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Imperfect Leaders

Imperfect Leaders

By Jeffrey Cohn

Let’s face it. There’s no such thing as a perfect leader. On this show we interview the country’s most admired leaders - who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, admit their imperfections, and share important life lessons.
www.imperfectleaders.com
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Why Beyonce Loves Lemon Perfect

Imperfect Leaders Sep 05, 2022

00:00
39:17
Doing Well by Doing Good - with Jennifer Nuckles, CEO R-Zero

Doing Well by Doing Good - with Jennifer Nuckles, CEO R-Zero

Think of all the germs, bacteria, virus, and other airborne diseases we expose ourselves to every single day.

Think how much worse this problem is when we are indoors, in closed spaces, and around lots of people. One last thing - consider that a full 90% of our time is spent indoors! Taken together, this is a big problem.

R-Zero has the solution - an energy efficient, technology-enabled, cost-effective, and 99.99% efficacious way to zap these harmful micro-organisms before they have a chance to enter your bloodstream. It's no surprise they've attracted elite partners and investors like The Mayo Clinic, John Doerr, Chairman Kleiner Perkins, Ira Ehrenpreis founder of DBL Partners,

The CEO of fast-growing startup is Jennifer Nuckles - an energetic, whip-smart, values-driven leader who believes strongly in the adage that companies should do well (make money) by doing good (helping others and the planet).

Jennifer shares her incredible journey, obstacles along the way, and valuable leadership lessons.

www.imperfectleaders.com

Apr 26, 202340:13
G.H. Smart - The World's Best Leadership Advisory - with Founder, Geoff Smart

G.H. Smart - The World's Best Leadership Advisory - with Founder, Geoff Smart

Today's guest - Geoff Smart - has literally revolutionized the way companies around the world think about talent and leadership.

The leadership advisory Geoff founded - G.H. Smart - is on speed-dial of the world's top CEOs, private equity investors, and corporate board members - who call when crucial and complex leadership challenges need an elegant, data-driven solution - like CEO succession and executive team composition.

In much the same way that Professor Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School redefined the way companies think about strategy formulation, Geoff and his colleagues at G.H. Smart - have forever changed the way companies around the world think about talent. Until Geoff quantified a practical approach to assessing leadership potential and culture fit, companies were forced to naively rely on 'gut feel' and instinct. The G.H. Smart approach is 10X more effective.

As Geoff's former professor and management guru - Peter Drucker - famously said, 'culture eats strategy for breakfast.' And now, decades later, G.H. Smart helps clients - every single day - bring this vision to life.

www.imperfectleaders.com



Apr 24, 202353:45
Succession - Not the HBO Hit Show, But Real Life Succession with Chairman of Tyson Foods, John Tyson
Apr 17, 202328:58
Leading in the Metaverse - with Chris Ebeling and John Weathers

Leading in the Metaverse - with Chris Ebeling and John Weathers

All leaders need to learn how to lead in the metaverse. Granted - it's an opaque topic that's rapidly evolving. So, we tracked down a world-leading expert, educator, and Zed Run creator - Chris Ebeling.


Chris has worked on Hollywood blockbusters such as The Lego Movie’s, The Great Gatsby, Gods of Egypt, John Wick, and Happy feet 2. Supplementing his extensive film and VFX background, Chris has successfully creative directed projects in the real-time space, with experience across games as well as virtual and augmented reality projects. Chris’s experience in feature film animation joined with his leadership in education and mentoring made him an ideal candidate to build Animal Logic Academy at the University of Technology, Sydney.


Chris has since moved on to co-found his own digital creative studio, Virtually Human . Here, the core is to keep people emotionally engaged through immersive digital entertainment powered by web 3.0. Exploring emerging technologies in gaming, data and mixed reality. With a strong focus to constantly innovate by bridging the gap between the real world and the virtual world, where the two become inseparable.


