Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden – Details, episodes & analysis

How can Canada crack the productivity code to secure a prosperous future? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Pedro Antunes, the Chief Economist for the Conference Board of Canada, as he unpacks the pivotal role productivity plays in shaping our nation's economic landscape. He scrutinizes why GDP per hour worked is a crucial metric for income generation and long-term growth, and why enhancing private sector productivity is essential for maintaining robust public services like healthcare and education.

Pedro takes us on a journey through the complexities of the productivity equation. Using concrete examples, he illustrates how higher education and skill levels can lead to substantial income growth. We also uncover the challenges Canada faces with insufficient private investment, exploring how even minor differences in productivity growth rates can have significant long-term economic impacts. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of strategic investments and competitive tax reforms to enhance productivity and fuel economic growth.

In our final segment, we tackle the productivity hurdles that emerged post-2015, including the impacts of oil price collapses, the COVID-19 pandemic, and U.S. tax cuts. We explore the post-pandemic challenges in sectors like utilities, transportation, and construction, and delve into the burgeoning knowledge economy. Pedro offers a forward-looking perspective on revitalizing public transit, addressing labor constraints in construction, and crafting immigration policies to attract the skilled trades necessary for housing development. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Canada's productivity landscape and the critical steps needed to navigate these multi-faceted issues.

What You’ll Learn:

• The significance of productivity for Canada's long-term prosperity.

• Key drivers of economic productivity and income growth.

• The economic challenges and investment dynamics post-2015.

• Post-pandemic productivity challenges and opportunities.

• The evolving landscape of Canada's knowledge economy.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) – An Introduction to Productivity

(10:52) - Productivity Growth and Investment

(17:15) - Investment Challenges and Solutions

(32:56) - Canada's Post-Pandemic Productivity Challenges

(37:32) – The Role of the Knowledge Economy in Productivity

(47:12) – Through the Looking Glass: The Future of Productivity

More of Pedro:

Pedro Antunes is the Chief Economist for the Conference Board of Canada, where he leads a team responsible for producing economic forecast products and reports on key indicators impacting Canada. Joining the Conference Board in 1991 after working with the Canadian Forecasting Group at the Bank of Canada, Antunes has been a key figure in researching issues such as demographic change, public health care sustainability, and long-term economic growth. He regularly provides expert testimony before parliamentary committees and engages with Canadian leaders, the public, and media on economic issues important to the nation. Recently, he has focused on a report titled Cracking the Productivity Code, which addresses productivity challenges in Canada.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-a-22265a2/ 

Mentions:

Cracking the Productivity Code: Charting a New Path to Prosperity

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Productivity, Canadian Economy, Economic Growth, GDP, Healthcare, Education, Labor, Capital Investments, Income Growth, Tax Reforms, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Competitiveness, Knowledge Economy, Interprovincial Trade Barriers, AI, Immigration, Skilled Labor, Canada-US Relations, CEO Success

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

In this powerful and inspiring episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, we sit down with Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Canada, to unpack his revolutionary approach to leadership that reshaped the entire company's culture. Don shares his compelling journey from battling challenging customer and dealer relations to fostering a thriving environment where trust, inclusivity, and open dialogue are the cornerstones of success.

Through captivating stories and key experiences, Don illustrates the power of listening and cultural understanding, drawing from his time in the Middle East to his current initiatives at Hyundai Canada. Learn about "Discussions with Don," an initiative that promotes honest and fear-free communication, and see how this approach has driven both productivity and creativity within the organization. Don's perspective on the delicate balance between being receptive to feedback and managing expectations offers invaluable insights for leaders at all levels.

Lastly, we explore the profound impact of authentic leadership and values alignment. Hear firsthand how Don integrates core values like honesty, integrity, and resilience into the very DNA of Hyundai Canada, and how these principles have spurred business growth and innovation. Don's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not just a corporate mantra but a lived reality that provides a competitive edge and a more engaging workplace. This episode is filled with valuable wisdom for anyone seeking to cultivate a positive, inclusive and high-performing organization.

What You’ll Learn:

• Rebuilding trust through active listening.

• The significance of fostering a psychologically safe environment for driving innovation and performance.

• How authenticity and self-awareness shape effective management.

• Strategies for integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into business practices.

