In leadership, what happens after the conversation often matters just as much as the conversation itself. Just like in sports, where athletes chase their missed shots to score on the rebound, leaders can recover from missteps by following up. Yet, many professionals leave these moments hanging, allowing misunderstandings to fester and opportunities for growth to slip away. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore why follow-up is a critical yet often overlooked tool for leaders. Checking in after a conversation can resolve misunderstandings, build trust, and create opportunities for growth. By taking the extra step to ensure your message is received as intended, you turn potential setbacks into learning moments.

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This episode is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™.​
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By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more.

Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.

And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture.

Want to learn more? Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com, and join their force for good.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Remote work might be convenient, but it’s not the game-changer people think it is. If you want to grow, succeed, and actually build a career, you need to show up. That’s the message from David Sable, former CEO of Young & Rubicam and Vice Chairman at Stagwell, who believes employees should beg to be in the office—not fight against it. In this episode, David breaks down why in-person work still matters and busts the myth of remote productivity. He highlights that the best leaders won’t waste time proving to employees why they should be there. We also tackle the real impact of office culture, why career development suffers without it, and how mentorship, collaboration, and serendipity shape long-term success. You’ll discover all the reasons why leaders need to stop caving to employee demands and start running businesses the way they know they should. If you’re wondering how to future-proof your career or just trying to understand why so many leaders are pushing back on remote work this episode is for you.

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This episode is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. ​By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture.
Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com, and join our force for good.

________________

Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Remote work offers convenience and flexibility, but can it truly foster the leadership development needed to excel? While virtual environments allow for increased productivity, they often fall short in cultivating the deeper skills that come from observing, interacting, and learning in person. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore why in-person presence remains essential for aspiring leaders. Gain insights into how face-to-face interactions with senior leaders, casual conversations, and observing real-time decision-making can accelerate leadership growth. For those with ambitions to advance, showing up when others choose to stay remote may provide a unique competitive advantage. Tune in to uncover how being physically present in the workplace can unlock opportunities, build stronger relationships, and fast-track your path to leadership.

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This episode is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. ​By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture.
Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com, and join our force for good.

________________

Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

What do Zone 2 training, VO2 max, cold plunges, and cognitive mapping have to do with leadership? More than you think. In this episode, Alex Hutchinson—award-winning journalist, endurance expert, and best-selling author of The Explorer’s Gene—explains why the principles of elite athletic training are just as critical for leadership. You’ll learn how top CEOs train like endurance athletes to build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and avoid burnout—not by working less, but by managing stress smarter. We dive into the real impact of corporate wellness programs, the difference between acute and chronic stress, and why organizations are treating employees like high-performance athletes. Plus, we uncover why AI and algorithms are reshaping exploration, how creativity is declining, and why the best leaders take calculated risks instead of playing it safe. If you want to sustain peak performance, outthink challenges, and thrive in a world obsessed with efficiency, this episode is for you.

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This episode is sponsored by Workhuman.

HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™. ​By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing.And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture.
Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com, and join our force for good.

________________

Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The thing is, vulnerability in leadership isn’t always the strength it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it can sometimes be your biggest liability. In today’s Leadership Spark, we explore the surprising truth about how vulnerability can backfire, especially for CEOs and top executives. From the dangers of opening up to the wrong people, to the physiological stress responses even the most powerful leaders experience when faced with vulnerability, this episode dives into the complex reality of being open in the workplace. We also tackle the fine line between vulnerability and competence—how showing your human side can either elevate or undermine your leadership. If you're ready to rethink the way vulnerability fits into leadership, this conversation is a must-listen.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

The way we work, lead, and define success is evolving faster than ever. AI is transforming industries, the office is being reimagined, and the old definition of success—chasing money and titles—is being challenged. So what does this mean for you as a leader? In this special episode of the Future Leader Podcast, we’re bringing together the most game-changing conversations from Q1 2025. Martin Ford, futurist and best-selling author, unpacks how AI is reshaping jobs, businesses, and leadership. Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink, co-CEOs of Gensler, reveal how workplace design fuels creativity, culture, and sustainability in the hybrid era, and what the office of the future looks like. Sahil Bloom, author and entrepreneur, challenges the traditional view of success, introducing a new framework for wealth—time, relationships, health, mental clarity, and financial stability. The future of leadership isn’t coming, it’s already here. This episode is your chance to get ahead of the curve. Learn all the skills you need to lead in the future of work.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Every great leader knows that the world is bigger than your comfort zone. They don’t just surround themselves with people who think like them. They seek out different perspectives, challenge their own assumptions, and learn to see through a global lens. That’s the Global Citizen Mindset, and in today’s world, it can be your competitive edge. In today's Leadership Spark, we explore how thinking beyond borders makes you a stronger leader, with insights from Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay, whose journey proves that real leadership isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to see. Learn why leaders who think globally make better decisions, solve complex problems, and navigate uncertainty with confidence.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/

Most people see investing as just stocks and numbers, but the world’s greatest investors approach it differently. Their biggest lessons go beyond money—they're about how to think, make smarter decisions, and live a richer life. William Green, bestselling author of Richer, Wiser, Happier, has interviewed over 50 legendary investors, including Charlie Munger, Howard Marks, and Sir John Templeton. Along the way, he’s uncovered powerful insights that apply not just to investing but to leadership, business, and personal growth. In this episode, William shares what leaders can learn from investors about making better decisions, avoiding costly mistakes through inversion thinking, and applying the power of compounding to knowledge, relationships, and habits. He reveals why mastering emotions matters more than mastering money, why intuition is just as critical as data, and how knowing your circle of competence helps you focus on playing games you’re equipped to win and knowing your limits. We also explore how ethical leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a long-term advantage, and long-term success is often tied to integrity, self-awareness, and learning from both wins and failures.

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Start your day with the world’s top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/