Why Lead? – Details, episodes & analysis

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Why Lead?

Ben Owden

Business

Frequency: 1 episode/20d. Total Eps: 88

"Everything rises and falls on leadership," - John Maxwell

My name is Ben Owden and I have weekly conversations with leaders. I hope that these conversations will help you find the clarity and conviction to lead a more meaningful and impactful life. I’ve curated some of the best thinker practitioners from all over the world to help you get to your leadership nirvana.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - management
20/07/2026
#77
🇨🇦 Canada - management
12/07/2026
#76

Spotify

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://whyleadothers.com/thrive-in-the-middle
37 shares
https://whyleadothers.com/training
37 shares
https://whyleadothers.com/consultancy
37 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benowden/
38 shares
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalienahai/
3 shares

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 58%

Publication history

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0087 - The Power of ‘I Don’t Know' | Why Your Brain Loves Being Ignorant (And How That Makes You Smarter) ft Stuart Firestein

Season 3 · Episode 87

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 01:10:48

What if knowing less could actually make you more? In this riveting conversation, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Stuart Firestein, former Chair of Columbia University’s Biological Sciences, neuroscientist extraordinaire, and author of Ignorance: How It Drives Science and Failure: Why Science Is Successful. Far from being gloomy topics, Stuart shows us how ignorance and failure are the secret engines of creativity and innovation, both in the lab and in life.

In This Episode, We Explore:

Why “Not Knowing” Is Your Greatest Superpower – Stuart argues that curiosity lives between what we know and what we don’t. Learn how “negative capability” (a willingness to tolerate uncertainty) is the birthplace of every major discovery.
How Failure Uncovers Hidden Possibilities – From Marie Curie to Richard Feynman, see why a “failed experiment” can be more valuable than hitting a bull’s-eye. (Hint: Nature’s top predators in nature only succeed 25% of the time!)
The Art of Asking Better Questions – Forget “hypothesis‐driven” experiments: discover why wandering in the dark sometimes, not just under the lamp post, is where the real magic happens.
Living with Revision — Why “Total Truth” Doesn’t Exist – What Newton, Einstein, and Keats taught Stuart about refining knowledge instead of clinging to “one final answer.”
Practical Tips for Embracing Ignorance & Failure Today – From “failing better” to scheduling a daily “dark-room” hour, Stuart shares concrete ways to rewire your mindset—whether you’re a scientist, a middle manager, or just someone who wants to do more creative work.

Get a copy of Failure: Why Science Is So Successful

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0086 - AI is Humanity’s Savior and Possibly Our Worst Mistake! ft Mo Gawdat

Season 3 · Episode 86

Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 26:55

Imagine waking up to a world run by hyper-intelligent machines. It sounds like science fiction, but Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, bestselling author, and renowned happiness evangelist, says it's coming faster than you think.

In this gripping episode, Mo shares a prophetic vision that’s equal parts warning and hope. As we hurtle toward a future where artificial intelligence holds unimaginable power, Mo argues we are at a tipping point: AI will either magnify our flaws or elevate humanity to unprecedented heights. But first, brace yourself for a dystopian phase, driven not by technology itself, but by our own deeply flawed ethics.

Mo passionately explains why Africa, especially, must urgently stake its claim in the rapidly emerging "digital soil," warning that delay could lead to decades of digital colonization. Yet, his message isn’t purely cautionary. He shows us a clear, optimistic path to harness AI as a force for true abundance, joy, and human flourishing—provided we take responsibility now.

Will we raise AI to be Superman or a supervillain? Mo insists the choice is ours.

Watch as Ben Owden hosts a conversation filled with sharp insights, urgent warnings, and an inspiring vision for a world where technology serves our collective happiness, not our undoing.

