FranklinCovey On Leadership

When markets shift and institutions feel shaky, many leaders reach for org charts, restructures, and new slogans—only to discover the real problem runs deeper. In this episode, Jonathan David Lewis—author, brand strategist, and president of McKee Wallwork & Company—joins Jennifer Colosimo to explore why so many “fixes” fail when character, trust, and internal clarity have eroded. Drawing on his book The Rebuilders, Jonathan explains how the world has flipped from outside-in branding to inside-out leadership: your people need to know who they are and what story they’re living before customers ever will. He discusses the “story wars” that play out inside large and small organizations, why indecision and misalignment are often identity problems in disguise, and how a clear, shared narrative can become a hard-edged competitive advantage. Along the way, he offers daily practices leaders can use to catch their own outdated stories, build alignment, and move teams from slow decline to renewed confidence and consistent action. We built an experience that we want you to be a part of. You can find it at https://leaddifferent.ai/. Come ask us the leadership questions that AI can’t answer. As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

What separates the leaders whose teams truly thrive from those who are barely hanging on? In this episode, Patrick Leddin, Jennifer Colosimo, Victoria Roos Olsson, and Doug Faber introduce ideas from their new book, Expect a Lot, Care a Lot: How 6 Critical Practices Create High-Performing Teams. Drawing on years of FranklinCovey research and their own experience leading teams and business units around the world, they explore the “human edge” of strategy—why technology and plans aren’t enough without leaders who know how to build capability, trust, and sustained performance. The conversation covers the current state of leadership, the rise of “accidental leaders,” and the daily, repeatable behaviors that help people feel both challenged and supported. Whether you’re leading for the first time or have been in the role for decades, they offer a practical starting point for being more intentional about how you clarify expectations, develop others, and create a culture where people can do their best work over time. Expect a Lot, Care a Lot, is in stores now. To learn more, visit: https://www.franklincovey.com/books/expect-a-lot-care-a-lot/ As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

When leaders roll out change, they often push harder on the message instead of pausing to understand why people are resisting. In this episode, Chris Voss—former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split the Difference—returns to On Leadership to explore how empathy and understanding fuel real collaboration in times of uncertainty. Chris explains why the human needs for safety, agency, and feeling understood are just as critical in the conference room as they are in a negotiation. He shows how leaders can “go slow to go fast” by articulating what their people are thinking, using tools like the accusations audit, and shifting from “being heard” to helping others feel heard. Along the way, he offers practical language and mindsets leaders can use to lower resistance, build trust, and move teams forward—even when they can’t offer certainty about the future. We built an experience that we want you to be a part of. You can find it at https://leaddifferent.ai/. Come ask us the leadership questions that AI can’t answer. Chris Voss is a former FBI lead kidnapping negotiator, bestselling author of Never Split The Difference, and founder and CEO of The Black Swan Group; a negotiation, training, coaching, and consulting organization that teaches people how to achieve better outcomes in high-stakes conversations. Recognized globally as a leading authority on negotiation, Chris developed his approach through decades of experience in crisis negotiation. Today, he and The Black Swan Group apply those principles to business, sales, leadership, difficult conversations, and high-stakes communication through The Black Swan Method® and Tactical Empathy®. Never Split The Difference has introduced millions of readers around the world to Chris’s negotiation methodology. Through The Black Swan Group, Chris and his team help people go beyond understanding the concepts in the book and develop negotiation as a practical, repeatable performance skill through training, coaching, practice, and live experiences. The Black Swan Group offers in-person negotiation training, live and self-paced online negotiation training, coaching, keynote speaking, and advanced negotiation experiences for business owners, leaders, sales professionals, and other professionals who want to become more effective dealmakers. Learn from Chris Voss and The Black Swan Group: Negotiation training and resources: https://www.blackswanltd.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=franklincoveyonleadership In-person and live training: https://www.blackswanltd.com/live-events?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=franklincoveyonleadership  Online negotiation training: https://www.blackswanltd.com/online-negotiation-classes?utm_source=youtube&utm=social&utm_campaign=franklincoveyonleadership As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

When every leader is being told to “have an AI strategy,” where do you actually start? Neil Hoyne—Google’s Chief Strategist and author of Converted—joins Jennifer Colosimo to reframe the conversation around what really drives growth. Drawing on two decades in rooms with CEOs, boards, and frontline teams, Neil explains why the first question isn’t which AI model to buy, but what business problem you’re trying to solve and how you’ll deploy limited resources to capture real opportunities. He talks about the psychology of data—why even the most sophisticated leaders override it, how metrics get weaponized into sales pitches, and what it takes to build disciplined experimentation instead. Neil also shares how to reconnect spreadsheets to the human stories behind them, design standards for “how much data is enough,” and use AI as a tool in service of clear strategy rather than a shiny object that drives it. AI Transformation and the Human Imperative: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-ai-transformation-human-imperative?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Join bestselling author and productivity expert Kory Kogon to learn how to consistently accomplish your most important tasks amidst urgencies, interruptions, and competing priorities.

Position Yourself for a New Perspective Join National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones as he shows how to apply the creativity, openness, and perspective of photography to your leadership approach. Learn the behind-the-scene stories behind his most breathtaking work—and how you can use your phone camera as a creative leadership tool. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Feel Competent, Credible, and Comfortable When You Present Join senior consultant Marché Barney as she demonstrates best practices around eye contact, voice, body movement, and gestures, so you can facilitate and present to audiences more effectively. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

How Will You Measure Your Life? Join Karen Dillon, former editor of the Harvard Business Review, to learn how to apply proven business theories that enhance your personal life and leadership legacy. She shares how to stay open to emergent opportunities, clarify your sense of purpose, and leverage the major insight that transformed her own career. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

When we want to build trust, we usually begin with our integrity. Join New York Times bestselling author Stephen M. R. Covey as he argues that equally important is our credibility: delivering results, making and keeping commitments, and staying loyal to the absent.

