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Leadership lessons don’t need to be reserved for formal classroom and online trainings, they can be extracted from the stories we encounter every day. Join the Center for Creative Leadership’s Ren Washington and Allison Barr as they uncover and highlight the leadership lessons in today’s headlines and popular culture.
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison explore the major changes and corporate mergers that large companies are working to make happen across industries, and how these business deals will ultimately trickle down and affect their workers. During an already tumultuous time in an evolving job market, workers are struggling to remain grounded and feel a sense of security within their organizations. Managers are also working to find a balance between carrying out the wishes of their upper leadership while doing what is best for the wellbeing of their teams.
While the decisions of corporations do directly affect the livelihood of their workforce, this conversation highlights from a leadership perspective, the responsibilities that organizations have to their workers who are arguably the most affected by any changes - making it all the more important for leaders to place a focus on integrity and nurturing trust within their teams.
What to explore next:
Why Leadership Trust Is Critical in Times of Change and Disruption - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/why-leadership-trust-is-critical-in-times-of-change-and-disruption/
How to Be a Successful Change Leader - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/
Related solutions:
Leading Through Change & Disruption - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/leading-through-change/
Organizational Change & Transformation - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/organizational-leadership/organizational-change-transformation/
Conversational Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
In this episode of Lead with That, Ren and Allison discuss the leadership lessons learned from Lily Gladstone’s 2024 Golden Globe Award win for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. When Gladstone made history as the first indigenous actor to be distinguished with that honor in the award’s 81-year history, she opened her acceptance speech in the Blackfeet language to further honor and represent her heritage in a powerful way.
As her speech and award win has brought the topic of representation and its importance back into the forefront of social conversations, many are considering representation in the context of their organizations. Ren and Allison explore what representation means, why it matters in the workspace, and how leaders can use their influence to help their organizations find power in its value.
What to explore next:
Inclusive Leadership: Steps to Take to Get It Right - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/when-inclusive-leadership-goes-wrong-and-how-to-get-it-right/
Understand Social Identity to Lead in a Changing World- https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/understand-social-identity-to-lead-in-a-changing-world/
Related Solutions:
Beyond Bias™ - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/overcoming-unconscious-bias-in-the-workplace/
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/equity-diversity-inclusion
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison explore the looming tension that is currently surrounding the job market and how workers are trying to find their footing amidst an ever-changing workplace landscape. From “Quiet Quitting” to “The Great Resignation” to now navigating an unpredictable market filled with layoffs and downsizing, workers are struggling more than ever to find a place in their careers, and within organizations where they feel fulfilled. Employers are also struggling with finding the balance between nurturing a sense of security amongst employees while also being focused on the bottom line. With the recent highly publicized layoffs by large companies like Spotify and the media attention that has been given to the desire, or lack thereof, that people have to work, there seems to be a constant flow of conflicting messages – but ultimately the only way to stay grounded and feel fulfilled is to hold candid, constructive conversations with one another.
While businesses will always have to place focus on profit, the conversation highlights from a leadership perspective, the importance that leaders should place on understanding the needs of employees, while also ensuring they are willing to have the tough conversations with their teams when needed.
What to explore next:
5 Steps for Tackling Difficult Conversations - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/5-steps-for-tackling-tough-conversations/
Better Culture Starts With Better Conversations - https://www.ccl.org/articles/white-papers/better-culture-starts-with-better-conversations/
Related solutions:
Emotional Intelligence Training for Leaders - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/emotional-intelligence-training/
Conversational Skills Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-coaching/coaching-skills-better-conversations-training/
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
In this episode of Lead With that, Ren and Allison discuss the leadership lessons that we can glean from current societal conversations surrounding what being a “family” in the workplace really entails. As of late, many organizations have moved away from referring to employees as a family and have gravitated towards the concept of the “dream team,” or a more sports team-like structure. This change in jargon has seemingly led to positive organizational culture change as well, with Netflix being cited as a recent example of this. With the idea of being a well-rounded leader in the sports arena also showing up more in popular culture, like in Ted Lasso for instance, many of those in the workforce are fully embracing this this mindset and molding themselves and their leadership styles to fit it. While there are still many different opinions about the characteristics of a good leader, the conversation highlights from a leadership perspective what the true value of leadership that centers around building and managing teams may be and how this will affect organizational cultures moving forward.
