Episodes

  • Oliver Burkeman: Embracing Limits to Live a More Meaningful Life

    Oliver Burkeman: Embracing Limits to Live a More Meaningful Life
    Nov 25 2025
    Bestselling author and longtime Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman brings decades of research into time, focus, and the psychology of meaning to challenge the belief that control and optimization lead to fulfillment. Drawing on ideas from Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, he explores why accepting our finite time, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and turning toward discomfort can create deeper focus and purpose. Burkeman contrasts the fantasy of “superyacht control” with the reality of navigating life in a “kayak,” where uncertainty is constant but agency remains. He offers practical ways leaders can prioritize what matters, make peace with tradeoffs, and cultivate a more grounded presence amid overwhelm. Listen now to explore how acknowledging limits can become a powerful source of clarity and effectiveness. Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    47 mins
  • Matt Abrahams: Communicate with Clarity, Structure, and Presence

    Matt Abrahams: Communicate with Clarity, Structure, and Presence
    Nov 18 2025
    Stanford lecturer in Organizational Behavior and communication expert Matt Abrahams explains why strong leadership depends on clarity, intention, and genuine connection. He breaks down practical tools—like his “What? So What? Now What?” structure—that help people speak effectively under pressure and avoid the traps of over-preparation, memorization, and audience neglect. Abrahams also offers concrete methods to manage speaking anxiety, craft messages that resonate, and become more “audience-obsessed” in everyday conversations. The discussion goes beyond presentations, covering small talk, one-on-ones, and how leaders can create trust through presence and active listening. Listen now to learn communication habits you can put to work immediately. Discover how to replace confusion with clarity and turn every message you deliver into aligned, confident action across your team. Download our guide: From Misunderstood to Magnetic: A Leader’s Guide to Clear Communication. https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-misunderstood-to-magnetic?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    35 mins
  • Henry Deng, Sumeet Chabria & Kathi Enderes: Leading in the Age of AI

    Henry Deng, Sumeet Chabria & Kathi Enderes: Leading in the Age of AI
    Nov 11 2025
    In this FranklinCovey Impact Conference panel, host Will Houghteling explores how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership and work with Henry Deng of Google, Sumeet Chabria of ThoughtLinks, and Kathi Enderes of the Josh Bersin Company. The discussion tackles how leaders can harness AI to amplify human potential, not replace it—focusing on trust, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. From McDonald’s reimagining hiring to Google’s use of generative AI for workflow design, the panel highlights the skills leaders need to thrive: curiosity, communication, and courage to rethink the role of technology. Press play to learn how to balance efficiency with humanity and lead teams confidently through AI-driven change. Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Frank Blake: Leading From the Bottom of the Pyramid

    Frank Blake: Leading From the Bottom of the Pyramid
    Nov 4 2025
    Former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake shares how an “inverted pyramid” mindset reshaped one of America’s largest retailers. In this candid conversation, Blake explains why true leadership begins by serving those closest to the customer—and how listening deeply, celebrating frontline excellence, and simplifying communication drive lasting results. He reflects on lessons from Ronald Reagan and Jack Welch, explores the balance between humility and accountability, and offers practical guidance for managers stepping into leadership for the first time. From navigating crises to shaping culture through recognition, Blake reveals how leaders can align purpose, people, and performance. Watch or listen to this conversation to learn how to build teams that thrive from the ground up. Across industries and institutions, leadership is being hollowed out by scandal, short-termism, and a dangerous obsession with optics over integrity. Download our latest insights report, Where are all the great leaders?, and seize opportunity in an era of erosion: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-great-leader-insight-report?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    39 mins
  • Tyler Cowen: The Founder’s Edge—Why Visionaries Drive Lasting Change

    Tyler Cowen: The Founder’s Edge—Why Visionaries Drive Lasting Change
    Oct 28 2025
    Economist and author Tyler Cowen explores what makes founders uniquely capable of leading transformative organizations. He discusses the concept of “founder energy”—the authority, credibility, and institutional capital that empower visionaries like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to make bold pivots when others can’t. Cowen examines how leadership legitimacy differs between founders and hired CEOs, and why adaptability, decision speed, and conviction are critical in times of change. He also reflects on how leaders can build influence without formal authority by earning trust and creating value in their organizations. Watch this conversation to learn how to harness founder-like energy to drive innovation and resilience. For most organizations, disruption has moved from a distant “black swan”–style risk to a permanent operating condition. Download our latest guide, From Shock to Strategic Advantage to learn how leaders convert disruption into opportunity: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-convert-disruption?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    42 mins
  • Chip Conley: Wisdom in the Workplace from a Modern Elder

    Chip Conley: Wisdom in the Workplace from a Modern Elder
    Oct 21 2025
    Chip Conley—hospitality disruptor, modern elder, and wisdom seeker—joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, culture, and wisdom in business. Chip shares stories from his early days transforming rundown hotels in San Francisco’s Tenderloin into vibrant communities, his role in shaping Airbnb’s growth, and why investing in culture doesn’t have to cost a dime. He reflects on the balance between founder energy and burnout, the lessons of storytelling and constraints, and the importance of wisdom in an AI-driven future. Everyone agrees that leadership matters. But in the rush of competing priorities—in the whirlwind of data, deadlines, and deliverables—it’s easy to lose sight of just how much it matters. Download our new guide, Where are all the Great Leaders, to learn more: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-where-are-all-the-great-leaders?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    36 mins
  • Tim Brown: The Intersection of AI and Human Creativity in Design Thinking

    Tim Brown: The Intersection of AI and Human Creativity in Design Thinking
    Oct 14 2025
    We sit down with Tim Brown, Chair of IDEO and pioneer of design thinking, for an inspiring conversation on the future of design, leadership, and creativity. Tim reflects on projects he’s proudest of while sharing why good design must address both functional and emotional needs. Tim also dives into the intersection of AI and human creativity—how it’s currently reshaping existing designs, and where it could take us in generating entirely new possibilities. With lessons on collaboration, leadership, and the value of exploring ideas across disciplines, this episode shines light on how design is not just for art but for business. Level up skills like productivity, effectiveness, and trust to thrive alongside advancing technology. Download our guide Elevating Human Skills in the Age of AI: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-elevating-human-skills?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=overlay FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    41 mins
  • Carolyn Dewar: What Sets Exceptional CEOs Apart

    Carolyn Dewar: What Sets Exceptional CEOs Apart
    Oct 7 2025
    We are joined by Carolyn Dewar, McKinsey senior partner and author of CEO Excellence, to unpack what makes great leaders stand out. Drawing on extensive research from her book CEO Excellence, Carolyn reveals the bold mindset that defines exceptional CEOs, the critical risks they take, and why focusing on expanding the pie drives long-term success. She shares insights on the four seasons of being a CEO, from early bold moves to finishing strong, and why openness to learning often matters more than confidence. Listeners will learn how CEOs can avoid analysis paralysis, manage their calendars ruthlessly, lead through uncertainty, and prepare for smooth transitions that save businesses billions. Greatness lives in everyone; it just needs unlocking. FranklinCovey's newest guide, Where are all the Great Leaders: Solving the Leadership Crisis in a Disruptive World, is an invitation to reset. Download it here: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/tlg-where-are-all-the-great-leaders?x=j4G37p&lb-mode=over%E2%80%A6 FranklinCovey’s world-class learning solutions—delivered Live-Online, On Demand, or Live In-Person—are designed to build exceptional leadership skills and enrich your culture at every level of your organization. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776
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    36 mins