This week, we’re talking about one of the most important, but often overlooked components of leadership: the power of generosity, and by extension, the importance of investing in others. 

The late Jack Welch, legendary former CEO of GE referred to generosity as “the most important attribute of leadership.” Being generous, shows that you are a good team player. It makes people want to work with you. It creates goodwill, and the list goes on and on. Yet, we don’t always focus on this particular attribute as we are developing leadership skills in ourselves and in others. 

Today’s guest in episode 158 is the incredibly accomplished Dina Habib Powell McCormick. Dina has embodied this notion of generosity throughout her life and career, and it’s been an important component of her leadership, her influence, and her power. 

Currently, Dina is the Global Head of Sustainability and Inclusive Growth at Goldman Sachs. She also serves on the firm’s management committee. Since joining the firm in 2007, she’s led efforts to deploy more than $5 billion in loans and equity to develop and revitalize underserved communities. Two of Goldman’s most well-known programs — 10k Women and 10K Small Businesses — Dina grew from inception. But, her experience in leadership started well before joining Goldman Sach with senior positions in government, including as the youngest ever head of Presidential Personnel for President George W. Bush. 

In this conversation, Dina and I talk about her incredible journey. Her story is all the more inspiring when you learn that she was not born into a family with political ties, fancy titles, or lots of money. In fact, Dina’s parents moved her and her two young sisters to the United States from Egypt to give them more opportunities. Dina’s story is memorialized in President George W. Bush’s book of immigrant portraits, “Out of Many, One.” The former President painted Dina and 42 others including former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright, all as examples of the American Dream realized. 

So much of Dina’s career has been oriented toward giving back and investing in others to help them realize their potential. Her efforts go well beyond her work at Goldman— she’s a mentor, a leader, a parent, and a friend. I consider myself among the many beneficiaries of Dina’s generosity and friendship. It all ties back to this notion of generosity.  

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