Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

In this spirited episode, the challenges and paradoxes of modern leadership are brought to the forefront, grounded in the world of philanthropy. My guest this week, Glen Galaich, author of the provocative book Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short and CEO of the Stupski Foundation, invites listeners to reconsider the myths surrounding control, generosity, and decision-making. He makes the compelling case about how organizational norms, incentives, and personal ego can unintentionally limit positive impact, even in the most purpose-driven organizations.During out discussion, we reflect on tough questions: What’s the real difference between intentions and measurable outcomes? How do process, relationships, and results shape lasting change? Through first-hand stories and data, this episode reveals how well-meaning leaders too often mistake intention for impact and how letting go of control, building clear processes, and inviting feedback can dramatically enhance outcomes.For executives, nonprofit leaders, and anyone invested in meaningful change, this episode offers actionable advice: embrace self-awareness, question inherited processes, and trust the people closest to the work. It’s a call to action for listeners to examine their own patterns and to move beyond good intentions to do good by leading well.What You’ll Learn- The importance of letting go of control for greater impact.- Rethinking thoughtful giving.- Process, results, relationships: The leadership triad.- The temptation of control when doing good.- The power of systems, incentives, and leadership norms.- Lead with empathy across difference.- The critical role of self-awareness: Feedback as a gift.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – Welcome to the Show and Guest Introduction(00:03:13) - The Motivation Behind "Control"(00:10:00) - Control, Psychological Safety, and Power in Leadership(00:14:29) - Process, Results, Relationships: The Leadership Triad(00:17:38) - Misconceptions and Accountability in Leadership(00:22:04) - The Temptation of Control When Doing Good(00:30:02) - Leading with Empathy Across Differences(00:34:14) - Systems, Incentives, and Leadership Norms(00:38:16) - The Critical Role of Self-Awareness(00:42:59) - Leading Through Uncertainty(00:47:33) - Key Mindset Shifts: Moving from Intention to ImpactKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Philanthropy, Thoughtful Giving, Community Engagement, Control Mindset, Process in Organizations, Psychological Safety, Accountability, Feedback, Ego in Leadership, Power Dynamics, Self Awareness, Organizational Culture, Social Impact, Norms and Incentives, Empathy, Letting Go, Impact versus Intention, CEO Success

In this solo episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, I unpack the concept of empathy and leadership. Although considerable research has shown the multiple benefits of empathetic leadership, it may have become a victim of its own success. As it has become increasingly integrated into leadership conversations, there are widespread misunderstandings about what it is and what it is not.While empathy is often viewed as ‘all about feeling,’ there is more to the concept. I’ll explore its multidimensionality and rather than being one sole element, the secret sauce is how all of this comes together. When only one aspect of empathy is tapped, it’s an incomplete picture.What You’ll Learn- The science behind the power of empathy in leadership.- The most common way people use to define empathy.- Why affective (e.g., emotional) empathy is only one aspect of high empathy leadership.- The crucial difference between empathic joining and empathic concern.- The power of perspective-taking.- How inaction can be at the heart of leadership excellence.KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Empathy, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Excellence, Strategic Thinking, Personal Growth, Communication, 360-Feedback, Affective Empathy, Cognitive Empathy, Empathic Concern, Empathic Joining, Leading with Intention, Leading with the Heart and Mind, The Power of Thoughtful Inaction, CEO Success

Do you ever wonder if the quietest voice in the room can truly lead—and win—in a world built for extroverts? This episode of Do Good to Lead Well is a refreshing, insightful journey into that very question, as I sit down with Benjamin Friedman, author of “Silent Strength: The Introvert’s Guide to Building Successful Startups.”The conversation opens with Benjamin’s “me-search;” his personal and professional quest to understand how introverts can succeed when the business world often favors extroverted traits. Can an introvert be authentic and ambitious, all while driving top-tier results? Absolutely, says Benjamin, but it’s all about leveraging your way of being, rather than trying to fit someone else’s mold.Listeners will come away with practical advice for managing meetings, leveraging networks, and navigating self-doubt. He also shares tools for raising our self-awareness, the power of a “challenge network,” and the importance of aligning values with the people you build alongside. When fear or imposter syndrome strikes, Friedman reframes those moments as evidence you care and offers ways to harness uncertainty as fuel for growth.The common thread throughout this episode is one of curiosity and vulnerability. It is about questioning our assumptions and beliefs while building a roadmap to authentic success. What You’ll Learn- The power of the quiet leader.- Self-awareness as a foundation.- Leveraging a Challenge Network.- How to harness fear and navigate uncertainty.- Reframing networking.- The secret sauce of vulnerability.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – Silent Strength: The Origin Story (06:01) - The Universal Value of Introvert Insights (11:42) - Self-Awareness as a Foundation for Success (18:44) - Reframing Imposter Syndrome & Building Presence (22:29) - Empowering Introverted Voices in Meetings (28:56) - The Power of a Challenge Network (36:15) - Getting Useful Feedback (40:29) - Navigating Fear, Uncertainty & Opportunity (45:32) - Thriving as an Introvert in Sales & Networking (50:25) - Co-Founders, Relationships & Final InsightsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Personal Growth, Vulnerability, Leading with Intention, Curiosity, Startup Founders, Introverts in Leadership, Challenge Network, Networking Strategies, Sales (for Introverts), Eustress vs Distress, Leveraging Strengths, Authenticity, Managing Meetings, Inclusive Environments, Managing Fear, CEO Success

