The Leadership Initiative

By The Ohio State UniversityBusiness Education Self-Improvement Careers Management

The Leadership Initiative episodes

May 20 AI, Leadership, and Learning: Insights from Dean AC
In this episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast, Max M. Fisher College of Business Dean Arvind Chandrasekaran shares insights on innovation, AI fluency, ethical leadership, and the future of business education at Fisher College of Business. Dean AC discusses how leaders can build resilient, high-performing teams by combining critical thinking, curiosity, and human-centered leadership in […]
24 min
April 23 Balancing Well-Being and Performance with Dr. Laura Little
In this episode, Dr. Laura Little explores how leaders can balance performance and well-being while building trust through emotional intelligence and genuine care for their teams. She also challenges common leadership mindsets, offering practical strategies to shift from problem-focused thinking to more intentional, growth-directed leadership.
29 min
April 16 The Power and Pitfalls of Narrow Thinking with Rebecca Greenbaum
This episode of The Leadership Initiative explores how “bottom-line mentality” and narrow thinking shape leadership behavior, revealing how an intense focus on results can both enhance performance and lead to ethical blind spots. Rebecca Greenbaum unpacks the balance leaders must strike between achieving outcomes and maintaining ethical, multidimensional decision-making in today’s organizations.
32 min
February 26 The Science of Charismatic Leadership with George Banks
In this episode, join host Ben Tepper and guest George Banks as they explore the science behind charismatic leadership, emphasizing how effective leaders inspire and mobilize others through practice and evidence-based techniques. He also discusses how emerging tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality are transforming the way leadership skills are taught and developed.
26 min
January 29 Redefining Resilience in Leadership with Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego
In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego speak with host Jen Knox Shanahan about how leaders can use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to navigate change, uncertainty, and transition with greater confidence. They explore what resilience really looks like in practice, how to lead hybrid teams intentionally, and preparing for the future […]
30 min
January 22 Cognitive Behavioral Tools for Leaders with Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego
In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego speak with host Jen Knox Shanahan about how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support effective leadership by helping leaders manage stress, reframe unhelpful thinking patterns, and improve decision-making. The conversation highlights the role of leadership mindset, mental health, and values-based leadership in sustaining performance and […]
30 min
November 13, 2025 Everyday Ethics in Leadership with Parag Shah at Nationwide
In this episode, Parag Shah of Nationwide speaks with host Jen Knox Shanahan to break down what ethical leadership looks like in everyday practice, from making clear, values-aligned decisions to fostering trust and psychological safety across teams. He offers practical guidance on how leaders can stay grounded, navigate gray areas, and create workplaces where people […]
27 min
October 23, 2025 Small Things Make Great Leaders with Dr. Julian Barling
In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling joins host Ben Tepper to discuss how the smallest actions can define truly effective leadership. Together they explore why leadership development and training should start before people move into management roles, the impact of leaders’ mental health on performance, and how evidence-based research can help create stronger, more human-centered […]
43 min
September 25, 2025 Putting People First with Eric Lenard at Johnson & Johnson
In this episode, Eric Lenard, VP of Global Services Finance at Johnson & Johnson, speaks with Jen Knox Shanahan about how courageous leadership means staying true to your values, embracing risk, and leading with empathy. He reflects on his own growth, the importance of celebrating people as well as results, and how a culture of […]
51 min
August 28, 2025 Storytelling and Primal Intelligence with Angus Fletcher
In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, host Jen Knox Shanahan sits down with Angus Fletcher to discuss the deep connection between storytelling and primal intelligence. Fletcher shares how leaders can tap into narrative, curiosity, and imagination to spark innovation, foster engagement, and cultivate more human-centered leadership.
41 min

About The Leadership Initiative

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Leadership Initiative, where we explore the art and science of leadership to inspire present and future leaders. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking conversations with experts,…