Iconic Leadership Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author and presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, as she shares leadership lessons from four extraordinary U.S. presidents—Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson—such as seeking mentors, fostering resilience, and developing the ultimate leadership combination of confidence and humility. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

The Power of Turning Ideas into Images for Outcomes Join authors David Sibbet and Gisela Wendling to discover how to increase engagement during your meetings and spur action afterwards. Learn the seven basic drawings every leader needs to master, the four types of participant disagreement, and the hidden importance of setting up the room to drive the right outcomes. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Two Leadership Lessons from the Trenches Join Scott Miller, FranklinCovey executive vice president, as he curates two more of the most important leadership lessons he’s learned: the difference between bad news and wrong news, and the necessity of cultivating intentional friendships. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

THE SECRET TO GREAT PRESENTATIONS Join Nancy Duarte, author and CEO of the Duarte design agency, to learn how to deliver inspiring, entertaining, and persuasive communication, from keynotes speeches to one-on-one meetings. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Your energy level correlates directly to your productivity. Join bestselling author and FranklinCovey productivity expert Leena Rinne, as she discusses three key energy drivers—sleep, relax, and connect—and tactical ways you can improve your energy level today.

DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS Sean Covey, FranklinCovey co-president, bestselling author, and son of Stephen R. Covey, discusses the power of teaching leadership in schools, the work he says his father was most proud of. Learn how more than 4,500 schools in 55 countries are using 7 Habits principles to unleash their students’ potential. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Join bestselling author Eric Barker as he dispels common myths about success, and shares how to develop grit, turn your dreams into actions, and carve your own path in life.

Join Chris McChesney, FranklinCovey's global practice leader and author of the #1 bestselling book on execution, to learn how you and your team can execute wildly important goals in the face of overwhelming urgencies, clear the hurdle of the “day job,” and use execution to drive morale, engagement, and accountability.

Great leaders can't get great results without reality. Join Scott Miller, FranklinCovey's executive vice president, as he shares two more hard-won lessons on leadership: how you can make it safe for your team to give you honest feedback, and how to reduce conflict with one simple act.

Work that matters for people who care. Bestselling author and business visionary Seth Godin shares the most important leadership trait you’ll need in the next decade and how our prevailing ideas about marketing no longer apply. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Balance people and processes for successful projects. Join author and FranklinCovey consultant Suzette Blakemore to learn how to avoid the biggest mistakes we make while managing projects, and four simple behaviors that land successful initiatives every time. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Take advantage of timing for peak performance. Join bestselling author Daniel Pink to learn how to leverage timing to produce better results, and when you should—and shouldn’t—do your analytical, routine, and creative work. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Join Sandy Rogers, customer loyalty expert and former senior vice president at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, to learn how to build fierce loyalty among your customers.

Rescue Your Brain Health. Join Dr. Daniel Amen, renowned physician and #1 New York Times best-selling author, to learn simple ways to care for your most important professional asset – your brain – and how leaders can invest in their employees' brain health. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. http://ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Three things every leader needs to know. Join Scott Miller, FranklinCovey's executive vice president, as he shares three of the most important leadership lessons of his career, including excuse-free apologies, the danger of being interesting, and insight from Dr. Stephen R. Covey that changed him forever. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. http://ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Join Hyrum Smith, one of the most influential thinkers on modern time management, as he shares insights on productivity from his 50-year career – Exclusively with Scott Miller for FranklinCovey On Leadership.

Focus on your priorities in a world of distractions. Productivity expert Kory Kogon shares how to increase your productivity by rewiring your brain, with Scott Miller, exclusively for the FranklinCovey On Leadership series.

You don’t always need to be the smartest person in the room. Join best-selling author Liz Wiseman as she and Scott Miller discuss how the best leaders make everyone smarter, exclusively for the FranklinCovey On Leadership series.

The way we see the problem is the problem. Learn how to see people and situations accurately. Join best-selling author Todd Davis as he and Scott Miller discuss this, and more, exclusively for the FranklinCovey On Leadership series. Subscribe to FranklinCovey On Leadership and receive weekly videos, tools, articles, and podcasts to help you become a better leader. http://ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

In a world that can’t stop talking, it’s easy (and costly) to undervalue introverts. Join best-selling author Susan Cain as she discusses the incredible power of introverts with Scott Miller, exclusively for the FranklinCovey On Leadership series. Subscribe to On Leadership and receive weekly articles, podcasts, and videos to help you become a better leader. http://ow.ly/tH5E30kAxfj

Trust is the one thing that changes everything and it is the key leadership competency of the new, global economy. Join best-selling author Stephen M. R. Covey as he discusses this concept in-depth, with Scott Miller, exclusively for the FranklinCovey On Leadership series.

How do you lead through constant disruption without losing sight of people, purpose, or performance? In this episode, Kat Cole—CEO of AG1, former president of Cinnabon, and longtime operator and investor—joins Jennifer Colosimo to share the pivotal moments that shaped her philosophy of leadership. Kat reflects on rising from restaurant hostess to executive, turning Cinnabon around after the Great Recession, and steering franchise and hospitality businesses through COVID when revenue evaporated overnight. She explains why “being clear-eyed” about what’s broken, focusing on what truly matters, and being willing to take unpopular actions are essential in volatile times. Kat also talks about the beliefs great leaders hold about people, how they balance optimism with realism, and the everyday habits—listening, taking action, seeking feedback, and growing on purpose—that allow them to build trust, unlock potential, and create opportunity in any environment. From Shock to Strategic Advantage: How Leaders Convert Disruption Into Opportunity: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-convert-disruption?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In many organizations, the ideal employee is still the one who’s always on, answers instantly, and never seems to slow down. Elizabeth Svoboda—award-winning science journalist and author of The Art of Pacing—joins Jennifer Colosimo to challenge that myth with evidence from neuroscience, psychology, and elite performance. Elizabeth explains why “grind” culture quietly erodes physical and mental health, drives talented people out, and ultimately undermines productivity. She shares what happens in our brains and bodies when we ignore limits, how leaders’ own narratives about overwork shape their teams, and why learning to pull back before you hit the wall is an act of courage, not weakness. Drawing on real research and practical tools, Elizabeth shows how leaders can model healthier pacing, spot early warning signs of overload, and create environments where people can sustain high performance over the long term. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Turn Inconsistent Leadership Into Sustainable Performance: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-from-burnout-to-breakthrough?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale.To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In a world obsessed with speed, what if the most powerful leadership move is to tap the brakes? In this episode, Shawn Vanderhoven—partner at The Wiseman Group and co-author of Pause: How to Lead Brilliant Work in a Busy World—joins Jennifer Colosimo to share what he’s learned from researching hundreds of leaders and high-performing teams. Shawn explains why so many managers feel overcommitted, addicted to activity, and unintentionally pass busyness down to their people, especially as AI accelerates expectations. He describes the simple behaviors that distinguish leaders who create clarity, calm, and space for deep work from those who amplify chaos. Through real stories and practical tools, Shawn shows how to design time for focus, reduce distraction, and shift from a bias for constant action to a bias for impact—so your team can do the kind of work they’re truly capable of. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Turn Inconsistent Leadership Into Sustainable Performance - https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-from-burnout-to-breakthrough?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

