Let’s TAWK Leadership podcast featuring, Dr. Stewart Desson, CEO of Lumina Learning

Let’s TAWK Leadership podcast featuring, Dr. Stewart Desson, CEO of Lumina Learning

From Smart People Think Podcast by Karen Colligan

April 13, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

Dr. Stewart Desson discusses his layered approach to leadership, emphasizing self-awareness and the celebration of humanity.

Meet Dr. Stewart Desson, CEO of Lumina Learning, a leader who sees leadership in layers: strategy and vision plus the ability to inspire purpose and meaning. Dr. Desson believes leaders must celebrate humanity so people can connect to a cause and give unrestricted energy to make an impact. His leadership approach blends self-awareness with purpose and authenticity — claiming who you are so others feel invited to do the same. Grounded in science and curiosity, he dispels myths, welcomes challenge, and changes beliefs when evidence demands it. Dr. Desson uses coaching, retreats, and collaborative research to foster self-development and growth. His favorite guiding principle: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Viktor E. Frankl

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Stewart Desson

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • self-awareness
  • purpose
  • authenticity
  • coaching

Keywords

  • Lumina Learning
  • Viktor E. Frankl
  • growth
  • impact

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Lumina Learning

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