I'm joined today by a very special co-host and technology expert - John Weathers.

www.imperfectleaders.com

Apr 03, 202346:39
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - Stan Van Gundy, Former NBA Coach and TNT Analyst

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone - Stan Van Gundy, Former NBA Coach and TNT Analyst

Stan Van Gundy - is an icon in sports and broadcasting.

Before his current stint as a top basketball analyst at TNT, he was an NBA coach for several NBA teams, including the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to Coach Van Gundy, the best talent - across all disciplines - not just in sports, but in music, in academia, and certainly in business - don't just welcome occasional feedback and advice - they absolutely crave it.

They constantly seek to get out of their comfort zone - stretch the limits of their potential - make some mistakes along the way - reflect upon what they can do better - and eventually change their mindset and level up to unimaginable heights.

www.imperfectleaders.com



Mar 21, 202317:40
The Brand Leader - A Conversation with Vivaldi's Founder and CEO, Erich Joachimsthaler

The Brand Leader - A Conversation with Vivaldi's Founder and CEO, Erich Joachimsthaler

Today's guest - Erich Joachimsthaler - is the #1 brand strategist on the planet. 

He built from scratch a top-ranked professional services firm - called Vivaldi_ - which regularly advises the world's most admired CEOs and chief marketing officers - on their most complex transformational issues. 

Joachmisthaler's leadership journey will amaze you. He has continuously 'written the next chapter' - each new one more riveting than the last  - from humble roots growing up in a small town in Germany to earning a doctorate from Harvard Business School to co-authoring Brand Leadership (with David Aaker) which literally redefined the way companies think about brand, strategy and their core purpose. 

It's no wonder why top talent and future leaders are attracted to Vivaldi. The firm has a unique culture and inspires future leaders to reach maximum potential.

His most recent book - The Interaction Field - has been recognized by top scholars at elite business school.

We all know that something fundamental has changed in how businesses deliver value, but many of us have no idea what to do about it. This deeply insightful book takes you behind the scenes to explore the idea of shared value - for real. Virality, network effects and learning have changed the very nature of competitive advantage. This deeply insightful book will show you how to use these shifts to your advantage."―Rita Gunther McGrath, professor, Columbia Business School

"A thrilling new way of looking at a successful business model for the future. This fascinating book contains great business stories-such as LEGO, John Deere, Alibaba, Flatiron Health, and more-as well as important thinking today's CEOs should become familiar with."―Vijay Govindarajan Coxe Distinguished Professor at Tuck at Dartmouth NYT and WSJ Best Selling Author, Three Box Solution: A Strategy For Leading Innovation

"In this powerful and groundbreaking book, Joachimsthaler clearly demonstrates how platform thinking can be utilized to create shared value and drive new growth for companies and brands."―David Collis, Adjunct Professor at Harvard Business School, author, Corporate Strategy: Resources and the Scope of the Firm

"A fascinating, practical and insightful book that brilliantly examines the value that platform thinking can bring to companies and brands in today's hyper-connected world."―Sangeet Paul Choudary, CEO of Platformation Labs, International best-selling co-author, Platform Revolution and author of Platform Scale

"An engaging, insightful and immensely practical book on building strong brands and businesses delivering not just shareholder value but also shared value for companies, customers and society."―Vince Hudson Senior Vice President, Enterprise Marketing Strategy, American Express

www.imperfectleaders.com 

Mar 09, 202355:54
Kent Thiry - Inspiring a Future Generation of Transformational Leaders

Kent Thiry - Inspiring a Future Generation of Transformational Leaders

Kent Thiry is one of the most admired and accomplished leaders in the country.    

For many years he was CEO and Board Chair of Davita - and now he is a philanthropist, a friend and a trusted advisor to high potential CEOs, politicians, environmental activists, and rising stars. Thiry also works closely with top private equity firms including KKR and Partners Group.

During this conversation, Thiry is completely vulnerable and comfortable in his own skin - sharing with us crucible experiences - that both tested and shaped his leadership mettle.  For example, Thiry shares with us his recent horrifying experience with the U.S. Government which accused him of conspiracy - violating the Sherman Act - charges which he was completely and quickly exonerated. 

