Pre-order Marcel’s new book, “Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-ass Boss” → https://www.amazon.com/Humane-Leadership-Lead-Radical-Kick-Ass-ebook/dp/B0CWG3PTL4 

Episode recap:

In this episode, Adam Galinsky discusses strategies for improving organizational culture, motivating employees, and overcoming challenges, emphasizing empathy, empowerment, and values. Through his experience with FBI agents, he explores how inspiration is universally understood and how leaders exist on a continuum between inspiring and infuriating. He identifies three core dimensions of inspiring leadership: being visionary, serving as a role model, and mentoring others. Recognizing this continuum, he argues, helps leaders refine their strengths and become more inspiring.

Bio:

Adam Galinsky, a renowned social psychologist and a professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia Business School, has integrated his quarter-century of scientific research to reveal what truly separates inspiring leaders from.... infuriating ones. In his latest book, INSPIRE: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others, Adam establishes three universal characteristics of truly inspiring leaders. Adam’s research, which consists of over 1,000 studies published in over 200 scientific articles, has been cited more than 64,000 times. His TED Talk, “How to Speak Up For Yourself,” has been viewed more than 7.5 million times, and his previous book Friend and Foe was an audible and eBook bestseller. 

Quotes:

• "Leaders change us inside—they inspire us or infuriate us, but neutrality is rarely an option."
• "The continuum always gives us a path backwards. If we recognize, 'I'm being anxious and cowardly here,' I know exactly what to do—calm myself down and take that courageous step forward." 

Takeaways:

• Spend 5 minutes recalling a time when you were at your best, which research shows physiologically calms you and makes your presence more positively contagious.
• Replace abstract concepts with concrete images and repeat consistently (e.g., change "make customers satisfied" to "make customers smile").

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction and the discovery of the inspiring-infuriating continuum

[12:30] Personal stories of inspiring leadership and the three universal dimensions

[17:20] The "leader amplification effect" and becoming an exemplary leader

[27:40] Visionary leadership and mentorship: the three E's approach

[37:00] Making better decisions and giving feedback that inspires growth

[47:05] Overcoming insecurity and shame to become a more inspiring leader

[52:55] Leading with love and spreading seeds of inspiration through small actions

Conclusion:

Inspiring leadership isn’t about perfection but continuous growth. Adam Galinsky’s continuum offers a framework for becoming visionary, exemplary, and mentoring. Overcoming insecurity through reflection and small acts of recognition spreads positivity, transforming leadership and fostering a culture of inspiration. 

Links/Resources:

Website: https://adamgalinsky.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-galinsky-05090a3/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Inspire-Universal-Leading-Yourself-Others-ebook/dp/B0D3CCHW45

Are you an inspiring leader? Take Adam Galinsky’s “Am I Inspiring” Tool: https://adamgalinsky.com

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Marcel and Justin Jones-Fosu discussed the importance of having difficult conversations in a divided world. Justin, the CEO of Work.Meaningful., shared his personal story of growing up in a challenging environment and how his mother's philosophy of experiencing the beauty of difference shaped his perspective. He emphasized the importance of pursuing other people's humanity even when disagreeing with their ideologies. Justin also shared that his book, "I Respectfully Disagree," was inspired by his sessions on creating inclusive cultures and how to passionately pursue someone's humanity while disagreeing with their ideology. The book aims to provide practical and research-based strategies for everyday people to navigate difficult conversations.

Bio:

Justin Jones-Fosu is a full-time daddy who also happens to be an international speaker, a social entrepreneur, a critically-acclaimed author, and mountain climber (he recently conquered one of the famed 7 Summits). His passion for elevation extends beyond trekking; it’s mirrored in his work as the CEO of Work. Meaningful. and in his writing. His book, I Respectfully Disagree (releasing April 2024), challenges the reader to focus on building bridges to people rather than barriers from them.

Quotes:

• "We can vehemently disagree with someone's ideology and yet still passionately pursue their humanity."
• "Curiosity fills in the gaps with curiosity, not conclusions. Conclusions killed the cat; it wasn't curiosity."
• "You have no idea, whether in the workplace or at home, what's on the other side of respectful disagreement, even if it's simply just planting seeds of respect." 

