FranklinCovey On Leadership

Phil Le-Brun: The Octopus Organization 30.06.2026 34Min.

Why do so many smart organizations still feel slow, rigid, and stuck in the past? In this episode, Phil Le-Brun—former McDonald’s executive who helped modernize operations across 38,000 restaurants, and now an executive in residence at Amazon Web Services—joins Jennifer Colosimo to introduce ideas from his new book, The Octopus Organization. Phil explains why the “silent killer” of performance isn’t bad people, but good people trapped in bad rules, outdated structures, and 19th-century management thinking. Using the octopus as a metaphor, he explores what it really means to build a learning, adaptive organization where decision-making lives closer to the work, not just at the top. Phil shares practical ways leaders can move beyond soul-crushing, one-time transformations and instead create continuous, humane change that unlocks potential, accelerates decisions, and helps teams thrive in a world of constant complexity. As a global leadership and organizational performance partner, we give strategy the human edge™. For 40 years, FranklinCovey has helped tens of thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results and transform how they execute strategy at scale. To learn more, email us at info@franklincovey.com, visit franklincovey.com, or call us at: 1-888-868-1776

Dr. Henry Cloud: Your Desired Future 16.06.2026 44Min.

What if the biggest barrier to your goals lives inside your own head? In this episode, Dr. Henry Cloud—renowned clinical psychologist, executive coach, bestselling author, and co-founder of a large healthcare organization—joins Jennifer Colosimo to unpack the ideas behind his new book, Your Desired Future: The 5 Essential Steps That Take You Where You Want to Go. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and years working in the “war rooms” with CEOs and executive teams, Henry explains why effort alone rarely closes the gap between vision and execution. He introduces a simple but powerful model, inspired by how the human body moves from “here” to “there,” to help leaders clarify the future they want, recruit the right talent, and design strategies that actually work. Along the way, he explores how self-doubt, unexamined assumptions, and missing structural elements quietly stall progress—and what you can do to consistently create the results you intend. 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

Andy Norman: Build Mental Immunity to Lead Through Uncertainty 02.06.2026 32Min.

In a world flooded with information, the greatest leadership challenge may be managing how we respond to ideas that challenge our assumptions. Philosopher and cognitive immunology researcher Andy Norman introduces the concept of “mental immunity”—the mind’s ability to resist misinformation, rigid thinking, and reactive decision-making. Drawing parallels to the body’s immune system, he explains why leaders must learn to pause before reacting, listen deeply to dissenting perspectives, and treat objections as opportunities for learning rather than threats. Norman also explores how organizations can strengthen collective decision-making through collaborative inquiry, intellectual humility, and a culture that welcomes thoughtful questioning. For leaders navigating change, conflict, and uncertainty, the ability to remain curious and persuadable may be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Listen to explore how stronger mental immunity can improve leadership effectiveness. 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

Dan Bigman: How Great CEOs Adapt Faster Than the Pace of Change 26.05.2026 36Min.

Today’s CEOs face constant distractions that consume time and attention. Dan Bigman, editor-in-chief and chief content officer of Chief Executive Group, shares what he’s hearing from top executives about the realities of modern leadership. He explains why clarity becomes a leader’s most important responsibility during uncertainty and why many organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Bigman also explores the habits shared by effective CEOs, including disciplined focus, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt as conditions change. Drawing on conversations with some of the world’s most influential business leaders, he offers a grounded perspective on what leadership looks like when complexity and change are accelerating simultaneously. Listen to explore the practices helping leaders stay effective amid constant disruption. 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

Conor Grennan: Why AI Adoption Is a Leadership Problem 19.05.2026 31Min.