Importantly, Thiry explains what he learned from this agonizing experience, and imparts wisdom for any aspiring leader who will themselves inevitably confront terrifying challenges - and who will need to dig deep, develop resilience, and lean into their core values. This is what leadership in today's unpredictable world requires - and there is simply no better mentor or sounding board than today's guest. 

www.imperfectleaders.com 

Feb 26, 202352:58
Marisa Thalberg - Using Soft Skills to Supercharge Iconic Brands - Taco Bell, Loews, and Estee Lauder

Marisa Thalberg - Using Soft Skills to Supercharge Iconic Brands - Taco Bell, Loews, and Estee Lauder

Today's guest - Marisa Thalberg - has successfully guided some of the country's most iconic brands through incredible transformations - including Lowe’s, Taco Bell, The Estée Lauder Companies. 

Here are just a few of the leadership qualities I noticed during our conversation - Intuition. Compassion. Empathy. Vulnerability.  Have these soft skills traditionally been described as 'feminine.'  You bet!  

And men better join this so called feminine revolution or they have no chance succeeding in today's fast-moving, complex, unpredictable world.   

www.imperfectleaders.com 

Feb 14, 202337:36
JFK Jr. - America's Reluctant Prince - As Told by His Old Friend Professor Steve Gillon
Feb 11, 202349:20
 Collective Genius in Health Care - with Dr. Rakesh Suri - and Harvard Business School Professor Linda Hill

Collective Genius in Health Care - with Dr. Rakesh Suri - and Harvard Business School Professor Linda Hill

Dr. Rakesh Suri is one of the top heart transplant surgeons in the world - with stints at both Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic - the top two hospitals in the world. 

Suri is also one of the most visionary leaders in the world. Recognizing his considerable gifts, Tony Robbins recently recruited Suri to help lead a revolutionary new healthcare venture called Fountain Life.

Rakesh's leadership journey is so compelling, that one of the world's top scholars - Linda Hill - a Professor at the Harvard Business School - wrote three case studies on Dr. Suri - focusing on leadership, globalization, and innovation. 

Today, we are in for a special treat. I've invited both Suri and Hill to the podcast.

www.imperfectleaders.com

Feb 02, 202344:27
Power Lawyer - Marcie Cleary - Helping Artists Achieve their Dreams ... and their Dollars
Jan 30, 202339:33
Elon Musk's Personal Lawyer - Alex Spiro

Elon Musk's Personal Lawyer - Alex Spiro

Why do modern day icons, athletes, and artist have Alex Spiro on speed dial? Why do they call him when they run into adversity? Why has Alex been called Elon Musk's personal lawyer?

Because all of these leaders know it's wise to have the country's top legal mind in their corner.  Alex plays by a different rule book - and his win/loss record is indisputable. Not only does Alex help clients in the heat of battle - during a high-stakes trial, for example - he also helps clients grow stronger and become even more resilient leaders.  

Spiro is the ultimate 'fight doctor' - like Ferdie Pacheco was to Muhammad Ali - a loyal guru ready to repair deep cuts in the heat of battle - and instill confidence - into champions who are quite literally changing the world.

www.imperfectleaders.com 

Dec 23, 202235:37
Building the Future of Leadership - Anna Barber, Partner M13

Building the Future of Leadership - Anna Barber, Partner M13

We are proud to welcome, Anna Barber!

This country was built on the shoulders of great entrepreneurs and innovators – from Henry Ford to Steve Jobs to Elon Musk.

But for all of the iconic legends we hear about daily in the national media – there are thousands upon thousands who fail miserably. Transforming a great idea into a great company takes leadership skills.  Developing those 'soft' skills is hard work.

Today’s guest – Anna Barber – is a CEO whisperer - and her superpower is helping hard-charging entrepreneurs become great leaders. I've heard many entrepreneurs rave about Anna - including former guests on this show - Sid Pandiya (Kona) and Claire Schmidt (AllVoices) - two amazing CEO/founders.