Takeaways:

• Challenge yourself to a "birthday challenge" where you intentionally learn or try something completely new each year - pushing yourself out of comfort zones and maintaining a growth mindset that keeps you humble and curious about the world.
• Practice the "power of three" in conversations by asking follow-up questions that go at least three levels deep, genuinely listening to understand someone's perspective rather than waiting to respond or prove your point.
• Commit to one meaningful connection per week outside your typical social circle - seek out a conversation with someone from a different department, background, or perspective, specifically to hear their story without an agenda of changing their mind.

Timestamps:
[00:03] Introduction
[03:15] The Childhood Lessons That Shaped Justin’s Approach to Respect
[06:23] Why Justin Wrote ‘I Respectfully Disagree’ (And What It’s Really About)
[08:58] Why Social Media Is Making Conversations Worse
[12:18] The 4 Ways People Handle Conflict—Which One Are You?
[15:16] How Avoiding Conflict Is Hurting the Next Generation
[16:27] The 5 Rules for Disagreeing Without Losing Respect
[24:58] Understanding Perspective Through Curiosity
[33:35] Proximity Breeds Empathy
[40:35] Finding Common Ground in the Toughest Conversations
[51:05] How Respectful Disagreement Changed Justin’s Life and Career
[52:40] One Simple Challenge to Become a Better Listener

Conclusion:
Real communication isn’t about proving a point—it’s about truly hearing and understanding others. Approaching conversations with curiosity and empathy allows for deeper connections, even in moments of disagreement. Finding common ground doesn’t mean abandoning personal beliefs, but rather recognizing the value in different perspectives. When people listen with openness instead of defensiveness, discussions become more thoughtful and productive. Respecting others, even in difficult conversations, strengthens both relationships and ideas.

Links/Resources:
Website: https://workmea

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Marcel and Dr. Christie Smith discuss the challenges of integrating technology, generational differences, and shifting demographics in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership. They also highlight the need for a commitment to development and learning in organizations, the importance of human intelligence in a digital age, and the impact of the pandemic on social interactions and gender equality in the workplace. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the importance of emotional maturity in leadership, the need for leading with love and cultivating insatiable curiosity, and the importance of employee well-being in the workplace.

Bio:

Dr. Christie Smith is a voice in human-centered leadership and organizational strategy. Known as “The Humanity Expert,” Smith spent decades guiding Fortune 500 execs during her time at Apple, Deloitte, and Accenture through the complexities of modern leadership. She’s the co-author of ESSENTIAL: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. Smith is the founder of The Humanity Studio, a research and advisory institute dedicated to improving the way we live by revolutionizing the way we work. 

Quotes:

• "We are at a unique time in history as leaders with this confluence of issues that we are meant to solve, not only within our organizations, but within the communities in which those organizations reside."
• "Leadership is feeling paralyzed. Only 25% of leaders are thinking of doing something differently, and a single digit percentage are actually positioning to do something different within their organizations."

Takeaways:

• Schedule weekly 30-minute "curiosity conversations" with team members where you ask open-ended questions about their work, challenges, and aspirations - without digital distractions.
• Audit your organization's skill development programs: Are you truly investing in upskilling employees, or just paying lip service? Create a concrete plan to close skill gaps across generations.
• Practice emotional agility by preparing mentally before each meeting, understanding the unique context and emotional needs of the participants - treat each interaction as a distinct human experience. 

Timestamps:

[00:04] Introduction

[03:06] Growing Up in a Competitive Family Shaped My Leadership

[05:11] The Biggest Challenges Leaders Face (And How to Fix Them)

[11:42] Why Human Intelligence Still Beats AI in Leadership

[18:00] The Truth About Generational Gaps in the Workplace

[27:30] How the Pandemic Set Women in Leadership Back $2 Trillion

[35:05] Workplace Well-Being Isn’t Just Perks—Here’s What Matters

[45:08] The #1 Skill Every Manager Needs to Support Their Team

[47:29] These Three Leadership Skills Matter More Than Ever

[51:59] The Simple Leadership Shift That Changes Everything

Conclusion:

Real success comes from valuing employees as people, not just workers. When companies support their growth, well-being, and sense of purpose, they create stronger, more motivated teams. A workplace that fosters meaningful development and genuine connection leads to better outcomes than one focused only on output. Prioritizing people in this way doesn’t just improve morale—it builds lasting success for both individuals and the organization.