What to explore next:
Build High-Performing Teams With Our Team Effectiveness Framework- https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/building-high-performing-teams-with-our-team-effectiveness-framework/
How to Lead a Collaborative Team - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-to-lead-a-collaborative-team/
Related Solutions:
Team Development – https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/team-development/
Team Collaboration Training - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/team-leader-training/
DAC Framework for Effective Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/effective-leadership-dac-framework/
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
In this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the leadership lessons we can learn from the communication, or lack thereof, surrounding recent natural disasters. In early August 2023, a series of deadly wildfires broke out on the Island of Maui in Hawaii leading to widespread damage and catastrophic loss. A few weeks later in early September, a Mediterranean storm made landfall over northeastern Libya, resulting in devastating flooding and the tragic loss thousands of lives. Unfortunately, a common thread connects these disasters: a lack of trust between the people affected and those leading the charge to protect them. While natural disasters are out of human control, the fallout from these incidents highlights, from a leadership perspective, broader issues related to communication during a crisis, how trust affects action, and how human-centered leadership makes all the difference. Join our hosts as they explore what these events can teach us about leadership.
Related Resources:
How to Lead Through a Crisis - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-to-lead-through-a-crisis/
Communicating in a Crisis: What, When, and How - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/communicating-in-a-crisis-what-when-and-how/
Related Solutions:
Communication & Leadership - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/leadership-and-communication-skills/
Executive Leadership Programs - https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/executive-leadership-programs
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
On this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discuss the leadership lessons in innovation and change management that we can take from the creation of the social media website Threads amidst the major changes that are being made to the platform formerly known as Twitter, X. As both sites are currently a hot topic in the media, many are wondering what the future holds for both and what their possible societal and technological impact may be. While Twitter’s successor, X, is working to make an impact by discarding its former branding as a means of transformation, Threads is struggling to make a portion of the impact of its predecessor, Instagram. This brings forward questions surrounding the value of branding, working within an organization during disruption, and the role leaders play in times of growth and change. Join our hosts as they explore the landscape of the major shifts in the tech world and how leaders can adapt to change through insightfulness and innovation.
Related Resources:
How to Lead Effectively Through Disruption - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/lead-effectively-disruptive-world/
How to Be a Successful Change Leader - https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/
Related Solutions:
https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/change-leadership/
https://www.ccl.org/leadership-solutions/leadership-topics/innovation-leadership/
About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
On this episode of Lead With That, Ren and Allison discus the leadership lessons that we can take from the current societal discussions surrounding inclusion for remote and hybrid employees. As of recent, the ethics, productivity, and health concerns related to remote work have been more prominently discussed in the media, due in part to many employers taking steps to put an end to allowing their employees to work away from the office. These changes have been a source of dismay for many of those in the workforce who have had the flexibility to work “unplugged” since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. While there are many different opinions about the value of remote work, the conversation highlights from a leadership perspective what the true effects of remote work may be and who returning to the office really benefits. Join our hosts as they explore the landscape of hybrid work in 2023, its challenges, and how leaders can adapt their focus to the needs of those they are leading – regardless of how they view remote work.
Related Resources:
Today's Top Leadership Tensions & How to Address Them: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/todays-top-leadership-tensions-how-to-address-them/
How to Build and Maintain a Remote Work Culture: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/how-to-build-and-maintain-a-remote-work-culture/
Why Today's Organizations Need to Embrace Flexibility in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/why-todays-organizations-need-to-embrace-flexibility-in-the-workplace/
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About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
In this episode of Lead With That Ren and Allison explore the leadership lessons that we can glean from the current Writers' Strike. On May 1st, TV and Movie writers went on strike for the first time in 15 years after months long negotiations with film studios failed to create a new contract. The strike is complex issue involving power dynamics, negotiations between union representatives and production companies, and the potential long-term impact on the entertainment industry. While the writers' strike is primarily about fair treatment and compensation for workers, it also highlights, from a leadership perspective, broader concerns around workers' rights, the importance of collective bargaining, and the future of work. Join our hosts as they explore the 2023 Writers Strike: Why it’s happening, how it’s evolved, and what you might be able to learn about leadership – even if you don’t live in LA.