Most organizations are approaching AI the wrong way. Conor Grennan, founder and CEO of AI Mindset, argues that AI adoption is not primarily a technology challenge—it’s a behavioral and leadership challenge. Drawing on his work with organizations like Google, Walmart, and Microsoft, Grennan explains why employees instinctively treat AI like a search engine instead of a collaborative teammate, limiting both adoption and impact. He outlines practical frameworks leaders can use to reduce fear, encourage experimentation, and shift teams from incremental productivity gains to real reinvention. Grennan also explores the role of vulnerability in leading AI transformation, emphasizing that trust, curiosity, and clear expectations matter more than technical expertise. Listen to explore how leaders can help people adapt to AI in more human, effective ways. 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

Carol Tomé: Leading UPS With Head, Heart, and Hands 12.05.2026 34Min.

UPS CEO Carol Tomé believes leadership comes down to three things: head, heart, and hands. In this On Leadership conversation with Jennifer Colosimo, Tomé shares how she guided UPS through the disruption of 2020 while transforming the company into a customer-first, innovation-driven logistics leader. She explains the strategic shift toward “better, not bigger,” the expansion into complex healthcare logistics, and how AI and automation are reshaping supply chains without losing the human connection customers value most. Tomé also discusses the leadership traits she looks for in senior executives—including curiosity, empathy, and future-focused thinking—and why developing talent is one of a leader’s most important responsibilities. From operational excellence to culture and purpose, this episode offers a practical look at leading large-scale transformation while keeping people at the center. 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

Julia Dhar: Why Change Fails—and How Leaders Fix It 05.05.2026 39Min.

Most change efforts fail not because people resist change, but because leaders misunderstand how change actually works. Julia Dhar, behavioral scientist and BCG managing director, explains why 75% of transformations fall short—and what leaders can do differently. She introduces the concept of “change distance,” the gap between executive optimism and employee reality, and outlines practical ways to close it. Dhar challenges leaders to move beyond false alignment to real agreement, use storytelling that is honest and specific, and design change with real human behavior in mind. She also highlights the importance of incentives, emotional awareness, and “take-up”—making change easier to adopt in daily work. The result is a more grounded, human-centered approach to transformation. Listen to learn how to turn strategy into sustained behavior change. 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

Joe Atkinson: Leading AI Transformation Without Leaving People Behind 28.04.2026 31Min.

AI transformation is moving faster than any prior technology shift, but Joe Atkinson argues the real challenge isn’t technical—it’s human. Drawing on his experience leading AI strategy at PwC, Atkinson explains why empathy, listening, and clarity are now core leadership capabilities, not soft skills. He outlines how leaders must balance speed with trust, avoid over-reliance on consensus, and invest in continuous learning to keep pace with change. The conversation also explores why most organizations struggle to capture ROI from AI—and what top performers do differently. Ultimately, leadership determines whether AI becomes a productivity tool or a true driver of transformation. Listen to explore how to lead through disruption while building capability, confidence, and performance. 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

Eric Ries: Your Culture Is the Problem—Not Your People 21.04.2026 36Min.

When teams fail to innovate, leaders often blame execution, alignment, or talent. Eric Ries argues the real issue is leadership itself. Drawing on ideas from The Lean Startup and his latest work on building “incorruptible” organizations, Ries explains why companies unintentionally suppress creativity through rigid systems, misaligned incentives, and a fear of failure. He outlines a practical path forward: start with small, leader-led experiments, challenge legacy planning assumptions, and redesign systems that reward learning—not just outcomes. Ries also introduces the concept of the “culture bank,” where trust is built through consistent decisions that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains. For leaders navigating uncertainty, the message is clear: sustainable innovation requires changing how you lead, not just what your teams do. Listen to explore how to build organizations that adapt, innovate, and earn trust at scale. 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

Jennifer Colosimo: Expect a Lot, Care a Lot 14.04.2026 21Min.

