The Leadership Initiative

In this episode of the Leadership Initiative Podcast, Max M. Fisher College of Business Dean Arvind Chandrasekaran shares insights on innovation, AI fluency, ethical leadership, and the future of business education at Fisher College of Business. Dean AC discusses how leaders can build resilient, high-performing teams by combining critical thinking, curiosity, and human-centered leadership in […]

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.

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.

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.

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 […]

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...

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, host Jen Knox Shanahan sits down with Angus Fletcher to discuss the deep connection between storytelling and primal intelligence. Fletcher shares how leaders can tap into narrative, curiosity, and imagination to spark innovation, foster engagement, and cultivate more human-centered leadership.

In this episode, John Hrusovsky continues his conversation with host Jen Knox Shanahan, exploring how leaders can navigate technology-driven change through principled leadership and strategic alignment. Join us as John shares practical insights on leading with intention, adopting AI responsibly, and returning to technology fundamentals to drive sustainable success.

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, John Hrusovsky, Managing Director at Synexis Consulting and Program Advisor at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, shares actionable insights on strategic leadership in today’s evolving business landscape. He discusses how to inspire teams, drive organizational change, and align people and priorities for long-term success.

In this episode, Host Jen Knox Shanahan speaks to higher education leader Tracey Boggs as she shares her leadership journey from finance to academia and how she fosters psychologically safe workplace cultures. She discusses the power of vulnerability, values-driven leadership, and creating environments where teams feel supported, empowered, and inspired to grow.

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, Andrea Carter shares how organizations can cultivate psychological safety and a deep sense of belonging to drive performance and inclusion. Drawing on her work at Belonging First, she offers practical strategies for building truly human-centered workplaces.

In this episode, Andrea Carter from Belonging First discusses the power of building strong workplace cultures that prioritize connection, trust, and collaboration. She shares strategies for fostering inclusive environments where employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated to contribute to organizational success.

In this episode, Jen Knox Shanahan speaks with Richard McPherson. McPherson explores key challenges nonprofit boards face in embracing innovation, including risk-taking and the integration of AI technology. He offers valuable insights on how nonprofit leaders can navigate organizational change, collaborate with similar organizations, and make strategic decisions to drive mission-focused impact whi...

Join host Dr. John Schaffner on The Leadership Initiative Podcast as Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a pioneer in emotional and social intelligence, reveals the science behind stress, renewal, and effective leadership. He shares insights from decades of research on leadership development, Intentional Change Theory, and the evolution of emotional and social intelligence.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Boyatzis, Distinguished Professor at Case Western Reserve University, shares insights on intentional change theory and how sustainable, desired change occurs at individual, team, and organizational levels. He emphasizes the power of vision over goals, the role of emotional attractors, and the balance between performance and development cultures. Listeners will discover...

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, Host Jen Shanahan is joined by Dr. Christa Johnson, Associate Professor of Teaching in Philosophy and Assistant Director of Leadership Studies at The Ohio State University. Together, the two discuss the nuances of principled leadership by challenging traditional notions and urging leaders to grapple with the gray areas […]

In this episode, host Jen Shanahan is joined by Dr. William B. Irvine to explore the timeless philosophy of stoicism and its relevance to modern leadership, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from failure. Dr. Irvine shares how leaders can navigate challenges with purpose and integrity while cultivating a balanced mindset through practical strategies.

In this compelling episode of The Leadership Initiative, host Dr. Timothy A. Judge engages with Michelle Brown, Executive Coach at Choose Growth, to explore the intricacies of developing leaders across high-growth companies. From emerging talent to senior executives, Michelle shares a wealth of strategies tailored to different leadership levels, including how to instill self-awareness, manage […]

In Part 2 of the webinar, President Ted Carter of The Ohio State University discusses his vision for the university, emphasizing the institution’s role as a leader in higher education. He shares insights from his leadership journey and highlights initiatives aimed at enhancing student success, staff engagement, and the future of the university in a […]

In this webinar, President Ted Carter of The Ohio State University shares his leadership insights, drawing from his extensive experience in the U.S. Navy and his role in academia. He discusses the importance of collaborative decision-making, the similarities between military and academic leadership, and how principled leadership grounded in trust, loyalty, and timely execution can […]

In this episode, Michelle Brown, founder of Choose Growth, discusses the importance of embracing a growth mindset in leadership with host Dr. Timothy A. Judge. She shares personal stories and practical strategies for fostering adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning, both for individual leaders and their teams.

In this episode of The Leadership Initiative, Stephanie Revish, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Target, discusses her approach to leadership and decision-making with host Jen Shanahan. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of balancing data-driven decisions with intuition, involving her team in the process, and maintaining transparency to build trust and alignment within her […]