Anna is a partner at the red hot venture capital firm - M13 - and one of the reasons why founders flock to the VC firm for capital, advice, and an unparalleled, long-term relationship.

www.imperfectleaders.com - to join private discussions

Dec 02, 202231:09
The Real Shawshank Redemption - Dean Williams - Director, Colorado Prison System
Nov 28, 202239:01
Character Development - with Tricia Biggio, CEO & Founder of Invisible Universe

Character Development - with Tricia Biggio, CEO & Founder of Invisible Universe

Imagine this - you're a parent in a crowded grocery store with your two kids - who have a total meltdown and start screaming for no apparent reason.  Do you take a quick break, run to your car, have a good cry, and then come back to retrieve your upset kids?   

Of course not!  

Tricia Biggio - todays guest is a mother and the founder of a cool new company called Invisible Universe. She says these anxiety-provoking feelings happen all the time, both as a mom and when running a fast paced, venture backed startup. There are many times - almost daily - during which you feel like crying or screaming or shutting down completely.  But you can't, because you're the CEO - and everyone is watching - and listening your every word - and even analyzing your body language.  

It's true, the CEO's personal style and character truly does impact the culture of the entire organization. And at Invisible, Biggio has created a culture of fearless honesty - a psychologically safe space in which all employees are inspired to give direct and brutally honest feedback during the creative and new character development process. 

Invisible Universe is destined to become the next Pixar, but even better. Even though they are still in startup mode, they have quickly amassed an impressive list of creative partners and top venture investors including:  Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian; the D'Amelio family, (a.k.a. the first family of Tik Tok); and of course, Clydeo, a character based on Jennifer Aniston's actual dog; and Spencer Rascoff.

To join private conversations with our guests and leadership experts - visit www.imperfectleaders.com.

Nov 12, 202251:32
A Good Eye for Great Leaders - Todd Zangrillo - True Search
Nov 04, 202232:13
A Recovering Perfectionist - Claire Schmidt - Founder/CEO AllVoices

A Recovering Perfectionist - Claire Schmidt - Founder/CEO AllVoices

There's a big problem in Corporate America. Not every employee voice is heard - many people are silenced or severely muffled. This causes many problems - less innovation, increased risk, elevated stress, and costly turnover.

Allvoices has a solution - it's a novel software that gives every single employee in an organization a strong voice - that is guaranteed to be heard - and acted upon - by the right people at the right time.

Claire Schmidt is not only the founder of Allvoices, she is a direct beneficiary of feedback generated by the software her team created. Her company has experienced massive growth since its inception a few years ago and has attracted some of the smartest investors in the country like Silverton Partners, Spencer Rascoff, Necessary Ventures, and M13 Ventures.

As a result of this early success, Claire has had to build new leadership skills and adjust her style - like getting out of the weeds, not being such a perfectionist, and delegating even more to others. Her vulnerability and authenticity shines through in this candid discussion.

To share thoughts with today's podcast guest - Claire Schmidt - or future guests - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.

Nov 01, 202234:21
Opendorse - Helping College Athletes Make Money
Oct 20, 202245:42
Scaling Psychological Safety - Sid Pandiya - Co-Founder, Kona

Scaling Psychological Safety - Sid Pandiya - Co-Founder, Kona

Amy Edmondson - the immensely popular professor at the Harvard Business School - has done amazing research on the benefits of psychological safety. Great companies create a culture that not only allows - but encourages - people with diverse points of view to openly express ideas and to challenge one another.  

Today's guest - Sid Pandiya - is the co-founder of Kona - a software company that has created a practical tool that helps companies bring Professor Edmondson's ideas to life. Kona software helps companies create a psychologically safe culture that enhances mental health and reduces burnout and turnover. It also helps employees become more self aware and empathic - the main ingredients of emotional intelligence - as Daniel Goleman espoused nearly 25 years ago.   