How do you lead transformation in an environment where the stakes are life and death and “the way it’s always been” feels hardwired? In this episode, Ryannon Frederick, Chief Nursing Officer at Mayo Clinic, joins Jennifer Colosimo to talk about what human-centered leadership looks like in practice. Ryannon shares how she pushes herself and her teams beyond incremental change by borrowing ideas from outside healthcare, challenging limiting beliefs, and using “imagine a world where…” prompts to unlock big thinking. She describes Mayo’s “for nurses, by nurses” approach to innovation, why the people closest to the work are best positioned to spot opportunities, and how pairing frontline clinicians with non-clinical experts sparks new solutions. Along the way, she highlights the daily behaviors that build trust, psychological safety, and engagement across 26,000 nurses—and why the toughest leaders she’s worked for ultimately helped her grow the most. The views expressed in this interview are those of Ryannon Frederick and do not reflect the views of their employer. Caring for the Caregivers: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-caring-for-the-caregivers?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Why do so many smart organizations still feel slow, rigid, and stuck in the past? In this episode, Phil Le-Brun—former McDonald’s executive who helped modernize operations across 38,000 restaurants, and now an executive in residence at Amazon Web Services—joins Jennifer Colosimo to introduce ideas from his new book, The Octopus Organization. Phil explains why the “silent killer” of performance isn’t bad people, but good people trapped in bad rules, outdated structures, and 19th-century management thinking. Using the octopus as a metaphor, he explores what it really means to build a learning, adaptive organization where decision-making lives closer to the work, not just at the top. Phil shares practical ways leaders can move beyond soul-crushing, one-time transformations and instead create continuous, humane change that unlocks potential, accelerates decisions, and helps teams thrive in a world of constant complexity. As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

What if the biggest barrier to your goals lives inside your own head? In this episode, Dr. Henry Cloud—renowned clinical psychologist, executive coach, bestselling author, and co-founder of a large healthcare organization—joins Jennifer Colosimo to unpack the ideas behind his new book, Your Desired Future: The 5 Essential Steps That Take You Where You Want to Go. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and years working in the “war rooms” with CEOs and executive teams, Henry explains why effort alone rarely closes the gap between vision and execution. He introduces a simple but powerful model, inspired by how the human body moves from “here” to “there,” to help leaders clarify the future they want, recruit the right talent, and design strategies that actually work. Along the way, he explores how self-doubt, unexamined assumptions, and missing structural elements quietly stall progress—and what you can do to consistently create the results you intend. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In a world flooded with information, the greatest leadership challenge may be managing how we respond to ideas that challenge our assumptions. Philosopher and cognitive immunology researcher Andy Norman introduces the concept of “mental immunity”—the mind’s ability to resist misinformation, rigid thinking, and reactive decision-making. Drawing parallels to the body’s immune system, he explains why leaders must learn to pause before reacting, listen deeply to dissenting perspectives, and treat objections as opportunities for learning rather than threats. Norman also explores how organizations can strengthen collective decision-making through collaborative inquiry, intellectual humility, and a culture that welcomes thoughtful questioning. For leaders navigating change, conflict, and uncertainty, the ability to remain curious and persuadable may be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Listen to explore how stronger mental immunity can improve leadership effectiveness. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Today’s CEOs face constant distractions that consume time and attention. Dan Bigman, editor-in-chief and chief content officer of Chief Executive Group, shares what he’s hearing from top executives about the realities of modern leadership. He explains why clarity becomes a leader’s most important responsibility during uncertainty and why many organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Bigman also explores the habits shared by effective CEOs, including disciplined focus, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt as conditions change. Drawing on conversations with some of the world’s most influential business leaders, he offers a grounded perspective on what leadership looks like when complexity and change are accelerating simultaneously. Listen to explore the practices helping leaders stay effective amid constant disruption. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Most organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Conor Grennan, founder and CEO of AI Mindset, argues that AI adoption is not primarily a technology challenge—it’s a behavioral and leadership challenge. Drawing on his work with organizations like Google, Walmart, and Microsoft, Grennan explains why employees instinctively treat AI like a search engine instead of a collaborative teammate, limiting both adoption and impact. He outlines practical frameworks leaders can use to reduce fear, encourage experimentation, and shift teams from incremental productivity gains to real reinvention. Grennan also explores the role of vulnerability in leading AI transformation, emphasizing that trust, curiosity, and clear expectations matter more than technical expertise. Listen to explore how leaders can help people adapt to AI in more human, effective ways. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

UPS CEO Carol Tomé believes leadership comes down to three things: head, heart, and hands. In this On Leadership conversation with Jennifer Colosimo, Tomé shares how she guided UPS through the disruption of 2020 while transforming the company into a customer-first, innovation-driven logistics leader. She explains the strategic shift toward “better, not bigger,” the expansion into complex healthcare logistics, and how AI and automation are reshaping supply chains without losing the human connection customers value most. Tomé also discusses the leadership traits she looks for in senior executives—including curiosity, empathy, and future-focused thinking—and why developing talent is one of a leader’s most important responsibilities. From operational excellence to culture and purpose, this episode offers a practical look at leading large-scale transformation while keeping people at the center. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Most change efforts fail not because people resist change, but because leaders misunderstand how change actually works. Julia Dhar, behavioral scientist and BCG managing director, explains why 75% of transformations fall short—and what leaders can do differently. She introduces the concept of “change distance,” the gap between executive optimism and employee reality, and outlines practical ways to close it. Dhar challenges leaders to move beyond false alignment to real agreement, use storytelling that is honest and specific, and design change with real human behavior in mind. She also highlights the importance of incentives, emotional awareness, and “take-up”—making change easier to adopt in daily work. The result is a more grounded, human-centered approach to transformation. Listen to learn how to turn strategy into sustained behavior change. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

AI transformation is moving faster than any prior technology shift, but Joe Atkinson argues the real challenge isn’t technical—it’s human. Drawing on his experience leading AI strategy at PwC, Atkinson explains why empathy, listening, and clarity are now core leadership capabilities, not soft skills. He outlines how leaders must balance speed with trust, avoid over-reliance on consensus, and invest in continuous learning to keep pace with change. The conversation also explores why most organizations struggle to capture ROI from AI—and what top performers do differently. Ultimately, leadership determines whether AI becomes a productivity tool or a true driver of transformation. Listen to explore how to lead through disruption while building capability, confidence, and performance. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