Links/Resources:

The Humanity Studio - https://thehumanitystudio.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiesmithphd/

Book -

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

 Dr. Yosi Amram, CEO coach and author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership, shares insights on how spiritual intelligence (SI) enhances leadership by fostering purpose, compassion, and presence. SI isn’t about religion but about harnessing inner resources for clarity and impact. He breaks down seven core SI dimensions—like gratitude and wisdom—showing how they drive engagement and performance. Simple shifts, like active listening and aligning work with purpose, transform leadership. 

Bio:

Dr. Yosi Amram is a pioneering researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence (SI), a CEO leadership coach, and a licensed clinical psychologist. He has coached over 100 CEOs, including leaders of multi-billion-dollar companies, and his groundbreaking research in SI has been cited over 1,000 times. He is the author of Spiritually Intelligent Leadership.

Quotes:

• Spiritual intelligence is the ability to draw on and embody spiritual resources and qualities to enhance daily functioning and well-being.
• When you have shared vision and purpose, and then you have joy, fun, appreciation, and gratitude among everyone, there's mutual caring, and that builds a sense of community.

 Takeaways:

• Cultivate a daily gratitude and appreciation practice - Recognize and verbalize the contributions and strengths of those around you to build a culture of positivity.
• Implement regular self-care rituals - Engage in activities like meditation, exercise, and time in nature to reduce stress, enhance presence, and recharge your inner resources.
• Identify your unique gifts and find ways to use them in service of others - Discover how you can leverage your talents to make a meaningful impact.

Timestamps:

[00:05] Introduction

[04:04] From military to Silicon Valley—Dr. Yosi Amram’s unexpected path

[08:07] How CEOs with spiritual intelligence build stronger teams

[10:10] The real meaning of spiritual intelligence (it’s not what you think)

[13:28] The 7 key traits of spiritually intelligent leaders

[17:29] How to bring spiritual intelligence into your daily life

[19:23] Simple practices to build spiritual intelligence (starting today)

[24:13] Why self-care is the foundation of great leadership

[29:50] The future of leadership: beyond ego to connection

[36:41] Final takeaways—practical steps to lead with spiritual intelligence

Conclusion:

Strengthening spiritual awareness allows leaders to move beyond self-interest and recognize their connection to a larger purpose. When decisions are guided by a sense of responsibility to others, success becomes more meaningful and sustainable. True leadership isn’t just about personal achievement but about creating a positive impact on communities and future generations. By shifting from a mindset of individual gain to one of collective well-being, leaders can foster lasting change.

Links/Resources:

Yosi Amram, PhD
https://yosiamram.net/

Spiritually Intelligent Leadership Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritually-Intelligent-Leadership-Inspire-Inspired/dp/1960583697

For short fun videos to help awaken your SI subscribe to: https://www.youtube.com/@awakeningspiritualintelligence/shorts

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Marcel’s guests, Tom Fishman and Jesús Mantas from the Builders—a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization—discussed strategies for overcoming toxic polarization by fostering constructive dialogue and bridging societal divides. The Builders empowers individuals through programs in media, civics, and education, believing that most people are flexible thinkers capable of respectful problem-solving. The conversation emphasized the importance of humility, empathy, and understanding in leading with love, creating positive work cultures, and building common ground. They highlighted the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions, seek diverse perspectives, and engage in open dialogue to drive meaningful cultural change.

Bio:

Tom Fishman, CEO of Builders, has 15 years of experience building businesses and digital communities. He led MTV’s global digital strategy, growing its community to 250 million, and directed social video product strategy at Facebook’s Global Creative team. He also served as general manager at Eko, launching shoppable video experiences. Tom holds physics degrees from the University of Chicago and Columbia University.

Jesús Mantas, Global Managing Partner at IBM Consulting, leads a $10B business transformation unit. He is an Independent Director at Biogen, former member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Council, and supports minority-founded startups. He holds degrees in Telecommunications and Business Administration.

Quotes:

• "Teams where people can talk to each other in environments where they can authentically consider different points of view and challenge each other constructively will continue to outperform teams that only look at one way." – Jesus Mantas
• "When you actually seek out the other side of every decision, it's less likely that you'll take risks or be blindsided by risks you never considered." – Jesus Mantas

Takeaways:

• Develop the habit of actively seeking out diverse perspectives, even on topics you strongly disagree with. Approach it with an open mind to understand their reasoning, rather than to argue.
• Cultivate personal humility and recognize that your views and beliefs may not be 100% accurate. Be willing to change your mind when presented with new information.