It's been an amazing journey for Sid and his co-founders - Andrew and Corine.  They've faced incredible leadership challenges along the way. But they are determined to achieve their vision of helping companies supercharge their culture - enabled in part through Kona software solutions.

Share your thoughts and suggest future podcast guests at -  www.imperfectleaders.com.

Oct 16, 202230:25
Should a Speeding Ticket Disqualify a CEO Candidate? - Aiyesha Dey, Harvard Business School Professor

Should a Speeding Ticket Disqualify a CEO Candidate? - Aiyesha Dey, Harvard Business School Professor

Should a couple of speeding tickets - or perhaps a big, brand new house - disqualify a top CEO candidate?  Should hiring companies investigate - or even care about - the personal lives of top executive prospects?

Today's guest - Professor Aiyesha Dey, Harvard Business School - is a governance expert who recently conducted fascinating research on exactly this topic - and Corporate America should pay attention to her practical and well-researched advice.

Like all human beings, CEOs are complex and may have a dark side. Rather than ignore these warning signs, smart boards of directors gather as much intelligence as possible on candidates during the CEO succession process, even if that means investigating the personal lives for important clues on rule bending, self-control and humility. Armed with multiple data points, Boards are able to see the full picture, manage risks, and up-skill their governance capabilities.

Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - Professor Aiyesha Dey - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.

Oct 09, 202243:35
The Renaissance Leader - David Teece

The Renaissance Leader - David Teece

There's a reason why top CEOs have David Teece's phone number on speed dial.  Because Teece is one of the few people on the planet who can help these CEOs solve their most complex challenges. 

Teece is a scholar-entrepreneur who is equally comfortable creating a multi-disciplinary theory that solves a complex business challenge; directing an elite research institute at U.C. Berkeley; or advising Fortune 50 Boards of Directors on bet-the-company strategic decisions. 

Teece is also a world-class CEO, building from scratch the fastest-growing professional services firm in history - The Berkeley Research Group - an award winning economics consulting firm. Teece's leadership style is to create a talent magnet culture that attracts and inspires world-class consultants and academic experts who want to make a huge impact with clients and policy-makers.

If that weren't enough, Teece is a savvy venture investor, real estate developer, viticulturist, and captain - with a fleet of sailboats across the world.

Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - David Teece - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.



Oct 06, 202234:01
Why the Mango Tree Bends - Aman Bhutani - CEO Godaddy

Why the Mango Tree Bends - Aman Bhutani - CEO Godaddy

In today's podcast, Aman Bhutani - the CEO of Godaddy - shares his incredible leadership journey - from a modest upbringing in India to the CEO of one of the top technology firms in the world.

Bhutani's leadership style is refreshing. He completely embraces vulnerability and makes a habit of learning from past mistakes.  HIs mindset helps him connect authentically with others and create a culture of continuous improvement. Bhutani shares a powerful metaphor - learned as a child - of a bending mango tree to illuminate the importance of respect, learning, and inclusivity.

Everyone - from first time managers and team leaders to powerful chief executive officers - can learn from Bhutani's inspiring story and practical lessons. 

Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - Aman Bhutani - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.

Oct 02, 202239:42
Million Dollar Listing's Josh Flagg - Discusses His Brilliant and Entertaining New Book "The Deal"

Million Dollar Listing's Josh Flagg - Discusses His Brilliant and Entertaining New Book "The Deal"

Josh Flagg has written a seminal new book called -  "The Deal" -  which I predict will soon become required reading in universities and business schools across the country - because it throws into stark relief salient lessons in business, leadership and life. 

"The Deal" is as funny and disarming as it is practical and smart. 

In today's conversation, Josh shares his unique perspective on real estate including the importance of having the right mindset, the art and science of valuation, and unwavering client focus. He also shares a little bit about how his personal perspective - and core values - were shaped at a very young age by Grandma Edith - a true icon and hero during Flagg's formative years.