When teams fail to innovate, leaders often blame execution, alignment, or talent. Eric Ries argues the real issue is leadership itself. Drawing on ideas from The Lean Startup and his latest work on building “incorruptible” organizations, Ries explains why companies unintentionally suppress creativity through rigid systems, misaligned incentives, and a fear of failure. He outlines a practical path forward: start with small, leader-led experiments, challenge legacy planning assumptions, and redesign systems that reward learning—not just outcomes. Ries also introduces the concept of the “culture bank,” where trust is built through consistent decisions that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. For leaders navigating uncertainty, the message is clear: sustainable innovation requires changing how you lead, not just what your teams do. Listen to explore how to build organizations that adapt, innovate, and earn trust at scale. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Leadership is a constant tension between driving results and genuinely caring for people. Jennifer Colosimo, former president of FranklinCovey's enterprise division, shares how great leaders navigate that balance. Drawing on decades of experience across consulting, sales, and executive leadership, she explains why performance and people leadership cannot be separated—and why expecting more from teams must be matched with stronger coaching, clarity, and trust. Colosimo also outlines the core ideas behind her upcoming book, Expect a Lot, Care a Lot, including practical approaches to feedback, delegation, and building high-performing teams. As Will Houghteling steps away from the show and passes the hosting role into her hands, this episode marks an evolution of FranklinCovey On Leadership—setting the tone for what leadership looks like in practice: principled, demanding, and deeply human.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Ashley Herd, author of The Manager Method, breaks down why most leadership mistakes happen in the gap between reaction and response. Her simple framework—pause, consider, act—helps managers handle difficult conversations, re-engage struggling employees, and lead with clarity instead of impulse. Drawing on experience in law, HR, and executive leadership, Herd challenges common advice, emphasizing fairness over sameness, action over avoidance, and structure over micromanagement. She also explores how AI will reshape leadership—and why human connection will matter even more. Listen to learn how small behavioral shifts can dramatically improve how you lead people. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Sustained success requires more than optimizing today’s business—it demands building what’s next before it’s urgent. Howard Yu, LEGO Professor of Management at IMD, explains why the most resilient organizations “perform and transform” simultaneously, scaling new capabilities while strengthening their core. He unpacks the costly knowing–doing gap that derails companies, why innovation often becomes theater instead of discipline, and how future-ready leaders measure progress across both current performance and emerging growth. Yu also explores real-world examples—from Google to BYD—showing how incremental experimentation, not big bets, drives long-term advantage. For leaders navigating disruption, the takeaway is clear: consistency, focus, and capability-building—not vision alone—separate companies that adapt from those that fall behind. Listen to learn how to build a future-ready organization. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

A compelling idea means little if it fails to move people. Chris Anderson, head of TED, explains what separates ideas that spread from those that stall—and how leaders can communicate in ways that drive real impact. Drawing on years of curating and coaching some of the world’s most influential talks, Anderson breaks down the structure of persuasive communication, the importance of clarity over complexity, and why storytelling is a leadership skill—not a performance skill. He also addresses common pitfalls, including overloading audiences with information and failing to connect ideas to human meaning. For leaders responsible for influence, alignment, and change, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is a force multiplier. Listen to explore how to turn insight into action through better communication. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Playing it safe is often the riskiest career move. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy—current CEO of Xero, former president of StubHub, and founder of theBoardlist—shares why growth comes from taking calculated risks and building a personal “risk muscle” over time. Drawing on her leadership across Google, Amazon, and multiple startups, she explains how to evaluate opportunities not just by stability, but by learning velocity, scope, and long-term upside. Cassidy also challenges leaders to rethink how they hire and develop talent, emphasizing potential over pedigree and encouraging teams to step outside rigid career paths. For organizations facing constant change, her perspective reframes risk-taking as a discipline—not a gamble. Listen to explore how intentional risk can accelerate both individual careers and organizational performance. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

AI is reshaping organizations faster than most leaders expect. Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, explains why the future will favor companies—and professionals—who become dexterous with AI tools. He shares how Cisco transformed from a collection of acquired product “fiefdoms” into an integrated platform company, opened its ecosystem to partners, and embedded an AI-first mindset across a 30,000-person organization. Patel also explores how AI agents will change the nature of work, why leaders must distinguish megatrends from hype cycles, and how culture shifts require both top-down clarity and bottom-up participation. For leaders navigating technological disruption, the message is direct: embrace the tools, focus on meaningful problems, and build teams capable of adapting at scale. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Loneliness is more than a personal struggle—it’s a measurable threat to creativity, productivity, and health. Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, explains why disconnection erodes workplace performance and why leaders must treat social connection as a strategic priority. Drawing on research and his own experience in public service, Murthy outlines practical ways organizations can foster belonging—from modeling relationship-first leadership to simple, structured storytelling rituals that humanize teams. He also addresses AI companions, youth mental health, and the unintended consequences of social media, challenging leaders to ensure technology augments—not replaces—human relationships. At a time when engagement and retention are at risk, this conversation reframes connection as a leadership imperative. Listen to explore how building community drives both well-being and results. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Kara Nortman built her career in traditional venture capital—then stepped away from the classic Silicon Valley model to co-found Angel City FC and later launch Monarch Collective, a $250 million fund investing in women’s sports. Her journey reveals what happens when curiosity, conviction, and community intersect. Nortman explains how applying a venture mindset to sports unlocked overlooked demand, why founder-market fit matters beyond tech, and how getting the right two or three people on a team can change everything. She also reflects on identity, risk, and the courage to leave a prestigious role to pursue deeper purpose. For leaders navigating reinvention, her message is clear: be intentional, build exceptional teams, and align impact with returns. Listen to learn how founder thinking can transform industries—and careers. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

