There’s a difference between getting feedback vs getting CANDID feedback, and that’s what leaders need more of. Not only that, but leaders need to make sure that ALL employees are able to provide that feedback and to challenge their leaders. This creates a culture where every voice, from every background, is not just heard but valued. In today’s leadership spark, I talk with Peyman Kargar, the Global Chairman and CEO of INFINITI. He shares valuable insights on leadership that inspires and motivates employees. We explore his commitment to open communication, regularly seeking feedback from his team helps him make informed decisions and respect their expertise. He also stresses the importance of personal hobbies in maintaining work-life balance.

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Is working in the office dead? With the rise of remote work it appears that home offices becoming the new corporate hubs. But what does the data actually say? Dr. Nicholas Bloom from Stanford University has been studying the work from home trend from over 20 years and he has hard data that shows what has been going on and why. In today’s episode we are tackling the big questions around the rise of WFH: How does it affect productivity and innovation? What does it mean for the balance of power in organizations? Is in office work really dead? What does the future of working from home look like? What are the pros and cons of working from home? What are some of the top companies actually doing? Get ready for an in-depth discussion on the future of work. The bonus episode with Dr. Bloom will explore some practical tips and strategies for leading a hybrid workforce effectively.

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Are 360 reviews effective? If you’re skeptical, then you won’t want to miss this story from Frank Blake, the former CEO of The Home Depot. We’ll explore leadership lessons he learned, his approach to feedback, and his unconventional rise to CEO. Blake shared compelling tales, such as how he unexpectedly took the reins of one of the largest companies in the world after a last-minute call from the board. We also get his take on learning from the intense Jack Welch at GE early in his career. But it's Blake's strong opinions on 360 reviews that provide truly valuable insight. Frank Blake says they are complete waste of time, do you agree?

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What’s more important for leadership, emotional intelligence or IQ? The right use of EQ can revolutionize your approach to decision-making, relationship building, leadership, and communication. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Travis Bradberry, best-selling author of "Emotional Intelligence. 2.0," as he reveals how emotional intelligence can be consciously developed and refined. We’ll explore why so many leaders struggle with EQ, what EQ is and why it’s important, and the four core EQ skills. You won't want to miss this episode!

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Should you really be hiring for “culture fit?” It turns out that doing this could actually keep you from finding your best people! My guest on today’s show explains why that’s the case and what leaders should really be looking for. On this Leadership Spark, I sit down with former Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille to get his perspective on attracting top performers. We discuss why solely assessing culture fit can cause you to miss great candidates, the importance of regularly reviewing your talent pool, tactical advice on hiring for qualities that can’t be taught, and the nine key characteristics that special operations look for in high performers. We also cover the importance of vulnerability in leadership and why asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

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Is leadership like a game of chess? Imagine navigating the complex world of leadership with the precision and foresight of a chess grandmaster. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Watkins, author of ‘The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking,’ who draws parallels between the two realms. Learn how to sharpen your pattern recognition skills, boost mental agility, and develop visionary thinking to guide your team effectively. Tune into today’s episode to better understand the 6 disciplines of strategic thinking, refine your decision-making skills and better prepare to lead future-ready teams.

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Is hybrid work here to stay or are we all going to be working back in offices? The whole concept of hybrid work means that you spend some time in the office and some time working out of the office. But what’s the ideal mix? Why does hybrid work help employees? And what are some strategies that companies can use to make hybrid work a reality? Mark Dixon is the founder of the International Workplace Group and he joins me today to explore all things hybrid work related.

Throughout our conversation, Mark talks about how work has changed, focusing on “hybrid work,” and he shares tips on how to make this work well in companies, based on his experience with businesses worldwide. He also mentions how hybrid work is reshaping how organizations operate, emphasizing flexibility and a balance between technology and human skills.

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Look around you right now. Every piece of technology is powered by a microchip, but what happens if we lost access to those chips? Chris Miller, an expert in international history and “Chip War” author, joins us to discuss the strategic significance of semiconductor technology in shaping your world. Miller reveals how this critical yet often underestimated technology influences global economics, power structures, and policy-making. For leaders eager to leverage technology for their success, Chris underscores the importance of understanding semiconductor technology for effective, forward-thinking leadership, while equipping yourself with the knowledge to lead confidently in a tech-centric world and shape future trends.

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Today, we seem to be living and working in a perpetual state of crisis which is a huge challenge for leaders. How should leaders lead during times of crisis and chaos? In today’s fast-changing world, the way leaders guide their teams is more important than ever. Lorenzo Simonelli is the CEO of Baker Hughes, a 55,000 person energy company with offices in 120 counties. In today’s spark Lorenzo shares his insights and strategies for making tough decisions during crises like the 2008 financial downturn and the pandemic, underscoring the need for transparency and decisiveness, and focusing on agility and adaptability. He highlights his approach to managing uncertainty and how his leadership style evolved from micromanagement to fostering team development and delegation, with an emphasis on listening and vulnerability.

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Why do so many people struggle to reach their full potential? Hal Elrod, the best-selling author of ‘The Miracle Morning,’ unveils the secrets to leading with a positive mindset in the face of adversity. Drawing from his own remarkable experiences of overcoming life-threatening challenges, Hal inspires you as a leader to stay committed to your goals while remaining empathetic and accountable. He provides you with essential strategies to effectively handle challenging scenarios and leaders, while emphasizing the importance of a morning routine in fostering growth and success as a leader.

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