To share your thoughts and join the conversation join our community of rising stars at www.imperfectleaders.com  


Sep 25, 202223:50
Spencer Rascoff - Founder of Zillow and Pacaso - is a World-Class Coach to Future Leaders
Sep 17, 202250:39
Why Beyonce Loves Lemon Perfect

Why Beyonce Loves Lemon Perfect

Yanni Hufnagel - the founder and CEO of Lemon Perfect - is one of the most passionate entrepreneurs in the country - not just the $13 billion enhanced water industry.   

He has created a product, a brand, and a values-driven corporate culture that is widely admired by consumers and celebrity-investors across the country - including Beyonce, Blake Griffin, Sloane Stephens, Jared Mccain, and C.J. Stroud

After a decade coaching basketball - and learning from some of the most iconic head coaches in the country - Jeff Capel, Eric Musselman, Kevin Stallings (Vanderbilt), and Tommy Amaker (Harvard), including - he decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge.  After he raised his first dollar from a supportive investor, he knew he was all in, and there simply was no turning back. 

It wasn't easy. There were a lot of dark days. A lot of tears.  But now the company is experiencing hockey stick growth straight to the stars.   

Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - Yanni Hufnagel - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com

Sep 05, 202239:17
'Power Moms' with Joann Lublin and Kevin Yorn
Aug 07, 202250:52
Rinse. Wash. Don’t Repeat – with Bryan Leach – Founder and CEO of Ibotta

Rinse. Wash. Don’t Repeat – with Bryan Leach – Founder and CEO of Ibotta

The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock is a TS Elliot poem that rings true with todays guest, Bryan Leach, founder and CEO of Colorado based unicorn - Ibotta

In the poem, Prufrock laments a string of intellectual dead ends and lost opportunities, and is haunted by what could have been - instead of his reality - struggling through never ending, visceral feelings of regret, shame, and humiliation. Leach could relate. Even though he was a partner at a prestigious law firm, he had these exact same feelings of dread and boredom.  

Rinse. Wash. Repeat.  

But unlike many of us, Leach had the courage to do something about it. He quit his job - and started a new venture. Success didn’t come easy. But it was a journey worth taking. Today, Ibotta is one of the most successful private companies in the country and is poised to disrupt the entire consumer loyalty industry.  Leach is a powerful leader who displays unabashed vulnerability - not afraid to do the hard work necessary to become more self aware and authentic.    

Any comments, questions or thoughts to share with today's podcast guest - Bryan Leach - join our community at www.imperfectleaders.com.

Aug 04, 202251:08
I Got Fired By The President of the United States - Richard Spencer - Former Secretary of the Navy
Jul 29, 202229:41
Creating a Culture of Leadership Development, Todd Olson - Founder and CEO of Pendo
Jul 20, 202252:04
He's not the next Elon Musk, He's the First Gene Berdichevsky
Jul 15, 202246:30
Culture Fit and Leadership Potential - with Chuck Muth of Beyond Meat and Coca Cola
Jul 14, 202221:42
Shattering Wall Street's Glass Ceiling, Eileen Murray Paved the Way for a Future Generation of Talent
Jul 12, 202232:55
#1 Global Business Thinker, Roger Martin, Why is He on Speed Dial of Every Top CEO in the World?

#1 Global Business Thinker, Roger Martin, Why is He on Speed Dial of Every Top CEO in the World?

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Today’s guest – Roger Martin – is one of the smartest people on the planet when it comes to business and leadership.

He was recently voted the #1 by Thinkers50 a ranking of the most influential global business thinkers.

He is on speed dial of hundreds of famous CEOs across the world – from Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 50 giants. They call Roger when they are faced with a complex strategic or cultural issue that has no easy answer. Roger has a unique way of framing tough challenges and communicating in a crystal-clear way that helps top leaders rethink old mental models.

He’s recently written a new book – which I loved – called “A New Way to Think” – and he’s published some of the all-time best-selling articles for the Harvard Business Review.