As AI drives the cost of cognition toward zero, competing on intelligence alone will no longer be enough. Former OpenAI go-to-market leader Zack Kass argues we are entering a “next Renaissance,” where intelligence becomes abundant and leaders must rethink strategy, talent, and purpose. He distinguishes between incremental AI gains and exponential reinvention, challenges organizations to clarify mission over legacy methods, and warns against confusing hype with real transformation. Kass also explores the cultural barriers to adoption, the myth of AI-driven decline in critical thinking, and why human qualities—agency, empathy, courage, and creativity—will define leadership in a post-AI world. Listen to this episode of FranklinCovey On Leadership with Will Houghteling to explore how to lead when intelligence is no longer scarce. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, explains how a 90-year-old company stays relevant by deliberately embracing disruption. He walks through Ryder’s shift from a truck rental brand to a diversified transportation and logistics partner, detailing the strategic choices behind narrowing geographic focus, expanding asset-light services, and investing in technology. Sanchez also shares how leadership mindset shapes culture—especially the importance of giving people permission to try, fail, and learn without fear. From building trust across a 50,000-employee workforce to institutionalizing “important but not urgent” strategy work, this conversation offers practical lessons for leaders managing complexity, legacy businesses, and constant change. Listen now to explore how disciplined strategy, innovation, and a tolerance for failure can drive long-term performance. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Serial airline founder David Neeleman shares what it really takes to build—and rebuild—extraordinary companies as they scale. From being fired at Southwest to founding JetBlue, Azul, and Breeze, Neeleman reflects on the crucible moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why culture decays without relentless communication, how servant leadership shows up in high-stakes, operationally complex environments, and what leaders must do to keep teams aligned as organizations grow from dozens to thousands. The conversation also explores ownership-first cultures, customer obsession, crisis leadership during JetBlue’s Valentine’s Day meltdown, and why clarity, discipline, and checklists matter when safety and trust are non-negotiable. Listen now to learn how leaders can grow fast without sacrificing purpose, people, or performance. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Julie Zhuo, former VP of Product Design at Facebook and author of The Making of a Manager, reflects on the leadership lessons she learned while scaling with one of the world’s fastest-growing companies. She explains why great managers must hold high standards without becoming taskmasters—and how trust, feedback, and clarity determine whether teams merely comply or truly commit. Zhuo shares a defining moment of feedback that reshaped her approach to management, unpacks the shift from individual contributor to leader, and outlines the levers managers use to multiply impact through people, process, and purpose. The conversation also explores why leaders confuse niceness with kindness, how to create real clarity on teams, and what thoughtful experimentation looks like in the age of AI. Listen now to explore what it really means to expect a lot and care a lot. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and Trust & Inspire, Stephen M. R. Covey, joins us to share lessons from growing up with Stephen R. Covey as a father, the early career experiences that taught him to trust himself, and the origins of his groundbreaking work on trust. He explains how trust transforms organizations, backed by research showing employees are 14x more engaged when they trust their leaders, and why leadership today requires not just building trust but also inspiring others. From the painful process of earning credibility to the neuroscience of trust, Stephen reveals why trust is the new currency of our time, how to move beyond command-and-control leadership, and what practical behaviors can help leaders scale influence, inspire their teams, and sustain results. FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Real behavior change rarely comes from willpower, motivation, or sudden insight. According to behavioral scientist BJ Fogg, it comes from design. In this conversation, Fogg explains why habits form when behaviors are made easy, anchored to existing routines, and reinforced through emotion—not repetition alone. Drawing on the Fogg Behavior Model (B=MAP), he challenges common leadership assumptions about motivation, consistency, and culture change. The discussion moves from personal habit formation to organizational behavior, showing how leaders can redesign environments to drive faster, more durable change at scale—from AI adoption to product design. Fogg also critiques popular habit frameworks and clarifies what actually wires habits into the brain. Listen now to learn how leaders can stop trying to motivate people and start designing for success. Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t just about strategy—it’s about connection. Strengthen your communication skills with our latest guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