Related Resources:
How to Build Trust in the Workplace and On Your Team with Delegation: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/build-trust-in-the-workplace/
What is Psychological Safety at Work? How Leaders Can Build Psychologically Safe Workplaces: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/what-is-psychological-safety-at-work/
How to Be a Leader that Everyone Admires at Work: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/6-ways-leader-everyone-wants-work/
Start with Compassionate Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/create-better-culture-start-with-compassionate-leadership/
Better Conversations Every Day: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/better-conversations-every-day-coaching-culture/
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About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Are you a Swiftie? If you are, this episode of Lead With That is for you. In this conversation Allison and Ren talk about the leadership lessons we can learn from Taylor Swift. A dominant force in the music industry for over a decade with numerous awards and accolades to her name, Taylor’s not only achieved incredible success as an artist, but has also taken a strong leadership role in the industry advocating for artists' rights and paving the way for young female musicians and using her voice in society more than ever. Throughout her career, Taylor has demonstrated a unique set of leadership qualities that have helped her rise to the top of her field, from her ability to connect with her fans to her willingness to be creative, take risks, and reinvent herself, Taylor has shown us what it takes to be a successful leader in a constantly evolving industry. Join our hosts as they talk Taylor Swift and examine the many leadership qualities that have contributed to making her one of the most successful and iconic artists of today.
Related Resources:
4 Ways to Strengthen Your Ability to Influence Others: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/4-keys-strengthen-ability-influence-others/
Authentic Leadership: What It Is, Why It Matters: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/authenticity-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/
Why Leadership Trust Is Critical in Times of Change and Disruption: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/why-leadership-trust-is-critical-in-times-of-change-and-disruption/
Women’s Leadership Solutions: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-challenges/womens-leadership-development/
The Better Leadership Project: https://www.ccl.org/insights-research/the-better-leadership-project/
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About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
In this episode Ren and Allison discuss Corrine Diacre’s leadership style, in the wake of her firing earlier this month. The head coach of the French Women’s National Soccer Team, Diacre was fired just four months before the Women’s World Cup this summer. The reason? “Malfunctions [that] seem[ed], in this context, irreversible,” according to the four-person panel commissioned by the French Football Federation’s president, Philippe Diallo. He commissioned the panel to investigate claims about the culture in the team. In this episode Ren and Allison explore the different aspects of Diacre's leadership style and see what we can glean from her firing. On one hand, she was known for her strong personality and her ability to motivate her team to achieve great things. On the other hand, her authoritarian approach may have alienated some of her players and staff, and ultimately contributed to her downfall. Let’s talk about the importance of creating a culture where people can thrive, and lead with that.
Related Resources:
Create (Better) Culture: The Keys to Wellbeing and Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/create-better-culture-the-keys-to-wellbeing-and-leadership/
The (Better) Leadership Project: https://www.ccl.org/insights-research/the-better-leadership-project/
Beyond Doing Good: 6 Mindset Shifts for Purposeful Leadership: https://www.ccl.org/articles/white-papers/beyond-doing-good-6-mindset-shifts-for-purposeful-leadership/
Use Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) to Understand Intent: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/closing-the-gap-between-intent-vs-impact-sbii/
Leadership Development Program: https://www.ccl.org/leadership-programs/leadership-development-program/
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About the Center for Creative Leadership:
Leadership is all we do. But our approach is distinct. We work with you to discover your priorities and customize our unique leadership solutions to best fit your needs. We create leaders who move their worlds. Our innovative solutions are steeped in extensive research and experience gained from tens of thousands of organizations, a million+ leaders at all levels, and leaders in more than 130 countries, across 6 continents. We deliver results that matter – sustained impact for you, your business and the world. www.ccl.org