In that context, he’s the perfect guest to help leaders – of all shapes and sizes – think about their flaws, outdated mental models, and imperfections. Just because you learned a new principle at a top business school, doesn’t make it right. In fact it may be dead wrong, according to Roger. He should know, he was the Dean of one of the top business schools in the country – The Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto – for 15 years!

Nothing is out of bounds during our conversation – from money, power, politics, and capitalism, itself.

Jul 06, 202201:11:06
CEO of Adare Pharma, Tom Sellig, Articulating Core Values During a High-Stakes Interview
Jul 03, 202239:22
Sequoia Capital Global Managing Partner, Doug Leone, A Venture Capital Legend
Jun 23, 202213:08
Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl: From Worst to First
Jun 21, 202230:35
Columbia Professor Emeritus, Robert Carter, The Lies Leaders Tell Themselves

Columbia Professor Emeritus, Robert Carter, The Lies Leaders Tell Themselves

Ever wonder why an astounding 95% of CEOs in Corporate America are white males? 

Why do so few black people - and other minorities - make it to the corner office? Most companies talk a good game about building a robust and diverse leadership pipeline. Organizations claim to create cultures that inspire and enable people to reach their full potential. The best ideas win. Everyone has equal opportunity. Executives gain power through hard work and intellect. The best people will rise to the top. 

But these are just the lies we tell ourselves, according to Dr. Robert Carter, the country’s most renowned expert on these topics - an acclaimed author and distinguished professor emeritus of psychology at Columbia University

It makes us feel good. It makes us feel worthy. But there are deeper, psychological forces and invisible barriers at play. And even though we can’t see these barriers with the naked eye, they exist, and they are causing real harm and economic pain. 

Agree or not, Professor Carter shines an interesting perspective on this complex topic, and helps us understand the root, psychological causes and structural barriers to achieving progress. 

Perhaps we should take his advice seriously. Until we do the hard work necessary to become more self aware and empathic, we won’t be able to capitalize on the economic benefits of diversity and inclusion.

Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.

Jun 18, 202243:58
Paul Weiss Law Global Chairman, Brad Karp, Overcoming Introversion

Paul Weiss Law Global Chairman, Brad Karp, Overcoming Introversion

Click here for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.

Brad Karp has been the Chairman of Paul, Weiss since 2008. He is described by Chambers as “the best strategic adviser in the business,” “the best litigator in the country,” and “someone who every CEO in America should have on speed dial.” Brad is described by The New York Times and by Bloomberg as “the most connected lawyer in the country,” and by Best Lawyers as “the most talented, responsive, client-sensitive, creative, effective lawyer of his generation in the country, no question.”

Yet - for the first time ever he admits to Imperfect Leaders that he had to overcome extreme shyness and introversion earlier in his career. 

In fact, in law school he didn't speak up and voice his opinion nearly as much as he would have liked. This is almost impossible to fathom given his role as Chair of one of the top 10 law firms in the country and his role as an elite corporate litigator arguing his clients' point of view in front of crowded court rooms and tough judges.  

But it's true. Brad of the country’s leading litigators and corporate advisers, Brad has successfully guided numerous Fortune 100 companies, global financial institutions and other companies and individuals through “bet the company” litigations, regulatory matters, internal investigations, and corporate crises.  

Brad has been selected multiple times as the “Lawyer of the Year” and “Litigator of the Year.” Brad has earned dozens of industry awards and recognitions for his successful client representations and legal achievements as well as for his role as a leader in the legal profession, the business community and the public interest sphere.

Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.

Jun 15, 202235:02
A Venture Capital Legend, Alan Patricof, At 88 Years Old, Still No Stop Signs

A Venture Capital Legend, Alan Patricof, At 88 Years Old, Still No Stop Signs

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Alan is almost 90 years old and a living legend in the venture capital arena. He has been a pioneer in this industry for over 50 years.  Fifty years!  Let that sink in for a moment. When he first started there really was no well defined industry at all. It was a bunch of mom and pop players scrambling to earn a living. Amidst this backdrop Alan helped create two hugely successful firms Greycroft and Apax Partners, which played a fundamental role in consolidating this fragmented space. 