Mo Gawdat's Books: https://www.mogawdat.com/books

WhyLead's Web: https://www.whyleadothers.com/podcast

WhyLead's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whyleadconsultancy/?viewAsMember=true

WhyLead's Twitter: https://twitter.com/whyleadothers

Ben Owden's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benowden/

Ben Owden's Twitter: https://twitter.com/godsrafiki

#BenOwden #WhyLead #WhyLeadPodcast #africanleadership #mogawdat #ScarySmart #AIRevolution #SlowMoPodcast #futureofai #ethicalai #DigitalTransformation #aiforgood #humancenteredai #FutureReadySummit

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0077 - Losing $400M, Bouncing Back, Owning Failures and Embracing Being an Outsider ft Stacy Spikes

Season 3 · Episode 77

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 • Duration 01:34:48

Ben Owden engages in a conversation with Stacy Spikes, the visionary co-founder of MoviePass and author of "Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider." Stacy's journey is a masterclass in turning failures into stepping stones and embracing the unique advantages of being an outsider.

From working alongside entertainment icons like Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, and Eddie Murphy to reinventing himself from a junior executive to a tech CEO, Stacy shares how he defied expectations and disrupted the status quo. He opens up about pivotal moments—like when a personal setback forced him to "burn his Plan B" and fully commit to his dreams.

Discover how Stacy harnessed courage, ownership, and boldness to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He delves into the founding of MoviePass, its meteoric rise and public collapse, and why he decided to reclaim and relaunch the company despite the challenges.

If you've ever felt like an outsider or faced obstacles that seemed insurmountable, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Learn how to own your failures, embrace your unique perspective, and turn isolation into innovation.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Stacy Spike's Website
Stacy Spike's Time Magazine Feature

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

0076 - Is Your Inner Critic Holding You Back? Transform Judgment to Make it Your Greatest Ally ft Janet M Harvey

Season 3 · Episode 76

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 • Duration 01:26:16

Join host Ben Owden as he engages in a transformative conversation with Janet M. Harvey, a globally recognized leader in the coaching industry and author of "From Tension to Transformation: A Leader's Guide to Generative Change." Discover how embracing discomfort and leaning into tension can unlock your hidden leadership potential. Janet explores how to turn your inner critic into your greatest ally, break free from limiting labels, and overcome fears that hold you back. If you've ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or constrained by others' opinions, this episode offers profound insights and practical strategies to spark authentic growth and unleash your full potential. Don't miss this chance to learn how to transform tension into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional development.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Janet's Book, From Tension to Transformation
Get in touch with Janet

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0075 - Leading Through Crises from WHO's Chief Scientist During COVID-19 & Overcoming Biases to Revolutionise Healthcare ft Dr Soumya Swaminathan & Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira

Season 3 · Episode 75

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 • Duration 01:06:20

Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a renowned pediatric leader and former WHO Chief Scientist. They explore the interconnected relationship between health and climate change and the role of transformative leadership in addressing these complex challenges.

The conversation explores the need for innovative thinking, diversity of thought, and collaboration to tackle these issues. Dr. Swaminathan shares insights from her career, stressing the importance of humility, empathy, and listening to affected communities in transformative leadership. She also addresses the challenges of misinformation and the necessity of public health communication.

Ben Owden speaks with Dr. Muthoni Ntonjira, Managing Director and Health Systems District Leader for Philips East Africa. They explore the transformative impact of AI on healthcare, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equity. Dr. Ntonjira shares her journey from a medical officer to a leader in health tech, highlighting the importance of diverse data sets in AI development and the critical role of women in decision-making positions. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of mentorship, and the necessity of male allyship to foster a supportive environment for women in tech.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0074 - How Women Are Secretly Running Africa & Breaking Norms in Leadership ft Dr. Samukeliso Dube & Abosede George-Ogan

Season 3 · Episode 74

Saturday, July 13, 2024 • Duration 51:25

Ben Owden talks with Dr. Samu Dube, the Executive Director of FP2030.