• How inclusivity can transform company culture.

• The importance of aligning organizational values with employee development.

• The balance between being receptive to feedback and managing expectations.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) Rebuilding Trust Through A Listen-First Philosophy

(12:44) Asking Questions: A Key Change Management Skill

(20:03) The Power of Authentic Leadership

(28:00) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Driving Forces for Success

(32:57) Core Values Alignment: A Leadership Superpower

(44:07) Leading with Empathy

More of Don:

Don Romano is the President and CEO of Hyundai Canada, a position he has held since January 2014. Under his leadership, Hyundai Canada has risen to become one of the nation's leading automotive brands and the largest mainstream electric vehicle distributor. Romano is recognized for championing initiatives that promote a diverse and inclusive corporate culture, resulting in Hyundai Canada being named a great place to work for five consecutive years and one of the best workplaces for women. The company has also been honored as a five-star Diversity and Inclusion Employer by Human Resources Director. In 2021, Automotive News named Romano a notable champion of diversity. Prior to joining Hyundai, Romano held senior positions at Toyota, Nissan North America, and Mazda Motor Company.

Mentions:

Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Building Trust, Open Communication, Organizational Culture, Customer Experience, Active Listening, Receiving Feedback, Authentic Leadership, Values Alignment, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Employee Development, Creativity, Positive Work Environment, Psychological Safety, Self-Awareness, Empathy, Adaptability, Career Development, Learning from Mistakes, Fostering Innovation, High-Performance Leaders, Inclusive Organization, CEO Success.

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

How does an award-winning CEO manage the complexities of leading a rapidly evolving business landscape? Join us for part 3 of this special 4-part series where I speak with Kevin Ford, the dynamic CEO of Calian, as we unpack the multifaceted nature of business awareness. Kevin sheds light on the ever-changing nature of geographical markets and the unique conditions affecting publicly traded companies, stressing how crucial it is for leaders to stay informed amidst a constant influx of data.

Transparent and honest communication becomes our next focus, especially during turbulent times. Kevin discusses the significance of creating an environment where information flows freely up and down the hierarchy. He highlights the importance of mental preparedness for unexpected challenges and staying composed and receptive to input during sudden changes. By fostering such a culture, leaders can effectively navigate dynamic situations and build a resilient organizational culture.

We then turn our attention to technological disruptions, particularly cybersecurity and A.I. Kevin emphasizes the necessity of relying on subject matter experts to navigate these complex areas while balancing offense and defense in business strategy. He highlights the importance of recognizing knowledge gaps and assembling teams to cover those blind spots. 

Wrapping up, we set up our final conversation where we explore the role of mindset, emotions, and behaviors that are foundational for being a successful Chief Awareness Officer.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Multifaceted Nature of Business Awareness.

• Effective Communication in Turbulent Times.

• The Vital Role of Mental Preparedness and Composure When Dealing With the Unexpected.

• How to Adapt to Technological Changes.

• The Secrets to Building a Resilient Team and Culture.

• Leveraging Emotional Intelligence to Harness the Power of Experience

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) - Understanding the Business Environment

(07:22) – The Necessity of Transparent Communication and Mental Preparedness When Dealing with the Unexpected

(18:28) – The Importance of Stepping Back for Moving Forward

(24:35) – Navigating Technological Disruptions in Business: A.I. and Cybersecurity

(28:33) – Recognizing Your Knowledge Gaps to Address Your Blind Spots

More of Kevin Ford:

Kevin is the President and CEO of Calian Group, a solutions company with services in health, IT, systems engineering, and more. Leading the company since 2015, Kevin focuses on teamwork, integrity, and commitment. As you’ll hear in this series of episodes, he’s aware of how he works with others, affects them, and can improve himself. Kevin is also proud to shine a light on how we can improve our leadership by improving ourselves.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ford-5426948 

Key Topics Discussed:

CEO Mindset, Chief Awareness Officer, Self-Awareness, Positive Leadership, Adaptability, Market Awareness, Proactive Leadership, Publicly Traded Company, Data Influx, Market Conditions, Collective Awareness, Transparent Communication, Turbulent Times, Technological Disruptions, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Offense and Defense, Business Strategy, ESG, Climate Change, Governance, Resilience, Mindset, Emotions, Behaviors

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

In today's episode, Craig Dowden has an engaging dialogue with Alan Mulally, former CEO of Ford Motor Company and Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Mulally sheds more light on the "Working Together" management system, the basis of his leadership philosophy which was key in turning around the fortunes of Ford Motor Company. He speaks on his journey from Kansas to how he ended up leading global organizations that sought him out for his unique leadership qualities. 

