Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

How do leaders stay steady in the storm of tough choices? This week, I sit down with Jack Briggs, a retired major general with a 30-year career in the military who is also a highly seasoned, for a masterclass in pressure-tested decision making.

The episode debunks the myth that high-stakes choices are unique to the military or boardroom. Instead, Jack argues, “pressure is pressure,” whether the risk is reputational, operational, or personal. The discussion highlights the three traits of the best decision makers: anchoring decisions in firm principles, seeking help with humility, and making the call… decisively, not reactively.

Listeners will come away with four essential questions to use in any crisis and learn why reframing “crises” into a set of solvable problems is vital for calm, effective leadership. This conversation is a must for anyone seeking practical, repeatable strategies to lead well, even when the stakes—and the anxieties—are high.

What You’ll Learn
- Anchor your decisions in principles.
- Lead with humility and build your team.
- Distinguish between problems and crises.
- The power of a structured decision framework.
- Be decisive and own the outcome.
- Focus on your sphere of influence.

Podcast Timestamps
03:18 Jack's origin story: from the Thunderbirds to the Air Force Academy
05:37 When leadership first appeared: Boy Scouts, the leadership laboratory, and the Eagle Scout
07:37 The Air Force Academy as a leadership lab: authority vs. responsibility
10:42 Being the snowplow: how to delegate without abandoning accountability
14:11 Leadership is a science and an art: training the recipe, then adapting it
16:41 Combat to boardroom: why pressure is pressure regardless of context
19:19 Defending North America: leading at continental scale
21:28 The three characteristics of the best decision makers
23:24 The archer analogy: principles, input, decisiveness
26:45 What leaders get wrong: fighting the fight they wish they had
28:06 Mob rule, Moses, and principled decision-making
32:11 Crisis vs. problem: why language matters under pressure
33:10 Snowstorms and problem buckets: a real-world example
35:26 The four questions for high-stress decisions
40:01 Checklists that work: laminate it and they will keep it
43:18 Humility plus decisiveness: being disagree-able
45:36 Choosing the least worst option and owning it
48:35 Final thoughts: stop chasing outcomes, start leading in your three feet

KEYWORDS
Positive Leadership, Decision Making, Decision Making Under Pressure, Humility, Air Force Career, Military Leadership, Air Force Academy, Leadership Lab, Principles-Based Decisions, Delegating Authority, Crisis Management, Operational Risk, Financial Risk, Reputational Risk, Pressure in Leadership, Crisis vs Problem, Crisis Communication, CEO Success

Why do (senior) executives so rarely hear what they need to improve? I explore this critical leadership blind spot, inspired by a recent article in Fast Company by Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and global thought leader on psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Relying on thought-provoking research amplified by real-world case examples, this episode exposes the invisible barriers that often keep leaders in the dark and offers a toolkit for reversing the trend.

From the dangers of hierarchical silence to the psychology of honest feedback, I review practical strategies we can all use including asking focused questions, acknowledging our own blind spots, and separating our immediate reactions from thoughtful reflection. The importance of acting on feedback, no matter how small, is a simple, yet frequently overlooked opportunity. I also share the powerful example of Alan Mulally, one of the most celebrated and respected CEOs of all-time, to highlight how we can transform our cultures from focusing on fear to unleashing our individual and collective potential.

For leaders who are hungry to boost their impact and foster psychological safety, this episode is full of actionable advice on creating an environment where candor thrives and teams and leaders at every level can truly grow.

What You’ll Learn
- The benefits of feedback.
- What is feedback?
- Ask for specifics, not generalities - The power of specific questions.
- Reward courage – It’s scary to offer someone feedback.
- Act on feedback and communicate your changes.

Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction
01:37 Today's Topic: The Feedback Gap for Senior Leaders
04:04 What Feedback Really Is: The Zenger Folkman Definition
05:47 Why Senior Leaders Struggle to Receive Honest Feedback
08:11 Strategy 1: Ask for Disconfirming Data, Not General Impressions
10:31 Asking Specific, Targeted Feedback Questions
12:40 Strategy 2: Separate Ingestion from Reaction
14:57 Strategy 3: Focus on Patterns, Not One Data Point
17:18 Strategy 4: Act on One Small Piece of Feedback First
19:40 The Alan Mulally and Ford Turnaround Story
22:01 Red Lights Are Gems: Closing Thoughts

KEYWORDS
Positive Leadership, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson, 360 feedback, Self-Awareness, Hierarchy, Power Differential, Leadership Development, Constructive Feedback, Actionable Feedback, Behavioral Change, Barriers to Feedback, Receiving Feedback, Accountability, Alan Mulally, Ford Turnaround, Transparent Leadership, CEO Success

Source: Why senior leaders get less feedback—and how to change that - Fast Company

What does authenticity at work truly mean and why is it worth the effort? On this week’s episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer from VaynerMedia, about the messy, courageous path to being yourself, even when it feels risky. Together, we deconstruct major myths around vulnerability in the workplace, offering evidence and stories that show how authenticity drives not just well-being, but tangible results: lower turnover, greater innovation, and a sense of collective purpose.

Inspired by Claude’s honest approach, our live listeners pose powerful questions that highlight common daily struggles such as hesitating to speak up, managing boundaries, and leading authentically under pressure. Claude brings empathy and actionable insight, emphasizing that psychological safety isn’t a luxury, but the backbone of sustainable performance. She also meets tough questions about hybrid work, digital disconnection, and the demands of high expectations with practical advice for human connection, even screen-to-screen.

Whether you’re looking to find your voice at work or creating an environment where others share more of themselves at the office, this conversation offers a blueprint for creating impact through authenticity, empathy, and everyday courage.

What You’ll Learn
- Authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything—it means showing up as you and taking up space.
- Leaders aren’t expected to have all the answers; the magic happens when we guide, listen, and connect.
- Empathy and accountability are not at odds. When people feel seen and valued, results follow.
- Protect your energy and set boundaries; you cannot pour from an empty cup.
- In challenging times, focus on what you can impact and be gentle with yourself.

Podcast Timestamps
00:57 Welcome and introduction to Claude Silver
03:06 Origin story: Why Claude wrote Be Yourself at Work
04:48 The Chief Heart Officer role explained
07:01 Authenticity at work: Dipping your toe in
09:20 The cost of hiding who you are
12:19 The ROI of psychological safety and human-centered culture
15:42 Authenticity in high-performance transformation environments
18:24 Cultivating self-awareness: Where to start
21:26 Getting curious about your emotions
23:44 The biggest misconception about authenticity
26:06 Leaders don't need all the answers
28:38 Empathy vs. accountability: They're not opposites
33:17 Speaking up in meetings and overcoming imposter syndrome
36:12 Having difficult conversations with courage
39:41 Connection in a virtual and hybrid world
44:11 Cameras on: Why it matters
46:52 When your face comes across as intense
48:46 Staying grounded when the world feels heavy
52:41 Boundaries: The recovering codependent's guide
56:09 Closing message: Text three people today

KEYWORDS
Positive Leadership, Authenticity at Work, Psychological Safety, Workplace Culture, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Vulnerability, Maintaining Boundaries, People-Centered Leadership, Hybrid Work, Chief Heart Officer, Organizational Values, Imposter Syndrome, Emotional Intelligence, Collaboration, Belonging, Workplace Diversity, CEO Success

This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well features Lorraine K. Lee, award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Right from the start, Lorraine challenges the myth that presence is an innate trait and persuasively argues that it is a learnable skill that anyone can develop through intention and small shifts.

We explore the superpowers of introverts while also highlighting practical strategies for building credibility when you are the least experienced/youngest person in the room and how you can deliver high-impact presentations that engage an audience. Lorraine also provides her T.E.A. framework for effective communication in a virtual world. She highlights the importance of Technology, Energy, and Aesthetics to maximize our impact on video calls.

This important conversation invites leaders and professionals to rethink how presence is built—in everyday moments, not just high-stakes situations. Listeners will walk away with accessible, evidence-based tools to unlock their own “superpowers” and show up with confidence, clarity, and unforgettable impact.