Timestamps:

[00:05] Introduction

[03:58] How Tom is using media to fix America’s divides

[12:23] The 87% of people fed up with division—are you one of them?

[18:47] Is the media fueling division? Here’s what you can do about it

[35:22] Why humility and empathy are game changers in leadership

[55:02] Developing the muscle of empathy

[1:06:44] Final thoughts—how you can take action today

Conclusion:

Real change begins with personal responsibility. While large-scale shifts in systems and institutions matter, the most immediate impact comes from the choices individuals make every day. By shifting perspectives, adjusting habits, and taking intentional action, people can create meaningful progress in their own lives and communities. Waiting for external forces to solve problems only delays what can be changed from within. When individuals take ownership of their growth, they set the stage for lasting transformation.

Links/Resources:

Website: https://buildersmovement.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builders/#

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildersmvt/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook: https://www

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Samantha Thomas and Marcel Schwantes discussed Samantha's book on love and business and the broader role of love, trust, and faith in both personal and professional growth. They explored the importance of acknowledging others, fostering psychological safety, and balancing self-love with service to others. The conversation touched on trust’s role in relationships, the dangers of cancel culture, and the need for open-minded dialogue. They concluded with reflections on leadership, emphasizing the power of love over fear in shaping organizations.

Bio:

Samantha is a consultant, coach, and writer who has spent over a decade researching the motivators and barriers to love in human beings and exploring how these factors impact personal relationships and broader social structures.

Her work in love and the psychology of human behavior began with The Love Summit, a business and leadership conference she created while serving as Executive Director of Dream Change from 2012 to 2018. The event brought together business and government leaders to explore how love, as both an ethic and a practice, could heal the deepest emotional wounds of individuals and address society's most pressing social and economic challenges. Samantha was recognized as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum and featured in several prominent media outlets. She earned her MSc in Global Prosperity from University College London and a certification in Applied Compassion Training from Stanford University (2023).

Quotes: 

• "Love is about extending ourselves for the growth of ourselves or another, but it is really about going above and beyond the self."
• "Faith is what allows us to keep going. Faith is what allows us to continue creating life because we believe there is meaning, a future, and possibilities. Without that, we have nothing."

Takeaways:

• Reflect on past experiences and personal growth to better understand your purpose and how to lead with love.
• Explore ways to build trust and psychological safety in your workplace to create a culture of love and growth.
• Keep the faith and never give up - change and growth are always possible, even in difficult times.

Timestamps:

[00:05] Introduction
[03:50] From eco-fashion to leading a movement
[05:57] Writing a book on love, success, and purpose
[16:31] The hidden power of acknowledgment in work and life
[21:40] How mirroring love can change relationships
[37:51] Why faith and hope matter in leadership
[47:45] Trust and love—building a stronger workplace
[01:01:22] How leaders can remove fear from company culture
[01:12:20] Love vs. fear—the forces shaping leadership
[01:15:27] Practical ways to lead with love every day

Conclusion:
Love, when embraced as a guiding principle, has the power to shape both personal growth and professional success. It encourages resilience, strengthens relationships, and creates the foundation for meaningful change. Even in difficult times, choosing compassion and optimism can open new paths forward. Lasting progress begins with the belief that growth is always within reach, no matter the challenges faced.

Marcel Scwhantes' Substack

https://marcelschwantes.substack.com/

Links/Resources:
Website – www.justchooselove.com
Substack - https://justchooselove.substack.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovebyst/
Li

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Marcel and Heather Younger explored the crucial role of self-leadership in leading others effectively. Younger discussed her new book, The Art of Self-Leadership, emphasizing that self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership and highlighting the importance of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth. Heather shared her journey from corporate challenges to entrepreneurship, underscoring the need to reframe setbacks as learning opportunities and prioritize self-care. They discussed the connection between mental health and leadership, drawing from personal experiences and high-profile examples like Simone Biles and Kevin Love. Recognizing fear-driven actions, setting clear expectations in relationships, and embracing self-love were key takeaways, reinforcing that strong leadership starts with mastering oneself. 

Bio

Heather R Younger, J.D, CSP, is a former practicing lawyer who demonstrates how to put empathy into action through the power of Caring Leadership®.

She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a preeminent employee engagement and workplace culture consulting firm to Fortune 100 companies. 