Happy New Year! I’m so excited to connect with you as we kick off 2026. This year marks a special milestone for us, as we’re rapidly approaching our 200th episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast! Your incredible support and engagement are truly why we continue to attract such amazing guests, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.Instead of a typical goal-setting episode to start the year, I wanted to do something a little different. I thought it would be wonderful to look back at 2025 and highlight some of the most memorable “mic drop” moments from our extraordinary guests. These are the insights that resonated most with you, based on your comments and messages. I hope they serve as a powerful playbook for your personal and professional growth in the year ahead!What You’ll Learn- The importance of leaning into uncomfortable conversations- Why uncertainty is not the exception, it’s the rule- How minimizing our smartphones may maximize resilience- Using AI to spark our curiosity- You can leverage the power of purpose everywhere- The importance of replacing failure with learning moments- How to use evidence to drive better decisions and make work fair- The secret to being a Likeable Badass- Why You Want to Ask Yourself: “Who Am I When No One Is Watching?KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Personal growth, Professional development, Uncomfortable Conversations, Alignment on Purpose, Individual/Collective Excellence, Mindfulness, Navigating Uncertainty, Embracing Curiosity, Asking Questions, Building Resiliency, Authentic Leadership, Learning Moments, Psychological Safety, Likable Badass, Make Work Fair, Evidence-based insights, Positive change, Managing Stress, Success Principles

Join us for an enlightening discussion as we explore the intersection of hospitality and leadership with our latest guest, Taylor Scott. Taylor, an accomplished author, keynote speaker, and leadership development consultant, shares insights from his rich career spanning Disney Parks and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, and Las Vegas landmarks like Wynn and the Cosmopolitan. He reveals the inspiration behind his latest book, "Give Hospitality," a Hawaiian-themed fable that draws on real-life experiences and relationships with influential leaders. Listen in as we discuss the art of storytelling and its power to convey essential leadership principles, while Taylor highlights the role of mentors and personal connections in shaping his narrative.Discover the transformative essence of hospitality in leadership as we reflect on its role in creating welcoming and inclusive environments. Inspired by a memorable pre-opening speech at Gaylord Palms Resort, we explore how the spirit of hospitality can bridge divides in both personal and professional settings. This conversation emphasizes the importance of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of Aloha in fostering meaningful relationships and driving performance. Taylor shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the impact of empathy and authenticity in leadership, revealing how these qualities build trust and foster a culture of connection.We also touch on the importance of intentional leadership and organizational transformation, as Taylor shares his journey from Walt Disney World to the bustling scene of Las Vegas. He emphasizes the significance of gratitude and intentionality in overcoming challenges and achieving desired outcomes. In addition, we discuss the dual aspects of giving and receiving hospitality through effective feedback, underscoring the importance of dialogue and constructive conversations. Finally, we highlight the role of personal and organizational values in creating a culture of hospitality, offering practical exercises and metrics to measure success. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that promises to inspire and inform.Key Takeaways– Hospitality is the ability to make people feel welcome, comfortable, and important, a core competency of transformational leadership that applies across all industries – Emotional connection drives behavioral change; Jonathan Haidt's "rider and elephant" metaphor shows how emotion (the elephant) provides the energy while logic (the rider) provides direction– Consistency in leadership behavior, not initial perfection, builds trust and credibility; keep showing up authentically even when facing initial skepticism – Remote leadership is possible when leaders commit to three non-negotiables: one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and strategic digital communicationChapters02:21 Guest Introduction: Taylor Scott's Background and 20-Year Hospitality Career03:54 The Inspiration Behind Give Hospitality: Hawaiian Theme and Fable Format05:25 The Story of Kauele Resort: Character Development and Core Values12:31 The GIVE Framework: Hospitality Rooted in the Spirit of Aloha14:21 Business Results and Hospitality: The Inseparable Connection Between Relationships and Performance18:33 Empathy as a Learnable Skill: Building Authentic Connection in Stressful Times21:01 Consistency in Leadership: Why Daily Behaviors Build Trust More Than Words27:33 Intentional Leadership: Vision, Mission, and Values as Accountability Anchors45:50 Leading with Hospitality in Remote and Hybrid EnvironmentsConnect with Craig Dowden and the Do Good to Lead Well PodcastWebsite: https://www.craigdowden.comGuest Contact InformationTaylor Scott: Founder Hospitality, LLCWebsite: https://www.leadwithhospitality.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tscott1502/Email: info@leadwithhospitality.comBooks:- Give Hospitality- Lead with Hospitality- Ball Games to Boardrooms