As leaders reset priorities for a new year, Todd Davis argues that progress doesn’t come from chasing trends—it comes from applying timeless principles with discipline. Drawing on three decades at FranklinCovey, Davis explains why Begin with the End in Mind and Put First Things First remain foundational for leaders navigating silos, hybrid work, and rising employee expectations. He challenges the idea that generational differences fundamentally change leadership, making the case that people still want the same things: trust, meaning, growth, and recognition. The conversation also explores why private victory must precede public victory, how weekly planning builds credibility, and why feedback only works when leaders make it safe to tell the truth. Listen now to revisit the leadership fundamentals that still drive results. Level up your leadership and make every message count with proven communication strategies. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Conflict is unavoidable at work—but avoiding it is often the bigger risk. Amy Gallo, bestselling author and Harvard Business Review expert, reframes conflict as a leadership advantage rather than a failure. She explains why resolving tension at the lowest level builds trust, how leaders accidentally undermine team culture by stepping in too soon, and why “feeling good” is the wrong metric for a successful difficult conversation. Drawing on research, real workplace scenarios, and her book Getting Along, Gallo offers practical guidance for navigating passive-aggressive behavior, insecure managers, and high-stakes disagreements. The conversation challenges the instinct to prioritize harmony over honesty and makes a clear case: teams that handle conflict well are stronger, more resilient, and more effective. Listen now to learn how to turn workplace tension into progress. Gain insight into your conversation style and learn how to navigate conversations authentically and effectively with our Difficult Conversation Assement: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-difficult-conversati?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Trust is not a soft value—it’s a force multiplier. Drawing on decades leading elite military units and advising global organizations, Gen. Stanley McChrystal argues that excessive controls, approvals, and safeguards are often signs of distrust—and they quietly cripple performance. In this conversation with Will Houghteling, McChrystal unpacks how trust is built through repeated interaction, proven competence, and shared context, not slogans or policies. He explains why modern organizations must replace rigid hierarchies with shared consciousness, how leaders can empower faster decision-making without losing accountability, and why underinvesting in leadership development carries long-term costs. From battlefield lessons to boardroom realities, this episode challenges leaders to rethink how trust, communication, and character drive execution at scale. Listen now to explore what it really takes to lead effectively in complexity and uncertainty. Climbing the leadership ladder isn’t just about strategy—it’s about connection. Strengthen your communication skills with our latest guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Former Procter & Gamble CEO AG Lafley explains why enduring performance depends on treating even the most established business as an “eternal restart”—constantly innovating, pruning distractions, and staying grounded in real customer behavior rather than stated preference. Drawing on decades leading one of the world’s largest consumer companies, he outlines how organizations can sharpen strategic choices, build ambidextrous cultures, and simplify management systems to execute with consistency. Lafley also details P&G’s shift toward open innovation, its rigorous process for exiting underperforming categories, and the leadership behaviors required to create competitive advantage at scale. Listen now to explore how leaders can refocus resources, empower teams closest to the customer, and cultivate innovation that actually reaches the market. Everyone agrees that leadership matters. But in the rush of competing priorities—in the whirlwind of data, deadlines, and deliverables—it’s easy to lose sight of just how much it matters. Download our new guide, Where are all the Great Leaders, to learn more: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-where-are-all-the-great-leaders?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Bestselling author and workplace equity expert Minda Harts outlines the seven trust languages from her book Talk to Me Nice and explains why trust must be treated as a daily leadership practice—not a corporate initiative. She shares how transparency, acknowledgment, security, and follow-through shape whether teams feel respected and safe enough to contribute their best work. Harts also challenges leaders to examine power dynamics, close expectation gaps, and recognize the influence middle managers hold in shaping culture. Minda shares data connecting trust to productivity, retention, and reduced anxiety, and offers practical ways to rebuild trust even in organizations facing uncertainty. This conversation will teach you how to build trust through clearer expectations, better communication, and consistent follow-through. Across industries and institutions, leadership is being hollowed out by scandal, short-termism, and a dangerous obsession with optics over integrity. Download our latest insights report, Where are all the great leaders?, and seize opportunity in an era of erosion: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-great-leader-insight-report?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Bestselling author and longtime Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman brings decades of research into time, focus, and the psychology of meaning to challenge the belief that control and optimization lead to fulfillment. Drawing on ideas from Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, he explores why accepting our finite time, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and turning toward discomfort can create deeper focus and purpose. Burkeman contrasts the fantasy of “superyacht control” with the reality of navigating life in a “kayak,” where uncertainty is constant but agency remains. He offers practical ways leaders can prioritize what matters, make peace with tradeoffs, and cultivate a more grounded presence amid overwhelm. Listen now to explore how acknowledging limits can become a powerful source of clarity and effectiveness.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Stanford lecturer in Organizational Behavior and communication expert Matt Abrahams explains why strong leadership depends on clarity, intention, and genuine connection. He breaks down practical tools—like his “What? So What? Now What?” structure—that help people speak effectively under pressure and avoid the traps of over-preparation, memorization, and audience neglect. Abrahams also offers concrete methods to manage speaking anxiety, craft messages that resonate, and become more “audience-obsessed” in everyday conversations. The discussion goes beyond presentations, covering small talk, one-on-ones, and how leaders can create trust through presence and active listening. Listen now to learn communication habits you can put to work immediately.   Discover how to replace confusion with clarity and turn every message you deliver into aligned, confident action across your team. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In this FranklinCovey Impact Conference panel, host Will Houghteling explores how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership and work with Henry Deng of Google, Sumeet Chabria of ThoughtLinks, and Kathi Enderes of the Josh Bersin Company. The discussion tackles how leaders can harness AI to amplify human potential, not replace it—focusing on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. From McDonald’s reimagining hiring to Google’s use of generative AI for workflow design, the panel highlights the skills leaders need to thrive: curiosity, communication, and courage to rethink the role of technology. Press play to learn how to balance efficiency with humanity and lead teams confidently through AI-driven change.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake shares how an “inverted pyramid” mindset reshaped one of America’s largest retailers. In this candid conversation, Blake explains why true leadership begins by serving those closest to the customer—and how listening deeply, celebrating frontline excellence, and simplifying communication drive lasting results. He reflects on lessons from Ronald Reagan and Jack Welch, explores the balance between humility and accountability, and offers practical guidance for managers stepping into leadership for the first time. From navigating crises to shaping culture through recognition, Blake reveals how leaders can align purpose, people, and performance. Watch or listen to this conversation to learn how to build teams that thrive from the ground up.

Economist and author Tyler Cowen explores what makes founders uniquely capable of leading transformative organizations. He discusses the concept of “founder energy”—the authority, credibility, and institutional capital that empower visionaries like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to make bold pivots when others can’t. Cowen examines how leadership legitimacy differs between founders and hired CEOs, and why adaptability, decision speed, and conviction are critical in times of change. He also reflects on how leaders can build influence without formal authority by earning trust and creating value in their organizations. Watch this conversation to learn how to harness founder-like energy to drive innovation and resilience.   For most organizations, disruption has moved from a distant “black swan”–style risk to a permanent operating condition. Download our latest guide, From Shock to Strategic Advantage to learn how leaders convert disruption into opportunity: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-convert-disruption?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Chip Conley—hospitality disruptor, modern elder, and wisdom seeker—joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, culture, and wisdom in business. Chip shares stories from his early days transforming rundown hotels in San Francisco’s Tenderloin into vibrant communities, his role in shaping Airbnb’s growth, and why investing in culture doesn’t have to cost a dime. He reflects on the balance between founder energy and burnout, the lessons of storytelling and constraints, and the importance of wisdom in an AI-driven future.   Everyone agrees that leadership matters. But in the rush of competing priorities—in the whirlwind of data, deadlines, and deliverables—it’s easy to lose sight of just how much it matters. Download our new guide, Where are all the Great Leaders, to learn more: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-where-are-all-the-great-leaders?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

We sit down with Tim Brown, Chair of IDEO and pioneer of design thinking, for an inspiring conversation on the future of design, leadership, and creativity. Tim reflects on projects he’s proudest of while sharing why good design must address both functional and emotional needs. Tim also dives into the intersection of AI and human creativity—how it’s currently reshaping existing designs, and where it could take us in generating entirely new possibilities. With lessons on collaboration, leadership, and the value of exploring ideas across disciplines, this episode shines light on how design is not just for art but for business.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

We are joined by Carolyn Dewar, McKinsey senior partner and author of CEO Excellence, to unpack what makes great leaders stand out. Drawing on extensive research from her book CEO Excellence, Carolyn reveals the bold mindset that defines exceptional CEOs, the critical risks they take, and why focusing on expanding the pie drives long-term success. She shares insights on the four seasons of being a CEO, from early bold moves to finishing strong, and why openness to learning often matters more than confidence. Listeners will learn how CEOs can avoid analysis paralysis, manage their calendars ruthlessly, lead through uncertainty, and prepare for smooth transitions that save businesses billions.   Greatness lives in everyone; it just needs unlocking. FranklinCovey's newest guide, Where are all the Great Leaders: Solving the Leadership Crisis in a Disruptive World, is an invitation to reset. Download it here: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-where-are-all-the-great-leaders?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=over%E2%80%A6   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Bestselling author James Patterson and leadership expert Patrick Leddin join us to explore resilience, disruption, and thriving in uncertain times. They discuss lessons from their diverse careers, the importance of repeated practice in building resilience, and how to embrace change with courage and creativity. From stories of family businesses to navigating the rise of AI, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiring insights on leadership and impact.   Identify and inspire impactful behavior amid disruption. Take our self-assessment to reveal your unique positive disrupter profile: https://disrupt.franklincovey.com   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