This exclusive conversation offers considerable insights into the world of leadership, culture development, and the importance of self-awareness. 

Given the opportunity, how would you implement the elements and engage your team to contribute towards and participate in the plan?

What You’ll Learn:

How opportunities teach people to make strategic decisions

The direct, positive effect of employee engagement and satisfaction

Ways to build smart, healthy organizations and phenomenal partnerships

Value creation for stakeholders through inclusivity

The impact of having solid implementation plans that everyone knows

Building emotional resilience among team members

Behaviors to avoid and get authentic insights and feedback from the team

The 5 elements of the working together management system

Dealing with reality in the workplace to come up with a solution

More of Alan:

Alan Mulally is an American aerospace engineer and manufacturing executive. He served as the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and later as president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. He led the transformation of Ford Motor Company into a top automobile brand. Mulally is credited with turning around both Ford and Boeing during challenging times. He made significant contributions to Boeing projects and was known for his role in the design of the first all-digital flight deck in a commercial aircraft. Mulally was appointed to the Board of Directors of Google in 2014 and inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2015.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-mulally-29017a130/

Do Good To Lead Well: the Science and Practice of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden

A Time To Lead - Mastering Your Self…So You Can Master Your World by Craig Dowden

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/

In this episode, Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford and Boeing and Craig Dowden discuss the five-element of the working together management system and how it focuses on emotion, strength, mindset, the nature of leadership, teamwork and ways to bring authentic leadership qualities to life as a cohesive working unit. The discussion highlights the importance of creating an environment conducive to collaboration and open communication, how to bridge foundational leadership qualities like civility and humility and establishing psychological safety. 

The episode also addresses fundamental questions every leader should consider and strategies for making team members feel a sense of belonging. Throughout, the focus is on inclusive leadership and the impact it has on team development and growth.

How can you use these elements to build a cohesive team, align team values and behaviors, and explore the full potential of leadership qualities within your organization?

What You’ll Learn:

Ways to bring leadership qualities to life through a system of working together as a unit

The importance of creating a working environment that is conducive to working together

How to bridge together the two foundational leadership qualities, civility and humility

The 3 fundamental questions every leader should address

The compelling vision - Comprehensive Strategy and Relentless Implementation

How to make and give others a sense of belonging as the leader

The process of growing one’s leadership capabilities

The power of synergies that arise from self-awareness and awareness of others

The role of a leader’s mindset and its effect on practices and the management system

How inclusive leadership can influence the team’s self-development and growth 

Maximizing human potential and the art of separating tasks from individuals

The process of building good emotional resiliency 

Involving the team in shaping the growth strategy and 

Giving team members the choice to change, improve, participate and do better 

Setting the stage for the team to believe in the vision and strategy

More of Alan:

Alan Mulally is an American aerospace engineer and manufacturing executive. He served as the CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and later as president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. He led the transformation of Ford Motor Company into a top automobile brand. Mulally is credited with turning around both Ford and Boeing during challenging times. He made significant contributions to Boeing projects and was known for his role in the design of the first all-digital flight deck in a commercial aircraft. Mulally was appointed to the Board of Directors of Google in 2014 and inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2015.

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-mulally-29017a130/⁠

⁠Do Good To Lead Well: the Science and Practice of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden⁠

⁠A Time To Lead - Mastering Your Self…So You Can Master Your World by Craig Dowden⁠

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: ⁠https://craigdowden.com/⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/⁠

Named Ottawa’s CEO of the year in 2017, Kevin Ford is the CEO of the Cailan Group, which offers business management services within Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning and IT & Cyber Solutions. They have a long-standing history of financial stability largely due to Kevin’s amazing leadership throughout over 65 consecutive profitable quarters. He has led the company through several acquisition streaks, as well as helped shape Cailan to be the amazingly successful business that it is today. Craig speaks with Kevin about the work that he does for the Cailan Group and how he has shaped the company’s corporate culture and brought them such organic growth. They discuss the practice that he lives by and the radiating impact that cultural integrity has on employees. They speak about the how to push for change gracefully, while focusing on the positive and the value of humor in the everyday workday. Kevin goes into depth into his impactful ideology into how to make the workplace as energetically positive as possible.

