also explores the differences in confidence between men and women and how confidence levels change over time. Finally, Julia highlights the significance of asking questions and seeking clarity in meetings, as it encourages open dialogue and collective learning.

Julia Boorstin is one of the 100+ CEOs I interviewed for my new book, Leading With Vulnerability, which is coming out in October. Check it out here and pre-order your copy now.

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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/