Leadership is a constant tension between driving results and genuinely caring for people. Jennifer Colosimo, former president of FranklinCovey's enterprise division, shares how great leaders navigate that balance. Drawing on decades of experience across consulting, sales, and executive leadership, she explains why performance and people leadership cannot be separated—and why expecting more from teams must be matched with stronger coaching, clarity, and trust. Colosimo also outlines the core ideas behind her upcoming book, Expect a Lot, Care a Lot, including practical approaches to feedback, delegation, and building high-performing teams. As Will Houghteling steps away from the show and passes the hosting role into her hands, this episode marks an evolution of FranklinCovey On Leadership—setting the tone for what leadership looks like in practice: principled, demanding, and deeply human. 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

Ashley Herd: Pause, Consider, Act 07.04.2026 33Min.

Ashley Herd, author of The Manager Method, breaks down why most leadership mistakes happen in the gap between reaction and response. Her simple framework—pause, consider, act—helps managers handle difficult conversations, re-engage struggling employees, and lead with clarity instead of impulse. Drawing on experience in law, HR, and executive leadership, Herd challenges common advice, emphasizing fairness over sameness, action over avoidance, and structure over micromanagement. She also explores how AI will reshape leadership—and why human connection will matter even more. Listen to learn how small behavioral shifts can dramatically improve how you lead people. 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

Howard Yu: Why Great Companies Perform and Transform 31.03.2026 32Min.

Sustained success requires more than optimizing today’s business—it demands building what’s next before it’s urgent. Howard Yu, LEGO Professor of Management at IMD, explains why the most resilient organizations “perform and transform” simultaneously, scaling new capabilities while strengthening their core. He unpacks the costly knowing–doing gap that derails companies, why innovation often becomes theater instead of discipline, and how future-ready leaders measure progress across both current performance and emerging growth. Yu also explores real-world examples—from Google to BYD—showing how incremental experimentation, not big bets, drives long-term advantage. For leaders navigating disruption, the takeaway is clear: consistency, focus, and capability-building—not vision alone—separate companies that adapt from those that fall behind. Listen to learn how to build a future-ready organization. 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

Chris Anderson: How Great Leaders Turn Ideas Into Impact 24.03.2026 42Min.

A compelling idea means little if it fails to move people. Chris Anderson, head of TED, explains what separates ideas that spread from those that stall—and how leaders can communicate in ways that drive real impact. Drawing on years of curating and coaching some of the world’s most influential talks, Anderson breaks down the structure of persuasive communication, the importance of clarity over complexity, and why storytelling is a leadership skill—not a performance skill. He also addresses common pitfalls, including overloading audiences with information and failing to connect ideas to human meaning. For leaders responsible for influence, alignment, and change, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is a force multiplier. Listen to explore how to turn insight into action through better communication. 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

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy: Stop Playing It Safe With Your Career 17.03.2026 38Min.

Playing it safe is often the riskiest career move. Sukhinder Singh Cassidy—current CEO of Xero, former president of StubHub, and founder of theBoardlist—shares why growth comes from taking calculated risks and building a personal “risk muscle” over time. Drawing on her leadership across Google, Amazon, and multiple startups, she explains how to evaluate opportunities not just by stability, but by learning velocity, scope, and long-term upside. Cassidy also challenges leaders to rethink how they hire and develop talent, emphasizing potential over pedigree and encouraging teams to step outside rigid career paths. For organizations facing constant change, her perspective reframes risk-taking as a discipline—not a gamble. Listen to explore how intentional risk can accelerate both individual careers and organizational performance. 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

Jeetu Patel: Lead Through AI or Risk Irrelevance 10.03.2026 35Min.

AI is reshaping organizations faster than most leaders expect. Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco, explains why the future will favor companies—and professionals—who become dexterous with AI tools. He shares how Cisco transformed from a collection of acquired product “fiefdoms” into an integrated platform company, opened its ecosystem to partners, and embedded an AI-first mindset across a 30,000-person organization. Patel also explores how AI agents will change the nature of work, why leaders must distinguish megatrends from hype cycles, and how culture shifts require both top-down clarity and bottom-up participation. For leaders navigating technological disruption, the message is direct: embrace the tools, focus on meaningful problems, and build teams capable of adapting at scale. 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

Dr. Vivek Murthy: The Loneliness Epidemic at Work 03.03.2026 42Min.