What You’ll Learn
- Reframe presence: From myth to mindset.
- Presence is built in small moments, not just big ones.
- Embrace and leverage your “presence superpowers”—Even as an introvert.
- Turn nerves into fuel: Taming the anxiety monster.
- Upgrade your virtual presence with T.E.A. (Tech, Energy, Aesthetics).
- Design meetings for inclusion and impact.
- How to redefine your LinkedIn presence.
- Reframe imposter syndrome as growth data.

Podcast Timestamps
(00:00) – What is Unforgettable Presence?
(04:49) – Presence as a Learnable Skill
(07:24) – Developing Presence as an Introvert
(10:12) - Managing Public Speaking Anxiety
(13:06) – Common Misconceptions About Presence
(18:22) - Presentation & Meeting Presence: Preparation and Impact
(22:19) - Building Strong Virtual Presence in Remote/Hybrid Work
(27:17) - Leading and Facilitating Engaging Meetings
(31:12) - Power of Language: Minimizing vs. Empowering Communication
(38:28) - Building LinkedIn Presence for Career Impact
(42:41) - Presence as a Junior Team Member
(49:15) - Maintaining Presence in High-Pressure Situations
(52:00) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

KEYWORDS
Positive Leadership, Unforgettable Presence, Executive Presence, Introverts, Public Speaking, LinkedIn Strategies, Virtual Presence, Remote Work, Hybrid Meetings, Presentation Skills, Minimizing Language, Feedback Techniques, Communication, Imposter Syndrome, Psychological Safety, Meeting Facilitation, Personal Branding, Career Advancement, Storytelling, AI in Communication, Inclusive Leadership, CEO Success

How do you move from playing it safe to truly amplifying your impact? In this week’s energetic episode, I welcome back Dianna Fioravanti, President of Kuhne + Nagel Canada and bestselling author of "Flip the Switch," for a candid exploration of what it takes to silence self-doubt and step into authentic leadership.

Dianna draws on her own setbacks and triumphs, revealing how even high performers can get stuck in fear or overthinking. Our conversation unveils her 6P model (person, purpose, passion, playbook, perseverance, partnership) as a roadmap for overcoming hesitation and achieving lasting transformation—not by becoming someone else, but by becoming more fully yourself. The stories and questions are deeply practical, designed to help listeners stop waiting for permission and start owning their voice.

If you’re looking for tools to foster self-trust, design a meaningful legacy, and build resilience, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how to flip your own internal switch and how to help those around you do the same.

What You’ll Learn
- Start with self-leadership.
- Discover your purpose and passion — Learn the difference between what gives you direction and what fuels your energy.
- Create your playbook to move from insight to consistent action, especially when life gets tough.
- Cultivate perseverance so you can bounce back and keep moving forward.
- Give yourself (and others) permission to move
- Build partnerships and your “inner cabinet”—trusted allies who support, push, and celebrate you along the way.

Podcast Timestamps
(00:00) – What Does It Mean to Flip the Switch?
(06:45) – Overcoming Inner Barriers
(09:08) - The R.E.A.L. Model of Leadership
(12:17) – The 6P Model
(14:24) - Distinguishing Passion and Purpose
(17:21) - The Role of Core Values in Self-Leadership
(21:31) - Sustaining Passion and Rebounding from Setbacks
(24:30) - The Importance of a Personal Playbook
(29:29) - Giving Yourself Permission and Owning Your Voice
(36:40) - Self-Assessment and Identifying Your Switches
(41:19) - Building Partnerships and Your Inner Cabinet
(44:52) - One Switch Listeners Can Flip Today

KEYWORDS
Positive Leadership, Self-Leadership, Courage, Purpose, Organizational Culture, People-First Leadership, Personal Growth, Overcoming Fear, Avoiding Overthinking, Dealing with Perfectionism, Sustained Motivation, The Power of a Playbook, Core Values, Introspection, Passion, Resilience, Empathy, Authenticity, Legacy, Psychological Safety, Vulnerability, Partnership, CEO Success