Heather has been named to the Thinkers50 Radar 25, is an award-winning leader in the area of Employee Engagement as recognized by Inspiring Workplaces, is a LinkedIn Learning course partner, 3-time best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the host of the popular Leadership With Heart podcast.

Quotes:

• "If we don't get ourselves right, I don't care how big your team is. You're never going to be as effective as you want to be."
• "Our behaviors and our intentional choices determine how we show up for others and for ourselves."
• "We can't spill out into the world with all the love we really have inside of us unless we develop the love inside of us for ourselves."

Takeaways:

• Conduct a self-audit on your personal values - identify the ones you truly believe in and assess how well you are living up to them on a daily basis.
• Establish clear expectations and communication with your manager or team - don't wait for them to set the agenda, take initiative to drive your own progress.
• Prioritize self-care practices that nurture your mental, physical, and emotional well-being - find activities that recharge and fortify you.
• Approach feedback with an open mindset - view it as a gift, even if it's difficult to hear, and look for opportunities to grow.
• Stop waiting for the "green lights" - take ownership of your personal journey and create the change you seek, rather than relying on others.

Timestamps:

[00:04] Introduction

[03:54] How a tough layoff led Heather to a new purpose

[06:24] Why self-leadership is the key to real success

[11:36] The link between self-awareness, fear, and confidence

[21:51] Small wins, self-care, and treating yourself like a brand

[44:01] How to stop fear from holding you back in work and life

[45:42] The secret to better communication and stronger influence

[51:21] Why self-advocacy matters and how to take control now

Links/Resources:

Buy The Art of Self-Leadership - https://www.caringleadershiplearning.com/selfleadershipbook

Heather Younger website - https://heatheryounger.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherryounger/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heatherryoungerofficial/ 

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:
Sam Caster, a previous guest on episode 237, graciously offers to interview show host Marcel Schhwantes about his journey to becoming a go-to authority on Servant Leadership, highlighting the twists and turns, trials and tribulations of his professional path that led him to where he is today.

Guest Bio:
Marcel Schwantes helps organizations create high-performing cultures where employees thrive and businesses grow. He is an international speaker, executive coach, and author who has been recognized by Inspiring Workplaces as a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement Influencer. His thought leadership reaches millions monthly through outlets like Inc., Time, Fast Company, and Forbes. For the past seven years, Marcel has hosted the Love in Action podcast, which is now heard in 160 countries. He is the author of the soon-to-be-released book Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss.

Marcel Schwantes revisiting a conversation with entrepreneur Sam Caster, founder of ALOVÉA, who shares his journey of building a successful company and the challenges of maintaining its culture after going public. As the company grew, the culture Sam cultivated began to erode due to silos, financial pressures, and a loss of connection—a common issue for leaders when rapid growth threatens core values.

Key Quotes:

• "It doesn't start with serving shareholders first. It starts with implementing a vision, carrying it out, and differentiating yourself from competitors."
• "Culture won't happen at the flip of a switch. It takes time and starts with leaders championing the call for that culture."

Takeaways:

1. Prioritize Values: Embed organizational values into daily operations, decision-making, and hiring. Consistently demonstrate how these values are lived out.
2. Align Leadership: Ensure your leadership team is committed to a people-first, servant leadership approach. Address resistance proactively to avoid undermining cultural transformation.
3. Expand Diversity: Go beyond race, gender, and ethnicity to build a workforce with diverse ages, backgrounds, and perspectives to drive innovation.

Conclusion:
Organizations that embrace servant leadership principles can achieve lasting success, even in tough times. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of their people over short-term profits, they build resilient, trust-based teams with a shared sense of purpose. True leadership lies in uplifting others and creating a foundation for individual and collective success. Marcel Schwantes emphasizes that servant leadership, though challenging, is a transformative approach that fosters loyalty, innovation, and long-term impact.

Links/Resources:

Join the “From Boss to Leader” workshop here: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/frombosstoleader/

Website: www.marcelschwantes.com

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

Send Marcel a text message!

Episode recap:

Marcel introduces Sam Caster, a renowned social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of ALOVÉA, which provides nutritional technologies to tackle global health issues. He shared the challenges of being a social entrepreneur and the significance of social entrepreneurship in addressing pressing health challenges, such as diseases and malnutrition. Caster is recognized for discovering a powerful immune-optimizing molecule extracted from the aloe vera plant, and he describes how he faced extreme resistance from Big Pharma and the FDA. Additionally, Sam discussed his struggle to balance running a for-profit company with providing the same technology through a non-profit organization. He speaks about his passion for social entrepreneurship and how he has dedicated his life to this cause.