We sit down with Cyan Banister, a pioneering investor and entrepreneur whose remarkable journey began on a Navajo reservation and included homelessness at 14, no formal degrees, and more than 50 odd jobs before she found her path in technology. She shares how relentless curiosity, daily “level ups,” and the courage to embrace optimism shaped her career as an early investor in transformative companies like Uber, SpaceX, and Pokémon Go. Along the way, Cyan reveals the role of aphorisms in her personal growth, why conviction matters in investment decisions, and how play and wonder fuel both creativity and leadership.   Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Sit down with basketball legend and leadership thinker Shane Battier. From National High School Player of the Year and NCAA Champion at Duke to two-time NBA Champion with the Miami Heat, Battier built a career on more than stats—he became known as the ultimate “glue guy,” mastering the unseen skills that drive teams to win. In this episode, Shane shares the mindsets, lessons, and leadership principles that guided his journey on and off the court, including how to embrace humility, elevate others, and create winning cultures. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or striving for personal growth, Shane’s insights will inspire you to rethink success and lead with impact.   Mastery over self is what helps us unlock stronger teamwork, trust, and lasting victories both at work and at home. Download our guide, Public Victories: Build Triumphant Teams with the 7 Habits Effect, and start building your championship team today. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-public-victories?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Ethan Mollick, professor at Wharton and leading thinker on innovation and technology, joins us to explore his lifelong fascination with artificial intelligence and its impact on how we work and learn. Ethan shares why play is one of the most powerful ways to engage with new technology, and how feedback and curiosity can turn mediocre outputs into something meaningful. We dig into the challenges organizations face when adopting new tools, the common mistakes leaders make in rolling them out, and what history tells us about jobs lost—and created—during times of disruption. From advice for students entering the workforce to insights on how leaders’ roles are already shifting, Ethan offers a clear-eyed yet optimistic view of where we are headed.   As AI redefines efficiency, it cannot replace the qualities that make us human—like communication, collaboration, connection, creativity, ethical judgment, and leadership. Download our guide, Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI to learn more: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Duarte—renowned communication expert and author—to explore her remarkable journey from a childhood marked by neglect to becoming a pioneer in storytelling and presentation. She shares insights from working with leaders like Al Gore and inspiration from Steve Jobs, the importance of passion and empathy in communication, and why training only works when leaders put in the effort. Nancy offers candid advice on balancing preparation with spontaneity, consulting challenges, and why CEOs must stay engaged with AI.   Level up your leadership and make every message count with proven communication strategies. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg joins us to talk about the science of habits, the art of storytelling, and how to become a “supercommunicator.” He shares how habits drive 40% of our daily actions, how rewards shape behavior, and why neuroplasticity means we can always change. From his early years as the lowest-paid reporter in his class to writing deeply researched pieces for The New Yorker, Charles reveals how storytelling, listening, and asking better questions can transform not only conversations but also leadership, charisma, and connection.   Strengthen your communication skills with our latest guide—From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

In today’s conversation, Annie Duke—a cognitive scientist, one of the highest-winning poker players of all time, three-time bestselling author, and a prolific consultant and speaker—discusses how her upbringing shaped her journey, lessons learned as a professional poker player, and how to improve your decision-making.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Radical self-inquiry begins by asking yourself tough questions, such as "How am I complicit in the circumstances I say I don't want?" Honest self-reflection is a crucial step in improving as a leader. In today's episode, Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io, executive leadership coach, and bestselling author, discusses leadership through the lens of humility and purpose. Colonna shares his journey through radical self-inquiry and offers guidance on where we can all begin.   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization.   To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Leadership is not about rank or title—it’s a skill that must be learned and continually developed. In this conversation, Will Houghteling is joined by Simon Sinek, renowned leadership expert, bestselling author of Start With Why, and founder of The Optimism Company. Known for his influential TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” Sinek shares insights on what he’s learned since the publication of Start With Why, and explores the deeper qualities that make someone a leader others genuinely want to follow. What mindsets, habits, and actions distinguish truly effective leaders in today’s world? For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

How many times have we been juggling a thousand projects, and responsibilities just keep coming? And we say yes to everything! Today's guest, Dr. Sunita Sah, has spent her career studying the power of "no." Dr. Sah is a Professor at Cornell University's Graduate School of Management and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.   In today’s conversation, we discuss her personal journey of defiance, research-backed and pragmatic defiance practices, and advice for business leaders building independent and innovative cultures.   For more information, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

As a leader, you're always striving to improve—but how do you change what you can't see? In today’s conversation, Marty Dubin—a psychologist turned serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives—discusses insights from his upcoming book, Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader, soon to be published by Harvard Business Review. Dubin shares how his background in therapy shaped his approach to business, the most common (and dangerous) blindspots leaders face, his personal and professional experiences uncovering them, the critical role of self-awareness in leadership, and much more.   If your leaders’ approaches toward work haven’t changed significantly in recent months or even years, it’s likely they’re not actually leading. Leaders need more than a retroactive managerial playbook, causing resistance to change. Leaders need to shift how they think and what they do to succeed in the new world—and it requires a new mindset. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-6-shifts-to-develop?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay   FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Being blunt with a coworker or direct report will only hurt your reputation and relationship unless you care personally first. Join Will Houghteling and Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor and Radical Respect, as they discuss how the best leaders approach communication with transparency and respect.   For more information on FranklinCovey, visit https://www.franklincovey.com/

Is happiness a choice? Today's guest is Tal Ben-Shahar, best-selling author of Happiness Studies and Happier, No Matter What. He also taught two of Harvard's most popular classes, "Positive Psychology" and "The Psychology of Leadership." He consults and lectures to executives in multinational corporations, the general public, and at-risk populations, and is the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Happiness Studies Academy. Tal and our new host, Will Houghteling, discuss whether happiness is truly a choice in the midst of so much turbulence and how we should give ourselves permission to be human through it all.

Tim Ferris, author of 5 #1 NYT/WSJ bestsellers, early-stage investor, and host of The Tim Ferriss Show podcast, shares how one snarky comment from a college student and a night of insomnia set him down a path to be a New York Times bestselling author and a 4-hour thought leader.

Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel Prize–winning chemist and author of Why We Die, shares a fascinating look into the biology of aging and the scientific breakthroughs that could extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan. He explains how the body breaks down over time, what evolution teaches us about longevity, and why community, purpose, and sleep may matter more than we think. Venki also weighs in on vaccines, genetic engineering, and the emerging frontier of age-reversing technologies—offering both clarity and hope in the quest to live better, longer.

