In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Artie Starrs, the CEO of Topgolf, a global sports entertainment company with 22,000 employees, known for its innovative golf driving ranges. Topgolf made waves in 2022, achieving $4 billion in sales and consistent annual growth.

Artie's leadership style centers on authenticity, striking a balance between being genuine and considering your audience's boundaries. Tune in to learn how to avoid oversharing or self-indulgence when it comes to vulnerability in leadership. Artie also shares his approach to addressing mistakes, navigating discomfort and vulnerability when relating to others' experiences, and handling challenges arising from a lack of shared experiences in leadership. Don't miss out on this episode!

Artie Starrs 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/⁠

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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/

Ever wonder how self-aware leaders lead an organization to success? This might just be what you’re missing in your leadership journey. In my chat with Cameron Herald, Founder of the COO Alliance, we delved into the paramount importance of self-awareness and introspection in both our personal and professional lives. We tackled the role of innovative companies like Kindle in shaping the future of work and emphasized the value of tools like "mind maps" for planning and visualization. 

For individuals, allocating time for self-reflection is crucial, with even small changes, like watching less TV, making a significant difference. According to Cameron, effective leadership is characterized by a commitment to nurturing team skills and confidence, while avoiding pitfalls like silos and politics. The best leaders prioritize the broader organizational goals over departmental interests. They understand that true professional fulfillment and effective leadership arise from aligning personal values with the right work environment and emphasizing collective achievements over individual ambitions.

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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.⁠

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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/

In today's episode, I chat with Panera Bread's founder, Ron Shaich, about his 36-year leadership journey. From starting as a small cookie store in Boston to becoming a top fast-casual chain with over 120,000 employees, Shaich delves into how he approached those tough choices along the way. Prioritizing core values over just data, our discussion uncovers the importance of resilience and perseverance in leadership.

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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.

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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/

In today's episode, I spoke with Jerry Norcia, Chairman and CEO of DTE Energy, a company with over 10,000 employees.

We had an in-depth discussion of times he felt vulnerable, how he approaches vulnerability with his team, and the impact vulnerability has had on his leadership journey. Norcia believes vulnerability involves authenticity, openness and building trust and respect. He aims to treat everyone equally and share more personal stories over time and he stressed the importance of accountability, integrity, empathy and confidence in leadership. Norcia also discussed the value of admitting when you don't have the answers and listening more as a leader.

Overall, Norcia shared thoughtful perspectives on utilizing vulnerability to create inclusive decision-making, energize teams and build loyalty.

Jerry Norcia 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/⁠

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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/

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.

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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.⁠

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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/

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.

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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.

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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/

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/ 

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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/

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.

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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.

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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/

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.

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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.

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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/

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/⁠⁠

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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/