Sam Caster is a social entrepreneur who has leveraged his business skills and experiences in order to fund a sustainable contribution of advanced immune support to the world’s most vulnerable children through the Not-For-Profit organization he funded called MannaRelief. To date MannaRelief has donated over 250 million daily servings to children in over 90 countries of the world. He’s also the founder and CEO of ALOVÉA, which provides nutritional technologies that address the growing problems of poor health and diseases worldwide. 

Sam shares his journey of leveraging advanced nutritional technologies to combat global health crises while navigating the complexities of regulatory systems. His resilience, purpose, and ability to make tough decisions—like starting over to pursue a greater mission—highlight the profound challenges and rewards of social entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of combining business skills with social impact, creating a model that delivers value to consumers while addressing pressing societal needs.

Key takeaways from the episode include:

• Purpose-Driven Business: Build products or services that enhance quality of life and align with personal passion.
• Resilience in Challenges: Embrace resistance when challenging the status quo, using purpose to overcome obstacles.
• Innovative Impact: Use unique technologies to drive consumer satisfaction while addressing societal needs.
• Authentic Leadership: Inspire trust through authenticity, purpose, and alignment of vision, fostering loyalty from teams and consumers.
• Global Change through Simple Models: Initiatives like “buy one, give one” demonstrate how sustainable business models can create significant global impact, especially in health-focused industries.

Sam’s story underscores the potential of social entrepreneurship to unite profitability with meaningful action, turning personal convictions into transformative change. Whether tackling systemic health crises or building purpose-driven businesses, his insights provide a powerful roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a difference.

Links/Resources:

Join the “From Boss to Leader” workshop here: https://www.marcelschwantes.com/frombosstoleader/

Alovéa: https://alovea.com/ 

MannaRelief: https://www.mannarelief.org/ 

Send Marcel a text message!

In this episode, Hans-Werner Kaas, senior partner emeritus at McKinsey & Company and co-author of The Journey of Leadership: How CEOs Learn to Lead from the Inside Out, discusses how empathy, vulnerability, and purpose define successful leadership. Drawing from his decades of coaching global CEOs and his role in McKinsey's Bower Forum, Hans-Werner emphasizes that true leadership starts with self-awareness and the ability to form meaningful connections.

Hans-Werner challenges the outdated notion that leaders must always be the smartest or most authoritative. Instead, he argues that vulnerability is a strength, fostering trust and openness in teams. By sharing personal struggles, embracing feedback, and admitting mistakes, leaders build bonds that enhance collaboration and innovation. He also highlights the importance of empathy, noting that immersing oneself in others’ perspectives creates trust and inspires purpose-driven cultures.

The Bower Forum’s model is presented as a practical framework for leadership development. It encourages leaders to create personal “commitment plans” focused on self-growth, team leadership, and organizational impact. Hans-Werner shares stories of CEOs who transformed their leadership styles by adopting empathy and a willingness to learn from failures. He advocates for “fearless learning,” which involves questioning assumptions, adapting to new realities, and using setbacks as growth opportunities.

Key takeaways include:

1. Reflect on Leadership Style: Examine how you respond to mistakes and feedback. Identify one behavior to improve trust with your team.
2. Build Genuine Connections: Engage in meaningful conversations to understand team members’ perspectives and challenges.
3. Challenge Long-Held Beliefs: Reevaluate assumptions and explore how adapting them can lead to better decisions.
4. Practice Fearless Learning: Analyze setbacks without assigning blame and outline actionable steps to improve.
5. Create a Commitment Plan: Define goals for leading yourself, your team, and your organization, and revisit them regularly.

Hans-Werner’s insights demonstrate that leadership success today hinges on authenticity and emotional intelligence. By fostering a culture of care, trust, and adaptability, leaders can create resilient and high-performing organizations. Vulnerability, self-awareness, and empathy are not just traits of effective leaders—they are essential for building thriving teams and achieving sustainable success.

Links/Resources:

Website: https://www.mckinsey.com/

Bower Forum: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/how-we-help-clients/mckinsey-academy/executive-programs/bower-forum

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Leadership-CEOs-Learn-Inside/dp/0593714210/

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

Send Marcel a text message!