The Leadership Initiative

By The Ohio State UniversityBusiness Education Self-Improvement Careers Management

The Leadership Initiative episodes

August 07, 2025 Navigating Tech-Driven Change with John Hrusovsky at Synexis Consulting
In this episode, John Hrusovsky continues his conversation with host Jen Knox Shanahan, exploring how leaders can navigate technology-driven change through principled leadership and strategic alignment. Join us as John shares practical insights on leading with intention, adopting AI responsibly, and returning to technology fundamentals to drive sustainable success.
21 min
July 31, 2025 Strategic Leadership in a Changing World with John Hrusovsky at Synexis Consulting
In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, John Hrusovsky, Managing Director at Synexis Consulting and Program Advisor at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, shares actionable insights on strategic leadership in today’s evolving business landscape. He discusses how to inspire teams, drive organizational change, and align people and priorities for long-term success.
23 min
May 27, 2025 Creating Space for Authenticity with Tracey Boggs
In this episode, Host Jen Knox Shanahan speaks to higher education leader Tracey Boggs as she shares her leadership journey from finance to academia and how she fosters psychologically safe workplace cultures. She discusses the power of vulnerability, values-driven leadership, and creating environments where teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired to grow.
24 min
May 01, 2025 Diving into Human-Centered Leadership with Andrea Carter at Belonging First
In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, Andrea Carter shares how organizations can cultivate psychological safety and a deep sense of belonging to drive performance and inclusion. Drawing on her work at Belonging First, she offers practical strategies for building truly human-centered workplaces.
23 min
April 29, 2025 Enhancing Workplace Culture with Andrea Carter at Belonging First
In this episode, Andrea Carter from Belonging First discusses the power of building strong workplace cultures that prioritize connection, trust, and collaboration. She shares strategies for fostering inclusive environments where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated to contribute to organizational success.
40 min
March 25, 2025 Adapting to Change in Nonprofits with Richard McPherson
In this episode, Jen Knox Shanahan speaks with Richard McPherson. McPherson explores key challenges nonprofit boards face in embracing innovation, including risk-taking and the integration of AI technology. He offers valuable insights on how nonprofit leaders can navigate organizational change, collaborate with similar organizations, and make strategic decisions to drive mission-focused impact while adapting to […]
37 min
February 27, 2025 Unlocking Leadership Potential with Dr. Richard Boyatzis
Join host Dr. John Schaffner on The Leadership Initiative Podcast as Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a pioneer in emotional and social intelligence, reveals the science behind stress, renewal, and effective leadership. He shares insights from decades of research on leadership development, Intentional Change Theory, and the evolution of emotional and social intelligence.
18 min
February 25, 2025 The Future of Leadership Development with Dr. Richard Boyatzis
In this episode, Dr. Richard Boyatzis, Distinguished Professor at Case Western Reserve University, shares insights on intentional change theory and how sustainable, desired change occurs at individual, team, and organizational levels. He emphasizes the power of vision over goals, the role of emotional attractors, and the balance between performance and development cultures. Listeners will discover why […]
41 min
January 28, 2025 Ethics, Values, and Moral Courage with Dr. Christa Johnson
In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, Host Jen Shanahan is joined by Dr. Christa Johnson, Associate Professor of Teaching in Philosophy and Assistant Director of Leadership Studies at The Ohio State University. Together, the two discuss the nuances of principled leadership by challenging traditional notions and urging leaders to grapple with the gray areas […]
44 min
December 17, 2024 Stoic Strategies for Modern Leaders with Dr. William B. Irvine
In this episode, host Jen Shanahan is joined by Dr. William B. Irvine to explore the timeless philosophy of stoicism and its relevance to modern leadership, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from failure. Dr. Irvine shares how leaders can navigate challenges with purpose and integrity while cultivating a balanced mindset through practical strategies.
31 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,…