Dr. Gregory Walton, Stanford professor and co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab, shares insights from his new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts. Drawing from decades of social psychology research, he explains how simple, intentional gestures—like wise feedback, affirming someone’s strengths, or showing belief in their potential—can transform lives and unlock performance. Whether you’re a leader, educator, parent, or friend, this conversation will inspire you to recognize the extraordinary power you hold in everyday moments to help others feel seen, valued, and capable.

John Tregoning, immunologist and author of Live Forever: A Curious Scientist’s Guide to Wellness, Aging, and Death, shares science-backed insights into how we can live longer—and better. With clarity and candor, he walks through the top causes of death from heart disease to dementia, explaining what really drives them and how simple, everyday habits—like movement, food, connection, and curiosity—can improve both lifespan and quality of life. From the dangers of sugar and stress to the surprising benefits of social ties, this fast-paced conversation will change the way you think about health, aging, and the future of your body.

Dawn Dahlby, wealth advisor and author of Live Wealthy: Own Your Worth, Grow Your Wealth, shares a powerful framework for transforming your financial life—starting with how you see yourself. With insights from 10,000 client conversations, Dawn explains why money stress is often rooted in self-worth, and how aligning your income and spending with your core values and strengths can lead to more peace, purpose, and prosperity. She also breaks down her 10-20-30-40 spending plan, offers advice for any career stage, and shows why earning from your strengths and spending from your values is the new path to living wealthy.

Alison Wood Brooks, Harvard Business School professor and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, shares research-backed insights on how to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Drawing from decades of data on real conversations, she introduces the TALK framework—Topics, Asking, Levity, and Kindness—and explains why even high-achieving leaders often miss the mark when it comes to listening and giving space. From social anxiety to overtalking, Alison offers practical strategies to help anyone—from CEOs to teenagers—navigate the art and science of talking well in a world full of noise.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com and Ohai.ai, shares her remarkable journey from young immigrant mother to tech founder and CEO. She opens up about the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship, the hidden costs of unpaid labor, and the systems she’s building to support families and restore connection. Sheila reflects on raising capital, staying data-driven while leading with heart, and the dualities of bold, authentic leadership. With wisdom forged in both business and life, she offers a compelling vision for how technology—and self-awareness—can help us lead better, live more fully, and love deeper.

Frank Lorenzo, legendary airline executive and author of Flying for Peanuts, reflects on the high-stakes world of aviation, business transformation, and leadership under fire. From pioneering low-cost fares and managing massive union battles to negotiating with Donald Trump and leading through tragedy, Frank shares lessons learned from decades in the cockpit of industry change. He also opens up about reputation, resilience, and the human cost of leadership, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone navigating complexity, criticism, or crisis. This candid conversation sets the record straight—and shows what it really takes to lead during turbulent times.

Dana Maor, McKinsey senior partner and lead author of The Journey of Leadership, shares insights from her work advising global CEOs on how to lead from the inside out. Drawing on 26 years at McKinsey, Dana unpacks the new rules of leadership in an age of complexity, from embracing humility and inner agility to learning how to be vulnerable without losing authority. She also explores the powerful dynamics of team psychology—why everyone keeps things from the boss, how leaders can uncover their own triggers, and how to build trust across top teams. Packed with research, real stories, and actionable tools, this episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to lead with greater self-awareness, impact, and clarity.

Debra Whitman, economist and AARP executive, shares research and wisdom from her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. From longevity and brain health to working longer, affording retirement, and redefining purpose, Debra offers a clear-eyed yet hopeful look at what it takes to age well in America today. She also breaks down the biggest myths around memory loss, long-term care, and how your zip code affects your lifespan—and provides actionable advice for individuals, families, and employers alike.

Kristen Welch, author and founder of Mercy House Global, shares the lessons she’s learned about parenting, contentment, and living with purpose. After a life-changing trip to Kenya, Kristin shifted how she raised her three kids—choosing gratitude, service, and intentional boundaries over comfort and entitlement. She explains how small, everyday practices—like family dinners, gratitude jars, and thoughtful giving—can help families counter cultural pressure and raise kids who are both joyful and grounded.

Michael Chad Hoeppner, communication expert and author of Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life, shares practical tools for becoming a more confident, intentional speaker. Drawing from years of coaching C-suite executives and presidential candidates, he explains why delivery—not content—is what makes or breaks communication. From filler words and mumbling to posture, breath, and pausing, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you ditch self-consciousness, speak with precision, and connect more powerfully in every conversation. Whether you’re giving a speech or ordering salad dressing, this episode will help you show up—and speak up—better.

Sara Jane Ho, global etiquette expert, Netflix host, and author of Mind Your Manners, shares practical, empowering advice for navigating today’s social and professional world with confidence and kindness. From setting boundaries and making introductions to handling awkward dinner party moments and thank-you notes, Sara explains how etiquette isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, thoughtful, and adaptable. With charm, candor, and wisdom, she shows how small acts of grace can help you stand out, connect meaningfully, and become your best self in any situation.

Tom Rosshirt, former White House speechwriter and author of Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience, shares his deeply personal journey through depression, anxiety, and a total breakdown—and how neuroscience, grace, and emotional honesty helped him rebuild. He explores how fear and self-image silently drive our choices, why setting boundaries is an act of strength, and how true peace comes not from controlling life, but from retraining our minds to face what we fear most. This is a powerful conversation for anyone seeking healing, perspective, and lasting transformation.

James Longman, ABC News foreign correspondent and author of The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness, shares his deeply personal and scientific exploration of mental health. Drawing on his family’s experience with schizophrenia and depression, James unpacks the difference between genetics and epigenetics—and how we can shape our mental health and our future. He reflects on the emotional cost of secrecy, the need for honest conversations, and the power of community and connection in healing. This conversation offers a rare mix of vulnerability and science, with practical hope for anyone navigating mental illness—either personally or alongside someone they love.

Molly Bice Jackson, performer, speaker, and author of The Commodity of Connection, shares the unimaginable story of losing her two-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—and the extraordinary healing that followed. Blending humor, heartbreak, and hope, Molly reflects on how authentic relationships, grief literacy, and emotional courage not only helped her survive but also transformed her purpose. She explains why connection is more than a soft skill—it’s a critical leadership competency. With wisdom forged in unimaginable pain, Molly offers a deeply moving case for bringing empathy, presence, and real humanity into our workplaces and lives.