The Dr. John Bedker Leadership Podcast

On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve of the United States cut interest by 50 basis points. This is a clear signal that it is time for monetary policy in the United States to be recalibrated. The dual mandates of the Fed to seek full employment and stable inflation brought about today’s long-awaited decision. An exemplary leadership moment by Jay Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Happy Labor Day 2024! This episode recognizes the worth and dignity of labor. Quotes on labor are given from Sophocles, Adam Smith, John D. Rockefeller, and Richard Freeman. The tension between capitalism and democracy, the tension between shareholders and workers, and the balancing act that leaders must navigate to strive to ensure that a rising tide does raise all boats, the challenge to do the right thing; this is the challenge of leaders on this Labor Day.

Steve Kerr, the Coach of the Olympic Gold medal-winning U.S. men's basketball team is showcased. Following the Olympics, coach Kerr was asked to speak in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention. He spoke on leadership. It is important in this year's election and leadership is important in our lives. Steve Kerr raises five points for every leader to emulate.

This episode showcases the ultimate mission of leadership- to do the right thing.  A Good example is President Biden passing the torch of leadership to a younger generation.  A Bad example is shown in Senator J.D. Vance's accepting his role and responsibilities to be Donald Trump's Vice-President pick.  Lastly, an Ugly example is demonstrated by the moral, ethical, and legal ineptitude of an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas.  Thomas and Vance have sold themselves out to wealth power and position.  Biden has chosen to do the right thing.

This episode addresses the stark contrast between the two candidates for President of the United States. One seeking autocracy and autocratic rule.  The other seeking to advance democracy, but not seeing the opportunities to pass the torch to a younger and highly qualified group of leaders.  Leadership is about doing the right thing.  Both could learn from this simple, yet profound, axiom.

The election this coming November is existential.  From a leadership perspective, the choice is clear.

This episode showcases Kindness as a leadership core competency.  Kindness is free. It is uplifting and can have a ripple effect on others. Kindness is needed in our turbulent and troubled world and can play a consequential and strategic role in your leadership journey. Incorporate kindness in your leadership practice.

The economic competition between China and the West could not be more important.  There exists no central agency or authority to manage or lead this critical effort.  A coordinated approach with friends and allies is essential. This episode lays out a beginning framework for such an effort.  Defense and diplomacy are not enough.  We need economic leadership to prevail. 

Trust is based upon trustworthy behavior. Trust is an essential leadership core competency. What you say and what you do are the connecting dots to trustworthy behavior. For leadership to be effective it must be consistent. In this episode, Dr. Bedker looks back at two previous episodes and updates their continued untrustworthy behavior. The First Congressional District of Virginia and the Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company are showcased.