Loneliness is more than a personal struggle—it’s a measurable threat to creativity, productivity, and health. Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, explains why disconnection erodes workplace performance and why leaders must treat social connection as a strategic priority. Drawing on research and his own experience in public service, Murthy outlines practical ways organizations can foster belonging—from modeling relationship-first leadership to simple, structured storytelling rituals that humanize teams. He also addresses AI companions, youth mental health, and the unintended consequences of social media, challenging leaders to ensure technology augments—not replaces—human relationships. At a time when engagement and retention are at risk, this conversation reframes connection as a leadership imperative. Listen to explore how building community drives both well-being and results. 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

Kara Nortman: Founder Mentality in Women’s Sports 24.02.2026 42Min.

Kara Nortman built her career in traditional venture capital—then stepped away from the classic Silicon Valley model to co-found Angel City FC and later launch Monarch Collective, a $250 million fund investing in women’s sports. Her journey reveals what happens when curiosity, conviction, and community intersect. Nortman explains how applying a venture mindset to sports unlocked overlooked demand, why founder-market fit matters beyond tech, and how getting the right two or three people on a team can change everything. She also reflects on identity, risk, and the courage to leave a prestigious role to pursue deeper purpose. For leaders navigating reinvention, her message is clear: be intentional, build exceptional teams, and align impact with returns. Listen to learn how founder thinking can transform industries—and careers. 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

Zack Kass: Thriving in an Age of Unmetered Intelligence 17.02.2026 47Min.

As AI drives the cost of cognition toward zero, competing on intelligence alone will no longer be enough. Former OpenAI go-to-market leader Zack Kass argues we are entering a “next Renaissance,” where intelligence becomes abundant and leaders must rethink strategy, talent, and purpose. He distinguishes between incremental AI gains and exponential reinvention, challenges organizations to clarify mission over legacy methods, and warns against confusing hype with real transformation. Kass also explores the cultural barriers to adoption, the myth of AI-driven decline in critical thinking, and why human qualities—agency, empathy, courage, and creativity—will define leadership in a post-AI world. Listen to this episode of FranklinCovey On Leadership with Will Houghteling to explore how to lead when intelligence is no longer scarce. 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

Robert Sanchez: Turning Failure Into Competitive Advantage 10.02.2026 36Min.

Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder System, explains how a 90-year-old company stays relevant by deliberately embracing disruption. He walks through Ryder’s shift from a truck rental brand to a diversified transportation and logistics partner, detailing the strategic choices behind narrowing geographic focus, expanding asset-light services, and investing in technology. Sanchez also shares how leadership mindset shapes culture—especially the importance of giving people permission to try, fail, and learn without fear. From building trust across a 50,000-employee workforce to institutionalizing “important but not urgent” strategy work, this conversation offers practical lessons for leaders managing complexity, legacy businesses, and constant change. Listen now to explore how disciplined strategy, innovation, and a tolerance for failure can drive long-term performance. 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

David Neeleman: Scaling Culture Without Losing the Soul 03.02.2026 38Min.

Serial airline founder David Neeleman shares what it really takes to build—and rebuild—extraordinary companies as they scale. From being fired at Southwest to founding JetBlue, Azul, and Breeze, Neeleman reflects on the crucible moments that shaped his leadership philosophy. He explains why culture decays without relentless communication, how servant leadership shows up in high-stakes, operationally complex environments, and what leaders must do to keep teams aligned as organizations grow from dozens to thousands. The conversation also explores ownership-first cultures, customer obsession, crisis leadership during JetBlue’s Valentine’s Day meltdown, and why clarity, discipline, and checklists matter when safety and trust are non-negotiable. Listen now to learn how leaders can grow fast without sacrificing purpose, people, or performance. 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