What You'll Learn:

1. Kevin’s path to the Cailan Group

2. How to approach cultural integrity

3. Power of values

4. Techniques for pushing for change

5. Tips for finding the positive

6. Power of humor

7. Struggles of non-virtual settings

8. Spirit of energy sharing

Bryce Hoffman is an author, speaker, and strategic management consultant known for his book Red Teaming: How Your Business Can Conquer the Competition by Challenging Everything, which he wrote as the first ever civilian graduate of the US Army Red Team Leader course. He is an active journalist for Forbes and works as an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley. Bryce speaks with Craig about his beliefs in the philosophy of consulting, as well as his deep beliefs around the philosophy of decision making and the true nature of human beings. They also discuss how Bryce was first introduced to the world of Red Teaming and how he was able to finagle his way into the course that really shaped the concepts of his novel. Bryce also discusses his beliefs in business necessities from the importance of open communication to the 5 Whys technique.

What You Will Learn:

1. Meaning of un-consulting

2. Red Teaming and how Bryce broke into the field

3. The 5 Why’s

4. Power of Story

5. Importance of taking action

6. Psychology behind decision-making

John Sicard is the president and CEO of Kinaxis, a supply chain management software that helps with sales and operations planning. Though he has been working for the company for almost two decades, John started as CEO in 2016 and has been a vital force in the revitalization of their supply chain management solutions and company architecture. He is a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the workplace with a special interest in making things accessible for people on the autism spectrum. On the side, John has a passion for creating and producing music. Craig speaks with John about his career path as well as how he is staying motivated during COVID. They speak about the tough work environment that COVID has presented, and the growing importance of creating a positive and joyful work environment. They discuss the important role of a CEO in properly managing tough situations, and techniques of leadership that prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of all of your employees.

What You Will Learn:

1. How to stay physically motivated when staying fit

2. Tips for managing tough situations

3. Techniques to create a positive culture

4. Advice for growing a company

5. Necessity of pursuit of joy

6. The team you lead vs the team you’re on

7. Value of being responsibility for wellbeing

8. Importance of mental health awareness

9. Evolution of supply chain management

Dr. Graham Sher is the CEO of Canadian Blood Services, Canada’s premiere blood, plasma, stem cells, organ and tissues donation service. He has led the company on an amazing multi-year transformational journey. He spearheaded a comprehensive design model redesign to ensure safety, accuracy and modernization of systems. Trained as a physician, Graham has spent the past 23 years in senior administration with a commitment to heart-centered business improvement, especially in the healthcare sector. Outside of his groundbreaking profession, Graham is also a photographer and father. Craig speaks with Graham about the importance of creating a safe environment, especially those working during the unpredictable times of COVID. They go into depth about the necessity of evolving with time and necessity, as well as how to be a leader that considers your employees happiness and safety first.

What You Will Learn:

1. How Canadian Blood Services navigated COVID

2. Importance of creating a safe environment

3. Value of having conversations on uncertainty

4. Leadership style changes when in crisis

5. Leading with heart and mind

6. Impact of challenging circumstances on workplace

7. Importance of always being willing to accept advice

Michael Garrity is a 15-year veteran of the financial technology industry and the CEO of Financeit, a platform that enables small businesses to offer consumer-financing anytime. It is becoming one of the fastest growing sales finance platforms in North America. As a Goldman Sachs backed leader in the POS industry, Michael is devoted to driving growth in business-innovating services. Craig and Michael speak about Michael’s path in the industry, how to develop a strong work culture and how to create a supportive and mental health positive community within a post-COVID office.

What You Will Learn:

1. Michael’s path to founding Financeit

2. How Financeit was acquired

3. Tips for working within a culture of transparency

4. Variety of beliefs in cameras on/off in work meetings

5. Benefit of prioritizing people’s health and safety

6. How to handle the resignation wave

7. Impact of government money and social support in resignations

8. Tips for thoughtful leadership