Balancing Well-Being and Performance with Dr. Laura Little

In this episode, Dr. Laura Little explores how leaders can balance performance and well-being while building trust through emotional intelligence and genuine care for their teams. She also challenges common leadership mindsets, offering practical strategies to shift from problem-focused thinking to more intentional, growth-directed leadership.

The Power and Pitfalls of Narrow Thinking with Rebecca Greenbaum

This episode of The Leadership Initiative explores how “bottom-line mentality” and narrow thinking shape leadership behavior, revealing how an intense focus on results can both enhance performance and lead to ethical blind spots. Rebecca Greenbaum unpacks the balance leaders must strike between achieving outcomes and maintaining ethical, multidimensional decision-making in today’s organizations.

The Science of Charismatic Leadership with George Banks

In this episode, join host Ben Tepper and guest George Banks as they explore the science behind charismatic leadership, emphasizing how effective leaders inspire and mobilize others through practice and evidence-based techniques. He also discusses how emerging tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality are transforming the way leadership skills are taught and developed.

Redefining Resilience in Leadership with Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego

In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego speak with host Jen Knox Shanahan about how leaders can use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to navigate change, uncertainty, and transition with greater confidence. They explore what resilience really looks like in practice, how to lead hybrid teams intentionally, and preparing for the future of work in an era shaped by AI.

Cognitive Behavioral Tools for Leaders with Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego

In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling and Dr. Simon Rego speak with host Jen Knox Shanahan about how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support effective leadership by helping leaders manage stress, reframe unhelpful thinking patterns, and improve decision-making. The conversation highlights the role of leadership mindset, mental health, and values-based leadership in sustaining performance and well-being.

Everyday Ethics in Leadership with Parag Shah at Nationwide

In this episode, Parag Shah of Nationwide speaks with host Jen Knox Shanahan to break down what ethical leadership looks like in everyday practice, from making clear, values-aligned decisions to fostering trust and psychological safety across teams. He offers practical guidance on how leaders can stay grounded, navigate gray areas, and create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work.

Small Things Make Great Leaders with Dr. Julian Barling

In this episode, Dr. Julian Barling joins host Ben Tepper to discuss how the smallest actions can define truly effective leadership. Together they explore why leadership development and training should start before people move into management roles, the impact of leaders’ mental health on performance, and how evidence-based research can help create stronger, more human-centered leaders.

Putting People First with Eric Lenard at Johnson & Johnson

In this episode, Eric Lenard, VP of Global Services Finance at Johnson & Johnson, speaks with Jen Knox Shanahan about how courageous leadership means staying true to your values, embracing risk, and leading with empathy. He reflects on his own growth, the importance of celebrating people as well as results, and how a culture of learning and psychological safety empowers teams to lead boldly.