Dr. Laura welcomes executive coach, keynote speaker, and author, Craig Dowden, to the show to talk about his book, A Time To Lead. Craig’s passion for learning what makes people tick drove his career toward understanding of positive leadership qualities, and those insights shaped his book. He and Dr. Laura explore the idea of bettering yourself to better lead others.

Craig Dowden describes how leadership today must be focused on a human-centric or empathetic approach. People desire authentic connection. The genuine leadership Craig illuminates through seven key qualities, is a vital part of reaching people in what Craig describes as our current VUCA world. VUCA stands for volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, and Craig identifies authenticity and core belief alignment as vital for cutting through the VUCA world. 

“And I think that's what's incredibly powerful, is that when you really are looking at promoting positive and impactful change, it's about the simplicity. It's our ability to connect with others and for them to be able to see the movie that's playing and to follow along. And so that's at the heart of engagement.” - Craig Dowden

About Craig Dowden, PhD:

Craig Dowden (Ph.D.) is an inspiring and thought-provoking executive coach, Forbes author and keynote speaker who partners with leaders and executives to tackle their most important personal and organizational challenges. Craig holds a Doctorate in psychology, with a concentration in business and is a Certified Positive Psychology Coach. In his role as a trusted advisor, he integrates the latest findings in the science of leadership, team, and organizational excellence into his coaching and consulting work.

A dynamic and award-winning speaker, participants have described Craig’s presentations as motivating, energizing, and empowering, as they come away with strategies they can implement immediately within their workplaces. Audience members also highly respect the scientific foundation of his ideas.

Craig is passionate about sharing world-class content and insights with his clients. To date, he has interviewed over 50 CEOs of North American companies, including Molson Coors, McDonald’s, IKEA, and VIA Rail. Craig has been asked to share his thought leadership in leading HR and business publications, including Forbes, the Huffington Post (U.S.), the Financial Post, the Financial Times, as well as Psychology Today.

Resources:

Craig Dowden website

Craig Dowden, PhD, on LinkedIn

“A Time To Lead” by Craig Dowden, PhD

Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden podcast

“Do Good To Lead Well” by Craig Dowden, PhD

Alan Mulally

“Difficult Conversations” by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen

“Humble” by Daryl Van Tongeren

“The Earned Life” by Marshall Goldsmith

“Think Again” by Adam Grant

“The Good Life” by Robert J Waldinger and Marc Schulz, PhD

“The Power of a Positive No” by William Ury

Work Life with Adam Grant podcast

Anxiety At Work with Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton podcast

Deep Leadership with Jon S Rennie podcast

Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live

For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: 

Canada Career Counselling

Calgary Career Counselling

Synthesis Psychology

Pre-order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss

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