Not one to sit still at the young age of 88 years old, he is now launching his third firm to much fanfare - Primetime Partners - focusing on a weirdly overlooked consumer base of 60+ year consumers. Virtually all of his former partners are investing in the new fund, signaling their confidence in both the business plan and Alan's potential to live to 100.  But don't tell Alan, that will only get him mad. He's convinced he'll live to at least 114. This is to say just one thing - Alan has been around the block a few times - so it might be worth listening to his advice. 

His philosophy - and the name of his incredible new book - 'No Red Lights' perfectly summarizes his life philosophy. There's simply nothing he won't try. Don't believe me? Well, he's going to Burning Man this year. 

To receive free podcast episodes each week, subscribe at www.imperfectleaders.com


Jun 13, 202246:21
Thumbtack Founder & CEO, Marco Zappacosta, The Ultimate Grinder

Thumbtack Founder & CEO, Marco Zappacosta, The Ultimate Grinder

Click on www.imperfectleaders.com for free weekly episodes delivered to your inbox and the opportunity to join live discussions with top leaders.

Thumbtack - a marketplace for professionals who can take care of  your home - is a gem in the portfolio of Sequoia Capital, the legendary venture capital investors.   Through his vulnerability and thoughtfulness, Thumbtack CEO, Marco Zappacosta, has institutionalized a culture of leadership development and continuous improvement. In this podcast he asserts that life can be cruel - a leader's biggest strength can often be their biggest weakness. Just like one of our other podcast guests, Brad Smith, Board Chair at Intuit and Nordstrom, Zappacosta is completely transparent and shares his performance review with his entire company. To proactively keep things running smoothly, Zappacosta ensures rising star leaders receive plenty of coaching, mentorship, and developmental opportunities. It’s no wonder that pros earn billions on Thumbtack, delighting customers across the country.. Soon the phrase, "Just Thumbtack It" will be an action verb synonymous for taking care of your home. To receive free podcast episodes each week, subscribe at www.imperfectleaders.com

Jun 11, 202201:04:04
Cirque du Soleil CEO, Reigniting the Creative Spark
Jun 04, 202239:26
TNT Analyst, Stan Van Gundy: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

TNT Analyst, Stan Van Gundy: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

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NBA Coach and TNT Star Analyst Stan Van Gundy has a unique perspective on talent. He believes that people who never fail, simply aren't getting out of their comfort zone - and that's a huge problem. 

Coach Van Gundy has been in - and out - of the proverbial arena described so eloquently decades ago by Teddy Roosevelt. As a coach who led his team to the NBA finals, he knows what it's like to fight and sweat and bleed for your team. On the sidelines, in his unique perch, he provides expert analysis and shares insight that brings a whole new understanding to the game. 

We hope you will enjoy Coach Van Gundy's perspective on talent, resilience, adversity and stretching way outside your natural boundaries.

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May 25, 202219:56
Real Estate Tycoon, Bernard Hurley: Breaking Bad
May 16, 202224:50
Chairman of the Boards - Intuit and Nordstrom - What are Your Crucible Moments?
May 16, 202206:58
Mark Cuban, Owner Dallas Mavericks, Assessing Superstar Talent
May 12, 202222:45
Partners Group, Global Head of Health Care, Ben Breier, Don't Run Away from Your Deepest Fears and Insecurities

Partners Group, Global Head of Health Care, Ben Breier, Don't Run Away from Your Deepest Fears and Insecurities

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Ben Breier is best-selling author of "Intentional Disruption," the former CEO of Kindred Healthcare, and top private equity at the Partners Group. He encourages listeners to confront head-on their insecurities, fears and leadership development needs. He argues that this process will help future leaders learn to of lead through uncertainty and volatility.

To receive free podcast episodes each week, subscribe at www.imperfectleaders.com

May 12, 202230:12