Dr. Dube shares her insights on the intrinsic potential within everyone to be extraordinary, highlighting the importance of intentionality and continuous improvement. She recounts her personal journey, drawing inspiration from her grandmother and stressing the significance of being uncomfortable with comfort to drive progress.

The discussion explores the systemic issues of diversity and inclusion, with Dr. Dube underscoring the necessity of building agency among women leaders and creating supportive environments. She also addresses the superficiality of tokenism in diversity efforts and advocates for meaningful inclusion through policy changes and quotas.

Abosede Alimi (George-Ogan), the founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network. Abosede shares her journey of inspiring gender-balanced leadership across various sectors, emphasizing the transformative outcomes when women take the lead. The discussion explores the importance of confidence, overcoming internalized biases, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in advancing women in leadership, particularly in healthcare

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0073 - How to Sacrifice Our Privilege for a More Equitable World and Collaborate to Fuel Global Change ft Dr. Michael Charles & Dr. Githinji Gitahi

Season 3 · Episode 73

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 • Duration 50:19

Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Charles and Dr. Githinji Gitahi. They discuss the importance of social justice and equality as fundamental human rights. Dr. Gitahi highlights the need for awareness of male privilege and the importance of allyship in creating a level playing field for women. He calls for urgent policy changes to remove barriers and promote equity, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership that values empathy and inclusivity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Charles, who has spearheaded initiatives to eradicate malaria and fostered significant partnerships at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, shares insights on integrating systemic thinking into leadership. He stresses the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and the necessity of breaking social norms to pave the way for women and youth in leadership roles.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0072 - Transforming a Crisis to a Change Opportunity & Building Trust in Leadership ft Amie Batson & Dr Yasmin Ali Haque

Season 3 · Episode 72

Thursday, June 27, 2024 • Duration 01:00:30

Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, who has a rich background in UNICEF and humanitarian response, and Amie Batson, President of Women Lift Health, to explore the evolving nature of leadership and share insights on the universal aspects of leadership—empathy, respect, and a commitment to impactful change. The discussion also covers creating inclusive environments that encourage open dialogue and respect for various viewpoints, essential for navigating complex issues like public health crises. Amie challenges the assumption that experience or qualifications automatically lead to effective leadership. She emphasizes the need for intentional and inclusive leadership styles that embrace diversity. Sharing real-world examples, Amie highlights how diverse perspectives can drive better decision-making and innovation.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0071 - Confronting Fears That Silence Women, Speaking Up & Standing Out ft Lizz Ntonjira & Rachel Ombaka

Season 3 · Episode 71

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 • Duration 51:10

Ben Owden explores the challenges women face in gaining visibility and leadership roles with guests Rachel Ombaka and Liz Ntonjira of WomenLift Health. The discussion transitions to overcoming these barriers through continuous learning, authenticity, and mentorship, highlighting strategies for "doing it afraid" and building confidence. The guests share personal stories and advocate for increased representation of women in healthcare and media, underscoring the need for supportive networks and inclusive leadership.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

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0070 - Master Any Skill: The Ultimate Guide to Learning How to Learn ft Barbara Oakley

Season 3 · Episode 70

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 • Duration 01:08:00

Dive into a journey of transformation with Barbara Oakley, from struggling with basic math to becoming a renowned engineering professor, and discover the secrets to mastering any skill. This episode isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for turning your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths. Barbara shares groundbreaking insights on the neuroscience of learning, the power of habits, and the crucial role of sleep in mastering new skills. Whether you're looking to overhaul your learning strategy, enhance your leadership skills, or simply find more meaning in your daily tasks, Barbara's insights will guide you to a more enlightened path. Don't miss the chance to unlock the genius within you. Tune in and transform the way you think, learn, and lead.

Important Links
*Join Thrive in the Middle Today!
*Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams
*Explore Our Services

Social Media
*Ben Owden's LinkedIn
*Ben Owden's Twitter

Connect with Barbara's
*Barbara Oakley's Website
*Barbara Oakley's Books
*Barbara's Coursera Course